sensitive operation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sensitive operation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a task or procedure requires careful handling due to its importance or potential consequences. Example: "The team was tasked with conducting a sensitive operation that required utmost confidentiality and precision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

This was a sensitive operation to prevent a very real threat to our country".

The Guardian

He performed so well that his bosses gave him a commendation "for his outstanding initiative and investigative skills in a prolonged sensitive operation for a four-year period".

The Guardian

The furor grew when the Times reported that the C.I.A. had turned to a private contractor to help with this highly sensitive operation: the controversial firm Blackwater, now known as Xe Services.

The New Yorker

"Secretary Rumsfeld told me not to get my hopes up, but there was going to be a very sensitive operation into a hospital where he thought that there would be an American P.O.W.," Mr. Bush said.

The New York Times

He had been sent to infiltrate anti-racist groups between 1993 and 1997 and received a commendation from his managers for his "outstanding initiative and investigative skills in a prolonged sensitive operation over a four-year period".

The Guardian

Two U.S. defense officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive operation, said the inability to communicate readily with Puerto Rican officials immediately after the storm delayed the response.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Officials say the UAVs have operated for thousands of hours on sensitive operations.

The Guardian

In other words, contractors were involved in secret and highly sensitive operations that by law are reserved for government operatives.

The New York Times

Manafort reported to Lyovochkin on sensitive operations.

The Guardian

There will be pressure on elected police chiefs to comment on sensitive operations while they are still under way.

The Guardian - Opinion

I know what you're thinking: is it really safe to cede such sensitive operations to a voice recognition app?

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an activity, determine whether the need for secrecy, caution, or delicacy is paramount. Use "sensitive operation" when these aspects are central to the message.

Common error

Avoid using "sensitive operation" when a simpler, more direct description of the activity is sufficient. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensitive operation" typically functions as a noun phrase, where "sensitive" modifies the noun "operation". It is used to describe a specific action or task that demands careful and discreet handling. As Ludwig AI says, it is usable in contexts where a task or procedure requires careful handling due to its importance or potential consequences.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sensitive operation" is a noun phrase used to describe a task or procedure that requires careful handling due to its importance or potential consequences. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's commonly found in "News & Media" and scientific contexts, and its register is generally neutral to professional. Alternatives include "delicate mission" or "careful procedure". When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for situations where secrecy, caution, and delicacy are truly paramount, avoiding overuse to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate mission

Replaces "operation" with "mission", emphasizing the purpose and importance of the task.

critical undertaking

Substitutes "sensitive" with "critical" and "operation" with "undertaking", highlighting the significance of the task.

careful procedure

Replaces "sensitive" with "careful" and "operation" with "procedure", focusing on the need for meticulous execution.

discreet action

Changes "sensitive" to "discreet" and "operation" to "action", emphasizing the need for confidentiality.

precarious endeavor

Replaces "sensitive" with "precarious" and "operation" with "endeavor", highlighting the risks involved.

complex task

This alternative shifts the emphasis to the intricacy of the undertaking.

confidential assignment

This emphasizes the privacy and secrecy surrounding the operation.

high-stakes activity

Focuses on the potential consequences and importance of the operation.

strategic maneuver

This alternative highlights the planning and calculated nature of the operation.

undercover venture

This phrase suggests a secret and potentially risky undertaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "sensitive operation" to describe a task requiring careful handling due to potential risks or confidentiality. For example, "The intelligence agency launched a "sensitive operation" to gather information."

What are some alternatives to "sensitive operation"?

Alternatives include "delicate mission", "critical undertaking", or "careful procedure", depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "sensitive operation"?

Use "sensitive operation" when describing activities that demand discretion, precision, and careful management of potential risks. This is especially fitting in contexts involving intelligence, law enforcement, or security.

What makes an operation "sensitive"?

An operation is considered "sensitive" when it involves handling confidential information, managing high-stakes risks, or navigating potentially controversial situations that require careful and discreet management.