sensitive child

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sensitive child" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a child who is emotionally responsive or easily affected by their environment or the feelings of others. Example: "As a sensitive child, she often felt overwhelmed in crowded places and needed quiet time to recharge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

A sensitive child – quirky, bookish – I was met with: "Don't be silly.

The Guardian - Opinion

If the snowman doesn't melt … If … "You've always been a sensitive child," Gran tells Jessica.

The Guardian - Books

And your son is a beautiful and sensitive child," she said.

The New Yorker

But Gaulier watches it beadily, for glimpses of the sensitive child behind the ill-at-ease, inhibited grownup.

The Guardian

A smart and sensitive child will never forget the horror involved in getting such a bloody "trophy".

The New York Times

The emotional power of the book, as every sensitive child has known, diminishes as the religious part intensifies.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Promote and mainstream gender sensitive child-friendly education.

Unicef

A communication tool, such as interactive multimedia could act as scaffolding to facilitate these more complex and sensitive child-clinician conversations.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

She was, by her own admission, an over-sensitive child.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To this mother of a peanut-sensitive child, the marketing of the new Quorn meat substitutes raises a serious question about how the Food and Drug Administration reviews new foods that may cause allergic or other sensitivity reactions ("What's in Those Nuggets? Meat Substitute Stirs Debate," May 14).

The New York Times - Science

Since we are made of natural elements ourselves, we are naturally attracted to them, particularly the hyper-sensitive child.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a child as "sensitive", provide specific examples of their behavior or reactions to illustrate the nature of their sensitivity. This adds clarity and depth to your description.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all "sensitive children" are the same. Sensitivity manifests differently in each child, so be specific about the particular traits and behaviors you are describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensitive child" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It is used to characterize a child who possesses a heightened level of emotional awareness and reactivity. Ludwig examples show this phrase modifying nouns in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sensitive child" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a child with heightened emotional awareness, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a descriptive noun phrase and is used across various contexts, most frequently in News & Media. While the term is generally neutral, it's crucial to avoid overgeneralizing sensitivity and instead focus on specific traits. Alternatives such as "emotionally responsive child" or "empathetic child" can be used depending on the context. Remember to illustrate sensitivity with concrete examples to provide clarity and depth. By understanding the nuances of this phrase, we can better support and nurture the unique experiences of "sensitive children".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empathetic child

Stresses the child's ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

emotionally responsive child

Highlights the child's capacity to react strongly to emotional stimuli.

highly perceptive child

Emphasizes the child's ability to notice and understand subtle details and emotions.

tender-hearted child

Focuses on the child's compassionate and caring nature.

easily affected child

Indicates that the child is readily influenced by their environment and experiences.

gentle child

Focuses on the child's mild and kind nature.

vulnerable child

Highlights the child's susceptibility to emotional harm or distress.

introspective child

Emphasizes the child's tendency to examine their own thoughts and feelings.

intuitive child

Emphasizes the child's ability to understand something instinctively, without the need for conscious reasoning.

thoughtful child

Highlights the child's tendency to think deeply about things.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "sensitive child" in a sentence?

You can use "sensitive child" to describe a child who is easily affected by emotions or external stimuli. For example, "As a /s/highly+sensitive+child, she often felt overwhelmed in crowded places."

What are some alternative ways to describe a "sensitive child"?

You can use alternatives like "/s/emotionally+responsive+child", "/s/empathetic+child", or "/s/highly+perceptive+child" depending on the specific aspect of sensitivity you want to emphasize.

Is it always appropriate to label a child as "sensitive"?

While it can be helpful to recognize and understand a child's sensitivity, avoid over-labeling, as it may lead to generalizations. Focus on describing specific behaviors and needs rather than solely relying on the label "sensitive".

What are some potential challenges faced by a "sensitive child"?

A "sensitive child" might be more prone to feeling overwhelmed by strong emotions, loud noises, or chaotic environments. Understanding these challenges can help in providing appropriate support and creating a more nurturing environment.