somewhat touchy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat touchy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is sensitive or easily offended about a particular topic or situation. Example: "When discussing politics, be careful; he can be somewhat touchy about his opinions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It instead created an existential and somewhat touchy question: Should a team lobby for one of its own players to be charged with an error in order to benefit a teammate?

The New York Times

(Saratoga 8/17/08 anyone? Anyone?) There are lots of sites, of course, where you can still celebrate Bob's birthday illegally, but as the hireling of an institution that is somewhat touchy about "intellectual property," whatever that is, I can't properly tell you how to find them.

The New Yorker

One slightly annoying thing is that it autocenters images, making scrolling with a mouse wheel somewhat touchy, though when using a touchpad that actually comes in handy.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mr. Gifford, who lives with his wife, Anne, in Manchester, N.H., 55 miles north of here, and commutes in a chauffeur-driven limousine, is regarded as more approachable, "somewhat touchy-feely, with more interpersonal skills" than his predecessor, in the words of one Wall Street analyst.

The New York Times

For example, soon you will be able to get news and weather from your PS3, download feature films, and there will be a photo/movie management app with geotagging and a globe view, not unlike what I saw at the Surface event, but without the (somewhat critical) touchy interface.

TechCrunch

Normally among the most visible and audible of Democrats, Mr. Schumer has taken an uncharacteristically low profile on the touchy subject, a strategy that somewhat boomeranged when it drew some tabloid heat in New York, as well as a criticism from Mr. Bloomberg.

The New York Times

A somewhat surprised John King declared, "It's ending on a soft, touchy moment".

Huffington Post

Touchy, touchy.

The New York Times

So touchy.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a very touchy, touchy subject".

The New York Times

Pammy was touchy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat touchy" when you want to gently indicate that a topic or person requires careful handling due to potential sensitivity.

Common error

Avoid substituting "somewhat touchy" when a more direct term would be clearer and more appropriate. Overuse can make your writing sound evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat touchy" primarily functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, to describe a noun. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English. It indicates a mild degree of sensitivity or volatility associated with the subject it modifies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "somewhat touchy" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe subjects or situations requiring a degree of care due to potential sensitivity. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable in written English, and our analysis indicates that it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. It serves to temper the description of a potentially controversial or sensitive topic, and while appropriate for general use, it should be considered carefully in more formal academic settings where precision is paramount. Alternatives like "a bit sensitive" or "slightly delicate" can provide similar meaning with slight shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A bit sensitive

This alternative uses a more direct and common term for sensitivity, implying a mild degree of caution.

Slightly sensitive

Indicates a small degree of sensitivity, suggesting a mild reaction is possible.

Rather delicate

This suggests a need for careful handling to avoid upsetting someone or creating problems.

Rather fragile

Suggests a vulnerability and ease of being hurt or offended.

Kind of precarious

Highlights the instability of a situation or person's emotional state.

A little raw

This implies recent emotional distress or vulnerability.

A little tricky

Focuses on the difficulty in navigating a situation or dealing with a person's emotions.

Somewhat irritable

Indicates a tendency to become easily annoyed or provoked.

Slightly irritable

Implies a mild level of being annoyed and easily provoked.

A bit volatile

This suggests unpredictable reactions and potential for emotional outbursts.

FAQs

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

You can use "somewhat touchy" to describe a person, subject, or situation that requires careful handling due to sensitivity. For instance, "Politics can be a "somewhat touchy" subject at family gatherings".

What are some alternatives to "somewhat touchy"?

Consider alternatives such as "a bit sensitive", "rather delicate", or "slightly sensitive", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "somewhat touchy"?

Use "somewhat touchy" when you want to gently suggest that a topic or person requires careful handling, but without being overly dramatic or alarmist. It's suitable in situations where a direct or blunt term might be too harsh.

Is "somewhat touchy" a formal or informal expression?

"Somewhat touchy" falls in a neutral register, suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. However, avoid it in strictly formal or academic writing where more precise language might be preferred.