kind of delicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of delicate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is somewhat fragile or sensitive in nature. Example: "The situation is kind of delicate, so we need to approach it with care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

There's no category for his kind of delicate, thoughtful style, which is still incredibly funny.

The Guardian - Film

His health is kind of delicate and at the same time he's a jock.

The Guardian - Books

Although the administration's request was unusual, for Google, it represented the kind of delicate balancing act that Internet companies confront every day.

The New York Times - Tech

She has the kind of delicate hauteur that makes even the crudest prospectors and horse thieves stand when she enters the room.

The New York Times

If there is any truth-value to this kind of delicate and "poetic" prose, it's in the fragmentary elisions — not a bad representation of an anorexic's blinkered but confident thoughts, actually.

The New Yorker

Frank is less of a departure for him than it looks, he says, especially in terms of the tone, which he describes as "a celebration of a certain kind of delicate slapstick, which I think has massive potential to express emotion.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

This isn't what I signed up for.' It's kind of a delicate balance".

The New York Times

The merchant bank's services, which are usually billed on a retainer ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 a month, run the gamut from big-picture strategy of the sort offered by a McKinsey & Company or Bain & Company to organizational psychology to the kind of intimate, delicate counsel usually tendered only by the closest consigliere.

The New York Times

It's the kind of refined, delicate acting Pfeiffer does so well, and it's a further reminder of how much we've missed her since she's been away".

Wikipedia

— as some kind of shimmering, delicate-voiced goddess.

Los Angeles Times

Mount Kisco Smokehouse offers the same kind of velvety smooth, delicate nova and belly lox ($7 for a quarter pound) that Homarus fans love, but now it is prepared right on the premises.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of delicate" to describe situations, objects, or even emotions that require careful handling or consideration.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "kind of delicate" as it can make your writing sound vague. Opt for more precise adjectives like "fragile", "sensitive", or "unstable" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of delicate" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun to indicate a state of being moderately fragile or sensitive. Ludwig examples show it describing items, situations, and even personal attributes, such as "his kind of delicate, thoughtful style".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kind of delicate" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that requires careful handling due to its fragility or sensitivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is acceptable in written English. While versatile, overusing the phrase can make your writing sound vague; therefore, consider using more precise adjectives when possible. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources. Remember to use it to soften a description and convey a nuanced understanding. Using alternatives like "somewhat fragile" or "rather sensitive" can enrich your vocabulary and provide greater specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat fragile

Emphasizes the fragility aspect more directly.

rather sensitive

Highlights the sensitivity aspect.

slightly frail

Focuses on physical weakness or fragility.

a bit precarious

Implies instability or uncertainty.

somewhat precarious

Emphasizes the precarious nature with a more balanced tone.

mildly sensitive

Highlights a lower degree of sensitivity.

a touch fragile

Indicates a very slight degree of fragility.

a bit fragile

Highlights a lower degree of fragility.

somewhat unstable

Focuses on the lack of stability.

rather unstable

Highlights the lack of stability.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of delicate" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of delicate" to describe something that is somewhat fragile or sensitive. For example: "The situation is "kind of delicate", so we need to approach it with care."

What are some alternatives to "kind of delicate"?

Alternatives include "somewhat fragile", "rather sensitive", or "slightly frail", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "kind of delicate"?

Yes, "kind of delicate" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to express a moderate degree of fragility or sensitivity.

What's the difference between "kind of delicate" and "very delicate"?

"Kind of delicate" suggests a moderate level of fragility, whereas "very delicate" implies a higher degree of fragility or sensitivity. "Kind of" softens the statement.