things are delicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things are delicate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe situations, relationships, or objects that require careful handling or consideration. Example: "In negotiations, it's important to remember that things are delicate and require a thoughtful approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Some things are delicate," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

Good faith and good form shown when things are delicate could make a difference.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

All the things that are delicate about us are eaten away, and all those things that are insecure and cruel are magnified.

The Guardian - Music

The pigment molecules that give living things their dazzling colours are delicate things that degrade over time, which is why the palaeontological specimens in museums often look dull.

The Economist

So many things "shimmer," or are "delicate," "dainty," "fragile" or "radiant," that these words lose their associative charge.

The New York Times - Books

Intensities abound: things are "most delicate," "so dominant, so focused".

The New York Times - Books

They are delicate things.

The New York Times - Food

Membranes are delicate things.

The New Yorker

Entanglement and superposition are delicate things.

The Economist

They are delicate things, vocal cords," he said.

Independent

Our bodies are delicate things, easily infected, our mothers taught us, and the agents of microscopic villainy are everywhere.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and the level of formality required. While suitable for general use, in highly formal contexts, more precise language might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid overuse in formal or academic writing. While grammatically sound, relying too heavily on "things are delicate" can make your writing seem less precise. Opt for more specific and descriptive language to convey the nuances of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things are delicate" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a particular situation or object requires careful handling due to its fragility or sensitivity. Ludwig indicates this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "things are delicate" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote sensitivity or fragility in various contexts. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While prevalent in news and media, it also finds use in formal and business settings. When employing the phrase, consider the audience and context to ensure the appropriate level of formality and specificity. Alternatives like "the situation is fragile" or "matters are sensitive" can provide more nuanced expression depending on your needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the situation is sensitive

Focuses on the sensitivity of the situation rather than the fragility of things.

matters are sensitive

Highlights the sensitivity surrounding the matters at hand.

the situation is precarious

Emphasizes the instability and potential danger of the situation.

the situation is fragile

Highlights the vulnerability and easiness to be damaged of the situation.

circumstances are sensitive

Focuses on the sensitivity surrounding the circumstances.

the matter requires careful handling

Shifts the focus to the need for careful management.

the matter is touchy

Highlights the sensitivity and potential for conflict.

the situation is unstable

Focuses on the lack of stability in the situation.

the situation requires tact

Emphasizes the need for diplomacy and sensitivity.

the issue is a hot potato

Highlights the controversial and problematic nature of the issue.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "things are delicate"?

When someone says "things are delicate", it means that a situation, relationship, or object requires careful handling or consideration because it is easily damaged or disrupted.

How can I use "things are delicate" in a sentence?

You can use "things are delicate" in a sentence to describe a situation that needs careful attention. For example, "In negotiations, it's important to remember that "things are delicate" and require a thoughtful approach."

What can I say instead of "things are delicate"?

You can use alternatives like "the situation is fragile" or "matters are sensitive" depending on the context.

Is "things are delicate" formal or informal?

"Things are delicate" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more specific language might be preferred in highly formal situations.