sensitive area

USAGE SUMMARY

"sensitive area" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a place or subject that requires careful handling or attention because it may be delicate or cause strong emotions. Examples: 1. The media was not granted access to the sensitive area where the accident took place. 2. The team had to be trained on how to handle data from this sensitive area of the company. 3. The artist's new exhibit explores sensitive areas such as mental health and societal pressure. 4. Please be mindful of your language, as this topic may be a sensitive area for some people. 5. The government has designated this forest as a sensitive area, prohibiting any logging or development.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Religion is a particularly sensitive area.

The Economist

So, it's a very sensitive area".

The Guardian

"[Houla] is a very sensitive area.

The Guardian

Emigration is a particularly sensitive area.

The New York Times

"We know this is a sensitive area," Dr. Horn said.

The New York Times

It is a very sensitive area, and a dangerous situation.

The New York Times

Laughter aside, this is a sensitive area for Evans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

"It's the jeans," Cullum insists, attributing his fresh-faced looks to his sensitive area-crushing trousers.

The Guardian - Music

"A Movement-Sensitive Area in Auditory Cortex".

Duke University

A movement-sensitive area in auditory cortex.. Nature, 400 6746), 724-726.

Duke University

Present results demonstrate the existence in the human dorsal visual stream of a motion-sensitive area (V6) distinct from the classic motion-sensitive area MT+.

Cerebral Cortex

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a "sensitive area", be specific about why it is sensitive. Provide context to avoid ambiguity and ensure clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "sensitive area" as a vague catch-all term. Always clarify the specific nature of the sensitivity, whether it's environmental, political, or personal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensitive area" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "sensitive" modifies the noun "area". Ludwig AI indicates it's used to describe a location or subject that requires careful consideration. Examples show its use in environmental, political, and personal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sensitive area" is a commonly used expression to denote a location, topic, or situation that demands careful handling. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and widely applied across diverse fields, from environmental science to political discourse. While versatile, it’s crucial to provide context to specify the nature of the sensitivity, thus preventing ambiguity. Alternatives like "delicate area" or "vulnerable area" may offer more precision depending on the intended meaning. The frequency of its occurrence in news, academic, and scientific sources highlights its relevance in professional and informative communication. Therefore, when using the phrase "sensitive area", clarity and context are paramount to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Delicate area

Replaces "sensitive" with a synonym that emphasizes the need for careful handling.

Biologically sensitive area

Refers to areas requiring protection due to biological or ecological factors.

Environmentally sensitive zone

Specifically refers to areas needing protection due to ecological concerns.

Vulnerable area

Highlights the susceptibility to harm or damage in the area.

Critical area

Emphasizes the importance and potential impact of the area.

Problematic area

Focuses on the difficulties or challenges associated with the area.

Restricted area

Implies limited or prohibited access due to sensitivity or security concerns.

Tricky area

Indicates that the area requires careful navigation due to potential complications.

Controversial area

Suggests that the area is subject to disagreement or debate.

Tense area

Highlights the presence of stress or conflict in the area.

FAQs

What does "sensitive area" mean?

A "sensitive area" refers to a place, topic, or situation that requires careful handling due to its potential to cause emotional distress, controversy, or harm. Its meaning depends heavily on the specific context in which it's used.

What can I say instead of "sensitive area"?

Alternatives include "delicate area", "vulnerable area", "critical area", or "restricted area", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How is an "environmentally sensitive area" different from a regular sensitive area?

An "environmentally sensitive area" specifically denotes a region requiring protection due to its ecological significance, whereas a general "sensitive area" can refer to any context requiring careful attention, such as a political or personal matter.

Is it appropriate to use "sensitive area" in formal writing?

Yes, "sensitive area" is appropriate in formal writing, provided its meaning is clear and contextually relevant. However, consider using more specific terms if they better convey the intended meaning, such as "problematic area" in a business context or "tense area" in a political context.