sensitive subject for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sensitive subject for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing topics that may evoke strong emotions or reactions, often requiring careful handling. Example: "The discussion about mental health can be a sensitive subject for many individuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Hillary Clinton is a sensitive subject for McCaskill.

The New Yorker

Immigration has long been a sensitive subject for Australia.

The New York Times

This has been a sensitive subject for the movement.

The New York Times

It's a sensitive subject for leaders of different countries around the world".

The New York Times

The bloody battle for Algerian independence is still a hugely sensitive subject for some French people.

The Guardian - Film

It is clearly a sensitive subject for both Google and Yahoo.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

But that's one of the biggest challenges, as mental health issues — like anxiety or depression — can be very sensitive subjects for employees.

TechCrunch

EQSbiota are derived for the most sensitive subject of protection (e.g. human health, wildlife) and for substances that particularly accumulate in aquatic biota such as fish.

Environmental Sciences Europe

A lot of those same things include his past struggles with eating disorders – sensitive subject matter for a musical.

The Guardian - Film

Despite our findings on some of limitations of ACASI (e.g. unintentional harm or discomfort and the absence of participant-researcher relationship), we believe that ACASI is an appropriate data collection method for sensitive subjects, particularly for vulnerable women such as HIV-positive women.

Plosone

Ireland, of course, has been a sensitive subject in Britain for many years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "sensitive subject for", be mindful of your audience and adjust your language accordingly to avoid causing offense or discomfort. Always approach these topics with empathy and respect.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "sensitive subject for" as a way to shut down discussion or dismiss legitimate concerns. Acknowledge the complexity of the issue and be open to different perspectives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensitive subject for" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun (subject, issue, topic, etc.) to indicate that it requires careful handling due to its potential to evoke strong emotions or cause discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sensitive subject for" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a topic that requires careful and tactful handling. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various domains, particularly in news and media, highlighting its importance in objective reporting on potentially contentious issues. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to remain mindful of your audience and avoid oversimplification. Alternatives such as "delicate topic for" or "touchy subject for" can provide nuanced variations. Understanding the communicative purpose and appropriate register ensures effective and empathetic communication, especially when addressing challenging or emotionally charged matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate topic for

Replaces 'sensitive' with 'delicate', emphasizing the need for careful handling.

touchy subject for

Substitutes 'sensitive' with 'touchy', highlighting the potential for causing offense.

difficult issue for

Replaces 'subject' with 'issue', focusing on the problematic nature of the topic.

challenging matter for

Substitutes 'subject' with 'matter', emphasizing the complexity and difficulty.

contentious topic for

Replaces 'sensitive' with 'contentious', highlighting the potential for disagreement and debate.

controversial issue for

Similar to 'contentious topic', but with a stronger emphasis on widespread disagreement.

problematic area for

Shifts the focus to the problematic nature of the subject.

thorny question for

Uses 'thorny' to describe the subject, indicating a complex and potentially painful issue.

tricky area for

Replaces 'sensitive' with 'tricky', emphasizing the need for careful navigation.

fraught subject for

Emphasizes the anxiety and tension associated with the topic.

FAQs

How can I use "sensitive subject for" in a sentence?

You can use "sensitive subject for" to describe a topic that requires careful handling due to its potential to cause discomfort or offense. For example: "Politics is often a "sensitive subject for" many families during the holidays."

What are some alternatives to "sensitive subject for"?

Alternatives include "delicate topic for", "touchy subject for", or "controversial issue for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "sensitive subject for" in formal writing?

Yes, "sensitive subject for" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing complex or potentially controversial issues. However, always consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What makes a topic a "sensitive subject for" someone?

A topic becomes a "sensitive subject for" someone when it evokes strong emotions, personal experiences, or deeply held beliefs that can lead to discomfort, defensiveness, or conflict. Approaching such topics requires empathy and understanding.