it can be sensitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be sensitive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing topics, situations, or information that may evoke strong emotions or reactions from people. Example: "When discussing mental health, it can be sensitive to approach the subject without care."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It's because it can be sensitive, uncomfortable or intimidating to understand.

The Washington Post

It can be sensitive to displacements of the order of 1 nm.

Journal of Bionic Engineering

On the other hand, it can be sensitive to local biochemical environment, especially direct molecular interactions.

EJNMMI Research

"But it can be sensitive here and raises other questions about issues we probably don't want to talk about".

BBC

Since DEA relies on identifying best practice reference units, it can be sensitive to extreme points, known as outliners, especially data contaminated by measurement error as described by Kuosmanen and Post (1999) and Nam et al. (2008).

Agricultural and Food Economics

However, interpretation of tryptophan fluorescence is difficult because it can be sensitive to either local or global changes or both.

Biochemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

A few people, such as severe asthma sufferers, can be sensitive to it which is why wines containing more than a certain amount must display a warning on their label.

BBC

However, external influence in the policy process can be sensitive, as it may question existing power hierarchies [ 17, 22], and because external actors become involved in domestic political life [ 18].

Health Research Policy and Systems

Outlook: Penny Hardaway and Tom Gugliotta can be sensitive to criticism, and no one doles it out as pointedly as Stephon Marbury can.

The New York Times - Sports

Ganassi can be sensitive, though her voice is not quite what it was.

The Guardian - Music

"[It] can be sensitive … to ask about someone's immigration status, so it is possible that the response isn't totally accurate," he says.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it can be sensitive", be mindful of your audience and the potential impact of your words. Consider providing context or framing the information in a way that minimizes potential negative reactions.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everything is inherently sensitive. Overusing this phrase can dilute its impact and create unnecessary apprehension. Reserve it for situations where there's a genuine risk of causing offense or harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be sensitive" primarily functions as a descriptive statement. Ludwig AI's examples show it qualifies a subject (topic, situation, data) as having the potential to evoke strong emotions or reactions. It's used to highlight the need for caution and tact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

26%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can be sensitive" is a versatile phrase used to signal potential emotional impact, advising caution and consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse fields like science, news and media and wiki. When using this phrase, prioritize audience awareness, context, and thoughtful framing. Avoid overuse and recognize situations where it's genuinely needed. Alternatives like ""it could be delicate"" or ""it might be touchy"" offer nuanced variations for communicating the need for care and sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could be delicate

Substitutes "sensitive" with "delicate", emphasizing fragility or the need for careful handling.

it might be touchy

Replaces "sensitive" with "touchy", suggesting a potential for causing offense or disagreement.

it may be precarious

Uses "precarious" instead of "sensitive", highlighting instability or risk associated with the subject.

it is potentially problematic

Replaces "sensitive" with "problematic", indicating that the issue could cause difficulties or negative consequences.

it runs the risk of being contentious

This alternative expresses a higher degree of potential conflict or disagreement.

it is prone to causing concern

This alternative describes the ability to cause concern.

it has the potential to offend

Focuses specifically on the capacity to cause offense.

it is inclined to elicit a strong reaction

Highlights the probability of a powerful emotional response.

it is susceptible to misinterpretation

Emphasizes the possibility of misunderstanding.

it is vulnerable to criticism

This focuses on the likelihood of being criticized.

FAQs

How can I use "it can be sensitive" in a sentence?

Use "it can be sensitive" to describe topics, situations, or data that might cause strong emotions or require careful handling. For example: "When discussing personal finances, "it can be sensitive" to inquire about specific income details."

What can I say instead of "it can be sensitive"?

Alternatives include "it could be delicate", "it might be touchy", or "it may be precarious" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "it can be sensitive" or "it is sensitive"?

"It can be sensitive" suggests a potential for sensitivity, while "it is sensitive" states it as a definite characteristic. Choose the phrasing that accurately reflects the situation. For example, "The topic is sensitive due to recent events" versus "The topic can be sensitive if not approached carefully".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it can be sensitive"?

Use "it can be sensitive" when introducing a topic or situation that could evoke strong emotional responses, require careful consideration, or potentially cause offense. This phrase prepares your audience for the need for tact and understanding.