sensitive relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sensitive relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that is delicate, requires careful handling, or is prone to emotional reactions. Example: "The sensitive relationship between the two countries necessitates diplomatic discussions to avoid misunderstandings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

A logarithmic sensitivity measure was used since this proved to be a sensitive relationship.

BMC Systems Biology

Afghanistan maintains a politically sensitive relationship with Pakistan.

The Guardian

GCHQ also assigned the firms "sensitive relationship teams".

The Guardian - Business

The company already has a symbiotic, if sensitive, relationship with MySpace.

The New York Times - Tech

I loved her sensitive relationship with Tommy Gnosis, the way she mentors him, mothers him and also loves him romantically.

The Guardian

She later said she felt no political overtones in coaching children from the mainland, given the sensitive relationship between the mainland and her country.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Barely two weeks ago George Bush and China's foreign-policy mandarin, Qian Qichen, were stressing their determination to manage one of the world's most sensitive relationships as carefully as their differences over human rights and missile defences, as well as Taiwan and much else would allow.

The Economist

"When it comes to issues around foreign affairs, where there may be sensitive relationships between other governments at stake those obviously have an important role for the executive, rather than simply seeing those as judicial.

TechCrunch

Fortunately, Mattis's temperament is by all accounts much more even-keeled than that of Patton, who you definitely would want to command a critical offensive but would not at all want to oversee the overall with its panoply of complex and sensitive relationships.

Huffington Post

Pregnant women with large body sizes may be differentially disadvantaged with respect to care providers' attitudes towards caring for them, negatively affecting the development of warm, sensitive relationships between care providers and higher-BMI pregnant women relative to normal-weight women [ 11].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

This paper explores this process in some detail, showing how this knowledge is represented in a task context-sensitive relationship that supports the very complex real-time processing the computer control systems will have to do.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing interactions between entities prone to conflict or misunderstanding, use "sensitive relationship" to underscore the need for careful diplomacy and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "sensitive relationship" when a simpler term like "relationship" or "connection" suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or suggest underlying issues where none exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensitive relationship" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "sensitive" modifies the noun "relationship". It describes a particular quality of the relationship, indicating its delicate or precarious nature. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sensitive relationship" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe connections requiring careful handling. Ludwig's analysis reveals its prevalence in news, media, and scientific contexts, underscoring its applicability across diverse subjects. The phrase implies a degree of fragility or potential volatility, suggesting that mindful management is essential. When using "sensitive relationship", consider alternatives like "delicate connection" or "precarious association" to tailor your message to the specific context. While correct and widely understood, overusing the phrase can dilute its impact; reserve it for situations genuinely demanding a nuanced approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate connection

Replaces 'relationship' with 'connection', emphasizing the fragility and need for careful management.

fragile bond

Substitutes both words with synonyms highlighting the vulnerability and easiness to break of the connection.

precarious association

Changes both words to alternatives stressing the instability and risk involved.

tense alliance

Modifies the meaning to suggest a relationship characterized by strain and potential conflict.

complex dynamic

Shifts focus to the intricate and multifaceted nature of the interaction.

challenging interdependence

Highlights the difficulties arising from mutual reliance.

finely balanced rapport

Emphasizes the need for equilibrium and careful maintenance in the interaction.

vulnerable link

Focuses on the susceptibility to harm or disruption within the relationship.

unstable partnership

Suggests a lack of firmness and a tendency to change or fail.

difficult affiliation

Points out the problematic aspects of the connection.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "sensitive relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "sensitive relationship" to describe a connection that requires careful handling. For example, "The violence highlighted the "sensitive relationship" between the Palestinian government and the refugees".

What are some alternatives to "sensitive relationship"?

Alternatives include "delicate connection", "fragile bond", or "precarious association" depending on the context.

Is "sensitive relationship" formal or informal?

The phrase "sensitive relationship" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject matter. However, it is most common in news and media and science.

When is it appropriate to use the term "sensitive relationship"?

Use "sensitive relationship" when describing a connection that is easily affected by external factors or requires careful management to avoid conflict or misunderstanding.