it was delicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was delicate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is fragile, sensitive, or requires careful handling or consideration. Example: "The artist's work was so intricate that it was delicate, requiring the utmost care during the exhibition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Personal situations

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It was delicate.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was delicate," Mr. Hafetz recalled.

The New York Times

"It was difficult, and it was delicate for him to leave New Jersey," Wade Arnott said.

The New York Times - Sports

It was delicate yet elaborate, refined and expensive — a performance art of finely julienned vegetables, sublime sauces, towering souffles.

The Washington Post

Her mother, Anne Mansouret, a Socialist politician, says that, at the time, she advised her daughter against doing so because it was "delicate" and they were close to the Strauss-Kahn family.

The Economist

Burrata, a special on a recent night, came with speck, wrapped in a purple cabbage leaf; it was delicate and not too creamy, but it was upstaged, later, by plain old mozzarella and tomatoes.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"It is delicate.

The Economist

But it's delicate.

The New York Times

It is delicate work.

The New York Times

Gosh, it's delicate.

The Guardian - Film

It is delicate and exciting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance the impact, follow "it was delicate" with an explanation of why it was so.

Common error

While "it was delicate" is acceptable, overuse can sound repetitive. In formal writing, vary your language with synonyms like "it was sensitive" or "it required a gentle touch" to maintain sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was delicate" functions as a descriptive statement. It typically attributes a quality of fragility, sensitivity, or requiring careful handling to a subject. Ludwig examples show it describing food, situations, and even emotions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was delicate" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something fragile, sensitive, or needing careful handling. Ludwig's analysis reveals its presence across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, consider synonyms to enhance writing sophistication, especially in formal settings. The phrase's effectiveness lies in conveying caution, care, or sensitivity, making it a valuable addition to descriptive language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was fragile

Emphasizes the easiness with which something could be broken or damaged.

it was sensitive

Highlights the susceptibility to external influences or emotional impact.

it required a gentle touch

Focuses on the need for careful and considerate action.

it demanded careful handling

Stresses the importance of cautious management.

it was a precarious situation

Indicates a state of instability or risk.

it was a subtle matter

Highlights the need for discernment and sensitivity in addressing the issue.

it was a tricky business

Implies a challenging or complex undertaking requiring skill.

it was a touchy subject

Indicates a sensitive topic that could easily cause offense or disagreement.

it needed kid gloves

Highlights the need for cautious and considerate action to avoid problems.

it was a fine line

Emphasizes the narrow margin for error or the difficulty in maintaining balance.

FAQs

How can I use "it was delicate" in a sentence?

You can use "it was delicate" to describe something fragile, sensitive, or requiring careful handling. For example, "The antique vase was so old, it was delicate and needed to be handled with care."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was delicate"?

You can use alternatives like "it was fragile", "it was sensitive", or "it required a gentle touch" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it was delicate" in formal writing?

Yes, "it was delicate" is correct and can be used in formal writing. However, consider using more sophisticated synonyms to avoid repetition.

What does it mean when someone says "it was delicate"?

When someone says "it was delicate", they mean that something required careful handling or consideration, either because it was fragile, sensitive, or complex.