highly sensitive matter

USAGE SUMMARY

This phrase is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation in which sharing any information about a particular event or situation could have negative consequences. For example: "We must be extremely careful when discussing this matter - it is a highly sensitive matter and the consequences for revealing any information could be dire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Still, one highly sensitive matter remains.

The New York Times

The case is a highly sensitive matter for Europe.

The New York Times

"Labor doesn't play politics with this highly sensitive matter ��� it's too important," the spokesman said.

The Guardian

The difference is a highly sensitive matter for Greece's biggest creditors in the euro zone, and for Germany in particular.

The New York Times

Mr Giscard has no formal say in the highly sensitive matter, but as president of the convention examining the constitutional future of Europe, he carries considerable intellectual clout.

The Guardian

Issuing alerts was a highly sensitive matter, he added, because "people start making decisions and this really creates a lot of fear in the population and harm also to all the operators".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Investigations were opened into two highly sensitive matters — corruption in the royal family, and corruption in the Pahlavi Foundation.

The New Yorker

Although Ofcom will be given power to police such highly sensitive matters as distinctiveness, it is expected to take a year for the change to bed in.

The Guardian

"This is something the public is largely unaware of, how more than a million private contractors are cleared to handle highly sensitive matters".

The New York Times

Nearly a dozen Fox News employees, who work in front of and behind the camera, were granted anonymity to speak candidly about highly sensitive matters inside a network where privacy is still prized.

The New York Times

"It is clearly most unfortunate that the Home Office should take actions which were bound to be controversial, about highly sensitive matters, without very careful discussions with affected communities.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing the phrase, provide context to explain why the matter is considered "highly sensitive". This avoids ambiguity and underscores the importance of the topic.

Common error

Avoid using "highly sensitive matter" as a generic descriptor. Ensure the subject truly warrants such a label; otherwise, opt for less emphatic alternatives to maintain credibility and avoid appearing hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly sensitive matter" functions as a noun phrase that describes a subject or situation requiring careful handling due to its potential for causing harm, offense, or legal issues if mishandled. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly sensitive matter" is a noun phrase denoting a topic or situation needing careful handling due to potential risks. It's grammatically correct and most often found in news, media, and scientific contexts, per Ludwig's analysis. While not extremely common, its use is warranted when emphasizing discretion. Remember to provide context when using the phrase and avoid overuse. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is acceptable for use in written English. Consider alternatives like "highly delicate matter" or "confidential subject" to vary your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

highly delicate matter

Replaces "sensitive" with "delicate", emphasizing the need for careful handling.

particularly sensitive issue

Substitutes "matter" with "issue", and uses "particularly" instead of "highly" to denote the degree of sensitivity.

very confidential subject

Emphasizes the confidentiality aspect, using "subject" instead of "matter".

extremely confidential topic

Uses "topic" as a replacement for "matter" and intensifies the confidentiality with "extremely".

highly classified information

Focuses on the information itself being protected, using "classified" to indicate its sensitive nature.

sensitive area of discussion

Frames it as an area of discussion, highlighting the sensitivity within conversations.

touchy subject

More informal way of saying something is sensitive.

delicate situation

Shifts the focus to the situation being delicate rather than a specific matter.

complex and private affair

Highlights the complexity and privacy associated with the matter.

critical issue

Emphasizes the criticality of the issue, implying sensitivity due to its importance.

FAQs

How can I use "highly sensitive matter" in a sentence?

You can use "highly sensitive matter" to describe a topic or situation that requires careful handling and discretion. For example, "The ongoing investigation is a "highly sensitive matter" and details must be kept confidential".

What are some alternatives to "highly sensitive matter"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "highly delicate matter", "confidential subject", or "sensitive issue".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "highly sensitive matter"?

It's appropriate to use "highly sensitive matter" when discussing information or situations where disclosure could have serious negative consequences or require special protection.

What makes a matter "highly sensitive"?

A matter is considered "highly sensitive" when it involves confidential information, personal privacy, or potential legal or ethical ramifications if mishandled or disclosed inappropriately.