kind of sensitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of sensitive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is somewhat or moderately sensitive, often in an informal context. Example: "She can be kind of sensitive about her artwork, so be gentle with your feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Her inimitable interview technique is tailor-made for tackling this kind of sensitive issue.

The Guardian - Sport

Does the kind of sensitive, ethical hunting explored in these books have, as they say, legs?

The New York Times - Books

"We don't want to embarrass President Bush or his administration, and yet we're kind of sensitive to our state sovereignty," he said.

The New York Times

"He would tend to be ruffled by that kind of thing, and he was kind of sensitive," said Mr. Lisson, a retired calligrapher and graphic artist.

The New York Times

The two often moved in unison, and projected a kind of sensitive friendship, if not a more involved relationship, culminating in the hand-holding dash.

The New Yorker

"It's just plain stupid to be making this kind of sensitive information so readily available," The Sun-Sentinel of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., editorialized last month.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

With HealthKit, for example, third-party app developers can gain access to, and share, all kinds of sensitive information about people's health.

The New Yorker

The privacy policies of American companies are voluntary, with the exception of protection under federal laws for certain kinds of sensitive information like health records and data about children younger than 13.

The New York Times

Hundreds of millions of people turn on their computers every day and bank online, shop at virtual stores, swap gossip and photos with their friends on social networks and send all kinds of sensitive data over the web without ill effect.

The Economist

Most universities have not gone that far, but many say they have become more vigilant about urging professors to follow federal rules that prohibit taking some kinds of sensitive data out of the country, or have imposed their own restrictions, tighter than the government's.

The New York Times

Although some content is excluded from the scanning — such as health and medical information — it remains to be seen how (or even if) Oath can exclude other kinds of sensitive data from its customers' inboxes, like bank transfers and stock receipts.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kind of sensitive", consider whether a more precise adjective (e.g., 'slightly', 'moderately') would improve clarity and impact. However, be aware that more precise adjectives are more formal, and may not be appropriate in all contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of sensitive" excessively in formal contexts. Over-reliance on "kind of" can make your writing sound less confident and more vague. Opt for stronger, more specific adjectives or rephrase the sentence to convey the intended meaning more directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of sensitive" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase. It qualifies a noun by indicating a moderate degree of sensitivity. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Books

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kind of sensitive" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjectival phrase that indicates a moderate degree of sensitivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for general use, especially in informal contexts. While it's frequently seen in news and media, more precise adjectives may be preferable in formal writing. When using this phrase, consider your audience and the desired level of formality to ensure effective communication. Remember, there are many alternatives such as "somewhat sensitive" or "slightly sensitive" that may be more appropriate depending on the setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat sensitive

Replaces "kind of" with "somewhat", offering a slightly more formal tone.

a bit sensitive

Substitutes "kind of" with "a bit", providing a more informal alternative.

slightly sensitive

Uses "slightly" instead of "kind of", indicating a minor degree of sensitivity.

rather sensitive

Replaces "kind of" with "rather", suggesting a noticeable level of sensitivity.

moderately sensitive

Employs "moderately" instead of "kind of", denoting a medium degree of sensitivity.

somewhat delicate

Replaces "sensitive" with "delicate" maintaining a similar connotation.

a little touchy

Uses "touchy" as an alternative to "sensitive", implying easily offended.

easily affected

Rephrases "sensitive" as "easily affected", focusing on the impact of external stimuli.

susceptible to

Expresses vulnerability instead of direct sensitivity.

reacts strongly

Focuses on the reaction rather than the inherent sensitivity.

FAQs

What does "kind of sensitive" mean?

The phrase "kind of sensitive" means somewhat sensitive or moderately sensitive. It suggests that someone or something possesses sensitivity to a certain degree, but not to an extreme extent.

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

You can use "kind of sensitive" to describe a person's personality, a situation, or even data. For example: "She's "kind of sensitive" about her artwork.", "The information is "kind of sensitive", so handle it carefully.".

What are some alternatives to "kind of sensitive"?

Some alternatives to "kind of sensitive" include "somewhat sensitive", "a bit sensitive", "slightly sensitive", or "moderately sensitive". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is "kind of sensitive" grammatically correct?

Yes, "kind of sensitive" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English, especially in informal contexts. However, it might be better to use more formal alternatives in formal writing.