sensitive question

USAGE SUMMARY

"sensitive question" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a question that may be delicate or uncomfortable for the person being asked, or may involve sensitive or personal information. Example: "During the interview, the candidate was asked several sensitive questions about their past employment history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a sensitive question," Mr. Mikkelsen said.

The New York Times

He said he had to ask a sensitive question.

The New York Times

Luckily, this sensitive question will be resolved in court.

The New York Times

In Hairless, she asks the sensitive question: "Can the bald lie?

The Guardian - Books

And there's another sensitive question that police chiefs can't (or perhaps don't want) to answer.

The Guardian

But it is a highly emotional and politically sensitive question, even within Europe.

The New York Times

One salient and sensitive question appears to have been settled by his publisher.

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps the most sensitive question, however, is why there are no women Formula One drivers.

The New York Times - Sports

In the House, a deal was engineered on the politically sensitive question of regional disparities in Medicare reimbursements.

The New York Times

Of the immigrants, over a third have taken French citizenship.The sensitive question is where these people are from.

The Economist

In their session today, the Council deferred the sensitive question of who would be chairman by setting up a rules committee to recommend ways to rotate the leadership.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always provide context or justification for asking a "sensitive question". Explaining why the information is needed can help build trust and encourage honest responses.

Common error

Avoid asking "sensitive questions" without establishing a clear need or relevance. Unnecessary probing can damage relationships and create a hostile environment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensitive question" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "sensitive" modifies the noun "question". It describes the type of question being asked, highlighting its delicate or potentially problematic nature. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sensitive question" is a commonly used and grammatically sound construction that serves to signal the potentially delicate nature of an inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. Its usage is widespread, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific and business contexts. When using this phrase, consider the potential impact on your audience and strive for tact and respect. Alternatives like "delicate inquiry" or "thorny issue" can provide nuanced ways to express a similar sentiment. Remember to always consider context and relationship before posing a "sensitive question".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate inquiry

Replaces 'question' with 'inquiry', emphasizing the probing nature of the query while maintaining the sense of caution.

awkward query

Emphasizes the potential for social discomfort or unease associated with the question.

thorny issue

Shifts from a direct question to the underlying issue, implying that the topic is complex and potentially problematic.

tricky subject

Focuses on the topic itself being challenging, rather than the act of questioning.

problematic inquiry

Focuses on the potential negative consequences or ethical concerns raised by the question.

difficult matter

Generalizes the phrase to a challenging situation, losing the explicit question aspect but retaining the sensitivity.

controversial topic

Highlights the potential for disagreement or conflict surrounding the subject matter.

complex matter

Highlights the intricacy and multifaceted nature of the issue at hand.

politically charged question

Specific to questions that have political implications or sensitivities.

personal interrogation

Emphasizes the intrusive nature of a question that delves into private matters.

FAQs

How can I phrase a "sensitive question" politely?

Begin by acknowledging the delicate nature of the topic. You can use phrases like, "I understand this may be personal, but..." or "I hope you don't mind me asking..." before posing the "sensitive question".

What makes a question "sensitive"?

A question becomes "sensitive" when it touches upon personal, private, or potentially embarrassing subjects. Topics like finances, health, relationships, or personal history often fall into this category.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "sensitive question"?

Depending on the context, you might use "delicate inquiry", "thorny issue", or "tricky subject". These phrases convey a similar sense of caution and awareness.

Is it always appropriate to ask a "sensitive question"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Consider the setting, your relationship with the person, and the potential consequences of asking. If there's a risk of causing harm or discomfort, it's best to avoid the "sensitive question".