sensitive enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sensitive enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the adequacy of sensitivity in various contexts, such as emotions, reactions, or equipment. Example: "The device is sensitive enough to detect even the slightest changes in temperature."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But the technology is sensitive enough to make a distinction".

The New York Times - Tech

Sensitive enough to know that special interests are truly special".

The New York Times

It's tough, just sensitive enough, and the right size.

TechCrunch

The HRTEM image analysis is sensitive enough to illuminate the slight variations.

Carbon

Also, the compressive strength test is not sensitive enough to assess the quality of curing compounds.

Construction and Building Materials

Impedances measured at high frequencies are sensitive enough to detect local damage.

Composites Part B: Engineering

They also claim it's sensitive enough to detect edibles.

Vice

Isn't there anyone out there astute and sensitive enough to change the course of things?

Huffington Post

I wasn't "sensitive" enough to what my mind and heart wanted and needed.

Huffington Post

"…not sensitive enough".

BMC Health Services Research

However, this method is not sensitive enough.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the accuracy of a tool or instrument, use "sensitive enough" to convey its ability to detect subtle changes or variations.

Common error

Avoid using "sensitive enough" in overly casual or informal settings where simpler language would suffice. In such cases, consider using phrases like "aware" or "attentive" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensitive enough" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating that something possesses an adequate level of sensitivity for a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sensitive enough" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that expresses adequate sensitivity for a given purpose. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is appropriate for describing both physical instruments and abstract concepts. Its prevalence across science and news contexts indicates its versatility. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's best to avoid overuse in overly casual settings. When choosing alternatives, consider "sufficiently sensitive" or "adequately perceptive" to maintain a similar level of formality and precision. The examples curated by Ludwig showcase the various ways in which this expression is employed, providing a comprehensive understanding of its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently sensitive

Replaces "enough" with "sufficiently", emphasizing adequacy.

adequately perceptive

Substitutes "sensitive" with "perceptive", focusing on insight and understanding, and "enough" with "adequately".

sufficiently discerning

Uses "discerning" to highlight the ability to distinguish subtle differences, paired with "sufficiently".

appropriately responsive

Replaces "sensitive" with "responsive", indicating a suitable reaction, and "enough" with "appropriately".

keenly aware

Emphasizes a strong level of awareness, replacing "sensitive" and "enough" with a more direct expression.

sufficiently attuned

Highlights being in harmony or responsive to something, using "attuned" instead of "sensitive" and "sufficiently" for "enough".

reasonably empathetic

Focuses on emotional understanding, replacing "sensitive" with "empathetic" and "enough" with "reasonably".

adequately impressionable

Highlights the capacity to be influenced, substituting "sensitive" with "impressionable" and "enough" with "adequately".

considerably understanding

Implies a notable degree of comprehension, using "understanding" instead of "sensitive" and "considerably" to enhance the sense of sufficiency.

noticeably receptive

Emphasizes openness to new ideas or impressions, replacing "sensitive" with "receptive" and using "noticeably" to indicate a clear level of sensitivity.

FAQs

How can I use "sensitive enough" in a sentence?

You can use "sensitive enough" to describe a tool or person's ability to detect subtle changes or understand complex situations. For example, "The instrument is sensitive enough to measure minute variations in temperature."

What are some alternatives to saying "sensitive enough"?

You can use alternatives like "sufficiently sensitive", "adequately perceptive", or "keenly aware" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "sufficiently sensitive" or "sensitive enough"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on stylistic preference. "Sensitive enough" is slightly more common in general usage, while "sufficiently sensitive" might be preferred in more formal or scientific contexts.

What does it mean when something isn't "sensitive enough"?

If something isn't "sensitive enough", it means it lacks the required precision or awareness to detect subtle changes or understand complex information. For example, "The test wasn't sensitive enough to detect the early stages of the disease."