to be sensitive to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be sensitive to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing awareness or consideration of someone's feelings, needs, or circumstances. Example: "As a counselor, it is important to be sensitive to the emotions of your clients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You have to be sensitive to that.

The Guardian

But we have to be sensitive to the issue".

The New York Times

"It's got to be sensitive to culture and context".

The Guardian

You have to be sensitive to yourself and to others.

The Guardian - Sport

We have both got to be sensitive to these things".

The Guardian

We are trying to be sensitive to this issue".

The New York Times

"I just try to be sensitive to what I'm making.

The New York Times - Arts

"We're trying to be sensitive to their concerns.

The New York Times - Sports

Officials seem to be sensitive to their concern.

The Economist

They've not been trained to be sensitive to that population".

The New York Times

First they engineered these neurons to be sensitive to light.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing sensitive topics, use the phrase "to be sensitive to" to signal your awareness and consideration of potential emotional responses. This shows respect and promotes constructive dialogue.

Common error

Avoid using "to be sensitive to" merely as a superficial gesture. Ensure your actions and words reflect genuine empathy and understanding of the issues at hand, or it may come across as insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be sensitive to" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing the need for awareness and consideration towards someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in expressing awareness of feelings, needs, or circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to be sensitive to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the need for awareness and consideration. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s suitable for discussing feelings, needs, or circumstances. Its prevalence in news, media, and scientific contexts underscores its widespread applicability. To ensure genuine empathy, use this phrase thoughtfully and avoid superficial applications. Remember that related phrases like "to be mindful of" or "to show consideration for" can offer nuanced alternatives. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively incorporate "to be sensitive to" into your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be mindful of

Stresses the importance of being conscious and attentive to something, often in a proactive way.

to be understanding of

Highlights empathy and the capacity to grasp the feelings or circumstances of others.

to show consideration for

Emphasizes the act of deliberately showing thoughtfulness and respect, rather than a passive state of being aware.

to be attuned to

Implies a finely tuned responsiveness and perception, suggesting a deeper connection.

to demonstrate awareness of

Focuses on exhibiting a clear understanding and knowledge of a particular issue or situation.

to be responsive to

Highlights the capacity to react appropriately and effectively to needs or changes.

to take into account

Highlights the process of including something as a relevant factor when making a decision or judgment.

to pay attention to

Focuses on directing one's focus and observation towards something specific.

to recognize the importance of

Emphasizes acknowledging the significance and value of a particular aspect or concern.

to appreciate the nuances of

Highlights an understanding of subtle differences or aspects that may not be immediately obvious.

FAQs

How can I use "to be sensitive to" in a sentence?

You can use "to be sensitive to" when you want to express the importance of being aware and considerate of someone's feelings, needs, or circumstances. For example, "It's important "to be sensitive to" cultural differences when traveling abroad".

What is a good alternative for "to be sensitive to"?

Alternatives include "to be mindful of", "to be aware of", or "to be considerate of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "to be sensitive of" or "to be sensitive to"?

"To be sensitive to" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "To be sensitive of" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided.

What does it mean "to be sensitive to" someone's needs?

It means understanding and responding with care and consideration to what someone requires or desires. It involves being attentive to their feelings, circumstances, and preferences, and acting in a way that supports their well-being.