sensitive matters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'sensitive matters' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to topics that may require great care and consideration when discussing them, such as personal problems, conflicts, or legal issues. For example, "We discussed some sensitive matters in our meeting today, so please keep everything confidential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Anyone caught investigating sensitive matters faces jail.

The Economist

"But you see these are sensitive matters.

The Guardian

Rosenzweig didn't press these sensitive matters.

The New Yorker

Mr. Derbez has had experience in navigating politically sensitive matters.

The New York Times

These half-buried attitudes intersect with sensitive matters of etiquette.

Independent

Also rare for government documents on sensitive matters, the reports are mercifully devoid of redactions.

The New York Times

The firm also handled some unusually sensitive matters for the Rowland administration, according to the analysis.

The New York Times

The judge, who also imposed a $25,000 fine, added: "These are sensitive matters.

The New York Times

Clegg could have shown him how to address such sensitive matters with flair and candour.

The Guardian

Grand juries are typically called to investigate high-profile cases and politically sensitive matters.

The New York Times

At present this list includes big, sensitive matters such as taxation and treaty revisions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Provide adequate context and background information to help your audience understand the complexities of the "sensitive matters" being discussed.

Common error

Avoid presenting "sensitive matters" in a simplistic or black-and-white manner. Acknowledge the nuances and various perspectives involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensitive matters" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'sensitive' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'matters'. It identifies subjects or issues that require careful and discreet handling. As evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig, the phrase appears in contexts where diplomacy and tact are paramount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sensitive matters" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to denote topics that demand careful and discreet handling. According to Ludwig, its strength lies in its ability to prepare an audience for potentially delicate or private information. The phrase is versatile, fitting comfortably in both neutral and formal registers, as exemplified in news reports, professional documents, and academic papers. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "delicate issues" or "confidential affairs", the choice depends on the specific nuance you aim to convey. When employing this phrase, remember to prioritize respect, objectivity, and comprehensive context to avoid oversimplification and ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate issues

Replaces "matters" with "issues" and "sensitive" with "delicate", emphasizing the need for careful handling.

confidential affairs

Substitutes "matters" with "affairs" and "sensitive" with "confidential", highlighting the private nature of the subject.

private concerns

Uses "concerns" instead of "matters" and "private" instead of "sensitive", focusing on the personal aspect of the subjects.

critical subjects

Replaces "matters" with "subjects" and "sensitive" with "critical", stressing the importance and potential impact of the topics.

difficult questions

Changes "matters" to "questions" and "sensitive" to "difficult", indicating the challenging nature of addressing these topics.

problematic topics

Uses "topics" in place of "matters" and "problematic" instead of "sensitive", emphasizing the potential for conflict or disagreement.

intricate circumstances

Substitutes "matters" with "circumstances" and "sensitive" with "intricate", focusing on the complexity of the situations.

complex situations

Replaces "matters" with "situations" and "sensitive" with "complex", highlighting the multifaceted nature of the topics.

thorny questions

Changes "matters" to "questions" and "sensitive" to "thorny", suggesting the presence of underlying difficulties or challenges.

acute issues

Uses "issues" instead of "matters" and "acute" instead of "sensitive", indicating the urgency and potential severity of the subjects.

FAQs

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

You can use "sensitive matters" to refer to topics that require careful handling. For example, "The company's handling of these "sensitive matters" will determine its future reputation".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "sensitive matters"?

Alternatives include "delicate issues", "confidential affairs", or "private concerns", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to discuss "sensitive matters" in a public forum?

It depends on the nature of the matters and the privacy expectations of those involved. If the information is confidential or personal, it's generally best to discuss it in a private setting.

What should I consider when addressing "sensitive matters" in writing?

When writing about "sensitive matters", it's essential to be respectful, objective, and mindful of the potential impact on your audience. Providing adequate context and background information is also crucial.