must be sensitive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be sensitive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that something requires careful consideration or awareness of feelings, situations, or contexts. Example: "When discussing personal topics, you must be sensitive to the emotions of others involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The process of obtaining informed consent must be sensitive to the norms, customs and sensitivities of the local environment.

Conflict and Health

So businesses "must be sensitive to the possibility that a third party may subpoena this material".

The New York Times

Candidates must be "sensitive to the extreme seriousness of the fiscal situation," he added.

The New York Times

And even those must be sensitive: a penguin can get stuck in a deep boot hole.

The Guardian - Travel

We must be sensitive and fearless, just as we are when dealing with other crimes.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I do not think we must be sensitive to faith groups who promote discrimination and bigotry.

The Guardian

Henriquez must be sensitive to all faculty members' views on a wide range of subjects.

The New York Times - Sports

To discriminate between different colours, different receptor cells must be sensitive to different light frequencies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We must be sensitive to all individuals involved, and especially to those who may be victims of child sexual abuse.

The Guardian - Sport

And to take root, changes must be sensitive to the societies in which they are being imposed.

The New York Times - Books

And, third, reforms must be sensitive to the needs of low-income households, especially those that are unbanked.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be sensitive", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject needs to be sensitive to. Providing specific examples or explanations can enhance clarity and prevent misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "must be sensitive" without specifying the target or area of sensitivity. Overgeneralizations can lead to ambiguity and weaken the impact of your statement. For example, instead of saying "Managers must be sensitive", specify "Managers must be sensitive to the needs of their team members".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be sensitive" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing obligation or necessity combined with an adjectival description. It indicates that a subject is required to exhibit sensitivity towards something or someone. Ludwig AI shows the phrase is frequently used to emphasize the importance of awareness and consideration in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "must be sensitive" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the necessity of awareness and consideration in various situations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It frequently appears in News & Media and scientific contexts, indicating its relevance across diverse domains. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the area of sensitivity to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "should be considerate" or "needs to be mindful" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Therefore, understanding the context and target audience is key to employing this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be considerate

Replaces "must" with "should", indicating a recommendation rather than a strict requirement.

needs to be mindful

Substitutes "sensitive" with "mindful", focusing on attentiveness and awareness.

ought to be aware

Uses "ought to" for a sense of duty and replaces "sensitive" with "aware", highlighting knowledge and understanding.

has to be responsive

Changes "sensitive" to "responsive", emphasizing the need to react appropriately.

required to be perceptive

Replaces "must" with "required" for a more formal tone and "sensitive" with "perceptive", focusing on insight and understanding.

crucial to be attuned

Emphasizes the importance with "crucial" and uses "attuned" to highlight being in harmony with or responsive to something.

essential to be empathetic

Highlights the necessity with "essential" and focuses on understanding and sharing the feelings of others with "empathetic".

vital to exercise discretion

Shifts the focus to careful and responsible behavior with "exercise discretion".

imperative to show tact

Emphasizes urgency with "imperative" and replaces "sensitive" with "tact", focusing on skill and sensitivity in dealing with others.

prudent to be understanding

Suggests wisdom and caution with "prudent" and focuses on comprehension with "understanding".

FAQs

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

You can use "must be sensitive" to emphasize the necessity of awareness and consideration in a particular situation. For example, "The process of obtaining informed consent "must be sensitive" to the norms, customs and sensitivities of the local environment."

What are some alternatives to "must be sensitive"?

Some alternatives include "should be considerate", "needs to be mindful", or "ought to be aware", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "must be sensitive"?

It's appropriate in contexts where emphasizing the importance of awareness, empathy, and consideration is crucial. This includes discussions about cultural norms, ethical practices, and interpersonal relationships.

How does "must be sensitive" differ from "should be sensitive"?

"Must be sensitive" implies a higher degree of necessity or obligation compared to "should be sensitive". "Must" indicates a requirement, while "should" suggests a recommendation or advisability. In situations where sensitivity is non-negotiable, "must be sensitive" is more appropriate.