somewhat delicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat delicate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is fragile, sensitive, or requires careful handling or consideration. Example: "The situation is somewhat delicate, so we need to approach it with caution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"Leon was in a somewhat delicate state," Mr. Burnett said, "but the longer we went, the stronger he got.

The New York Times - Arts

Stated simply, orchard grass is somewhat delicate with a relatively soft fleshy stem and a whitish, feathery seed head.

The New York Times

His task was somewhat delicate: Mr. Patten had just said that the prosecution's "whole case" depended on a fellow officer, Mr. Maloney.

The New York Times

The birds are somewhat delicate breeders: by building their nests at the lake's center, they depend on a perfect balance of water to keep them safe.

The New York Times

The timing turned out to be somewhat delicate, as it fell immediately after the controversial Bahrain Grand Prix — which drew all sorts of questions about the business of the sport of Formula One.

The New York Times

There was, however, the somewhat delicate matter of the criminal charges pending against him; of all 4,807 candidates elected since 2008, he had the longest record, according to the Association for Democratic Reforms.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

A very pretty game with a new emphasis on close-quarters dogfighting, Assault Horizon is a little more intense and somewhat less delicate than its predecessors.

The Guardian - Tech

At the same time, the fight for city hall may have frayed somewhat the delicate coalition of rival political groups that Mrs. Aquino successfully led in the election campaign that ended in the ouster last month of Ferdinand E. Marcos.

The New York Times

Young got up the Skynyrdian nose because of his abrasive, heavy-handed Southern Man and the somewhat more delicate Alabama, both of which were vehemently critical of the American South for its Neanderthal treatment of African-Americans.

The Guardian - Music

Though it is somewhat more delicate, something similar can be said for coherence theories, which usually take beliefs, or whole systems of beliefs, as the primary truth-bearers.

SEP

About three hours later, after rides in small boats that were "special, somewhat expensive and delicate," a crane hoisted Abu Khattala onto the warship, still shackled, masked and with headphones that cut sounds.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "somewhat delicate", be prepared to explain why it requires careful handling. Provide context to clarify the specific risks or sensitivities involved.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat delicate" when the situation is clearly very unstable or dangerous. Choose stronger language to accurately reflect the severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat delicate" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a moderate degree of fragility, sensitivity, or complexity. Ludwig's examples show it describing situations, objects, and personal states that need careful consideration.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat delicate" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something that requires careful handling or consideration due to its fragility or sensitivity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. When using this phrase, be mindful of the specific nuance you want to convey and avoid overstating the degree of fragility. Alternatives like "rather fragile" or "fairly sensitive" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat precarious

Highlights a degree of risk or uncertainty, similar to precarious but to a lesser degree.

rather fragile

Indicates a higher degree of fragility compared to "somewhat delicate".

rather sensitive

Amplifies the sensitivity, making it more pronounced than "somewhat delicate".

fairly sensitive

Focuses on the sensitivity aspect, implying a susceptibility to external factors.

a little fragile

Emphasizes the fragility aspect with a slightly more casual tone.

slightly vulnerable

Highlights the vulnerability, suggesting a weakness that could be exploited.

slightly sensitive

Implies a reduced level of sensitivity compared to the original phrase.

moderately precarious

Emphasizes the instability and risk associated with the situation.

a bit touchy

Suggests a situation that requires careful handling to avoid causing offense or problems.

mildly unstable

Indicates a lack of stability, though not to a severe degree.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat delicate" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat delicate" to describe situations, objects, or even feelings that require careful handling. For example: "The negotiations are "somewhat delicate", so avoid raising controversial topics."

What are some alternatives to "somewhat delicate"?

Alternatives include "rather fragile", "fairly sensitive", or "slightly vulnerable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "somewhat delicate" in formal writing?

Yes, "somewhat delicate" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to describe a situation that requires tact and careful consideration.

What's the difference between "somewhat delicate" and "very delicate"?

"Somewhat delicate" suggests a moderate level of fragility or sensitivity, while "very delicate" implies a much higher degree. Use "very delicate" when the situation is exceptionally fragile and requires extreme care.