sensitive targets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sensitive targets" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to individuals, groups, or entities that are vulnerable or at risk, often in discussions about security, military operations, or data privacy. Example: "The intelligence report highlighted several sensitive targets that require additional protection measures."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The stem cell sensitivity to redox signaling also makes them sensitive targets for antioxidants, which, if targeted to mitochondria, show dose-dependent benefits or toxicity.

Cell Reports

In Italy, the Interior Ministry is considering doubling the 12,000 police and military personnel who guard "sensitive targets".

The New York Times - Travel

It will once again highlight concerns that the country is unable to protect extremely sensitive targets from militant groups fighting against the Pakistani state.

The Guardian

And we will review decisions about intelligence priorities and sensitive targets on an annual basis, so that our actions are regularly scrutinized by my senior national security team.

The Guardian

It will once again highlight concerns the country is not able to protect sensitive targets from militant groups fighting against the Pakistani state.

The Guardian

"The risk of escalation exists," said interior minister Annamaria Cancellieri, adding that the government was prepared to send out the armed forces to protect sensitive targets if necessary.

The Guardian

No effective measures had been taken to guard sensitive targets in Libya against a probable U.S. attack.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As in allied operations in Najaf and Samarra, Iraqi forces would be relied on to clear and secure mosques and other culturally sensitive targets, with marines and soldiers providing backup.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Researchers therefore can further identify drug-sensitive targets and novel drug combinations that sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs.

BMC Genomics

"It was not a transformative goal and it did not address any of the structural issues behind or underlying gender inequality and women's disempowerment … Women's needs, interests and perspectives must be reflected and mainstreamed through gender-sensitive targets and indicators.

The Guardian

Understanding the role of m-aconitase as a source of ROS in neuronal injury may provide a mechanism by which oxidative modification of ROS-sensitive targets leads to neurodegeneration.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing security protocols, clarify the specific criteria that define a "sensitive target" to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether sensitivity is based on economic value, strategic importance, or potential for harm.

Common error

Avoid using "sensitive targets" as a vague catch-all term. Instead, specify the nature of the sensitivity. For example, instead of saying 'protect sensitive targets', say 'protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks' to provide greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sensitive targets" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "sensitive" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "targets". It identifies specific entities that require careful consideration or protection due to their vulnerability or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sensitive targets" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to denote entities requiring heightened protection or consideration. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and appropriate across various contexts, particularly in science and news media. The phrase indicates a need for increased security measures or careful handling due to the vulnerability or importance of the identified targets. Remember to be specific when using this term, clarifying the criteria that make a target "sensitive" to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "vulnerable objectives" and "critical assets", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vulnerable objectives

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or attack.

critical assets

Highlights the importance and value requiring protection.

high-priority targets

Focuses on the level of importance and urgency for action.

key vulnerabilities

Points out the weaknesses that need to be addressed.

strategic interests

Indicates areas of significant importance for long-term goals.

fragile systems

Highlights the delicate nature and ease of disruption.

precarious entities

Emphasizes the instability and risk associated.

endangered resources

Focuses on the risk of loss or depletion.

at-risk populations

Specifies the groups facing potential harm or danger.

exposed infrastructure

Highlights the lack of protection and potential for damage.

FAQs

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

You can use "sensitive targets" to describe locations, systems, or groups that require extra protection due to their vulnerability or importance. For example: 'The military increased security around known "sensitive targets"'.

What are some alternatives to saying "sensitive targets"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "vulnerable objectives", "critical assets", or "high-priority targets".

In what situations is it appropriate to use the term "sensitive targets"?

The term is appropriate in contexts where the targets are particularly vulnerable to attack or require special protection. This includes military strategy, cybersecurity, and data privacy discussions.

What makes a target "sensitive"?

A target can be considered "sensitive" if it is essential to operations, contains valuable information, or its loss or compromise could have significant consequences. This could include physical locations, data systems, or even specific individuals.