with tenderness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with tenderness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or feeling that is gentle, caring, or affectionate. Example: "She held the fragile bird with tenderness, ensuring it felt safe in her hands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

With tenderness, and love.

The New Yorker

Ruscha plays it straight, with tenderness.

The New Yorker

She seduces him with tenderness.

The New York Times - Arts

The work combines mortal stress with tenderness.

The New Yorker

He treated her with tenderness; sherepaid him with cruelty.

The New York Times - Books

I was filled with tenderness for a car.

The New York Times

Foreman stops and looks at me with tenderness.

The New York Times - Magazine

McEwan, as ever, writes with tenderness and sagacity.

The Guardian - Books

Paul approaches books with tenderness, desire, insecurity, and, always, ambition.

The New Yorker

This escalation is handled with tenderness and subtlety.

The Guardian - Film

A revealing evening that entwines machismo with tenderness.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with tenderness", ensure that the surrounding words also reflect the gentle and caring tone you intend to convey, avoiding harsh or conflicting language.

Common error

Avoid using "with tenderness" in medical contexts where a more precise description of physical symptoms is needed. For instance, instead of saying "the area was examined with tenderness", specify the degree of pressure applied or the specific findings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with tenderness" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how an action is performed. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples include describing how someone speaks, touches, or treats another person.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with tenderness" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to describe actions performed with gentle care and affection. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and broad applicability, which is reflected in its frequent appearance across various sources, especially in News & Media. While versatile, it's best used in contexts where emotional warmth and consideration are relevant, and should be avoided in technical or clinical descriptions that require more precision. Related phrases such as "with affection" and "with gentleness" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific emotional tone you wish to convey. Remember to keep your language consistent for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with affection

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of fondness and care.

with gentleness

Highlights the delicate and careful manner in which something is done.

with compassion

Focuses on empathy and understanding in the action.

with loving care

Combines affection and attentiveness, emphasizing thoroughness.

with heartfelt sympathy

Stresses the sincerity and depth of emotional connection.

with warmth

Implies a friendly and comforting approach.

with sensitivity

Highlights awareness and consideration of others' feelings.

with softheartedness

Emphasizes a kind and gentle nature.

with delicacy

Focuses on the fineness and precision of handling something.

with solicitude

Highlights concern and attentiveness toward someone's needs.

FAQs

How can I use "with tenderness" in a sentence?

Use "with tenderness" to describe actions done with gentle care and affection. For example, "He held the baby bird "with tenderness", careful not to hurt it."

What are some alternatives to "with tenderness"?

Alternatives include phrases like "with affection", "with gentleness", or "with compassion", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "with tenderness" or "tenderly"?

Both are correct, but "with tenderness" is a prepositional phrase, while "tenderly" is an adverb. The choice depends on the sentence structure. For example, "He treated her with tenderness" versus "He treated her tenderly."

What is the difference between "with tenderness" and "with kindness"?

"With tenderness" implies a gentle and affectionate approach, often in emotionally charged situations. "With kindness" suggests a general disposition of goodwill and generosity, not necessarily involving physical gentleness or deep emotion.