sensitive questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sensitive questions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe questions that require careful consideration or are of a personal nature. For example, "The interviewer posed several sensitive questions about the candidate's financial history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Imagine asking mayoral friends sensitive questions.

The New York Times

But some more sensitive questions are reserved for a self-completed questionnaire.

The Guardian

But his reticence was one way to avoid sensitive questions about his own affiliation.

The New York Times

He replies: "They were very engaged and asked perceptive, intelligent and sensitive questions.

The Guardian

One of those sensitive questions is "have you had any sex in the past four weeks?".

The Guardian

But republishing Mein Kampf at any time was bound to raise sensitive questions.

The Guardian - Opinion

He instructed his communication team to forward him the most universally asked and highly sensitive questions.

Harvard Business Review

They are often the best sounding boards for sensitive questions with far-reaching ramifications.

Harvard Business Review

Randomized response is an interview technique designed to eliminate response bias when sensitive questions are asked.

Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference

There were frank, sensitive questions, not declarations or assertions of his own.

The New York Times

Finally, after they all chuckled nervously, Mr. Talampe said such sensitive questions should be referred to national headquarters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you are unsure about the impact of asking "sensitive questions", consider getting advice from communication professionals or community leaders.

Common error

Avoid assuming all individuals will react the same way to "sensitive questions". Tailor your approach based on individual and cultural considerations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensitive questions" functions as a noun phrase modified by the adjective "sensitive". It commonly refers to inquiries that require careful handling due to their potential to cause discomfort, offense, or emotional distress. As per Ludwig, it's generally considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sensitive questions" is a common and accepted way to describe inquiries that require careful consideration and tact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and business. The frequency of its appearance in reputable sources underscores its utility in discussing delicate or personal topics. While the phrase itself is neutral, remember to consider the potential impact on individuals and tailor your approach accordingly. When in doubt, consider using alternative phrases like "delicate inquiries" or "difficult questions" to fine-tune your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate inquiries

Focuses on the tact and care required when asking the questions.

difficult questions

Highlights the challenging nature of the questions themselves.

probing questions

Emphasizes the thorough and investigative nature of the questioning.

tricky questions

Suggests the questions require careful handling to avoid problems.

personal questions

Highlights the private or intimate nature of the subject matter.

controversial questions

Focuses on the potential for disagreement or conflict.

complex questions

Highlights the intricacy and depth of the inquiries.

challenging inquiries

Emphasizes the effort required to address the questions.

awkward questions

Suggests the questions might cause discomfort or embarrassment.

intrusive questions

Highlights the potentially invasive nature of the questions.

FAQs

How can I ask "sensitive questions" respectfully?

Frame your questions carefully, use neutral language, and explain why you're asking. Also, give individuals the option to decline to answer.

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

Depending on the context, consider alternatives such as "delicate inquiries", "difficult questions", or "personal questions".

Is it always appropriate to ask "sensitive questions"?

No, it's not. Assess the necessity of asking such questions and the potential impact on the individual. Respect privacy and ethical boundaries.

When is it necessary to ask "sensitive questions"?

In fields like research, journalism, and healthcare, "sensitive questions" may be necessary to gather important information, but should always be approached with ethical considerations and respect for the individual.