A generous hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A generous hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is giving or charitable, often in the context of helping others or providing assistance. Example: "She always extends a generous hand to those in need, offering her time and resources without hesitation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

You won't need a microscope to see what you're eating; Ris serves its food with a generous hand.

The Washington Post

They pour the liquor at the Subway with a generous hand, filling the glass more than three fingers high.

The New York Times

Mr. Ishizuka is more of a Tony Bennett, a crooner working the crowd with a genial smile and a generous hand.

The New York Times - Food

A linguine special arrived loaded with snowy wafers of calamari, mussels, shrimp, clams, shiitakes (used with a generous hand in many dishes) and chopped herbs.

The New York Times

There's much to regret but not the central fact that a generous hand was extended to post-Soviet Russia, offering the best of Western values and know-how.

The Washington Post

Great scrambled eggs require a generous hand with the fat, and single-minded devotion to stirring and watching – leave them alone for a second, and they'll overcook.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

But they were unaware that BMW had, in fact, dealt the four a rather generous hand.

The Guardian - Business

Duck rillettes, doled out with a very generous hand, have rich flavor and the correct unctuous spreadability.

The New York Times - Food

When Jacques Rogge and Lord Coe closed the London Olympics, the loudest cheer was reserved not for the athletes – though the roar was deafening – nor for the organisers, who received an almost equally generous hand, but for the volunteers – all 70,000 of them.

Independent

He moved to Manhattan in 1964 with his family where with an open heart and generous hand he continued his life of integrity, honor, wisdom, courage and multilingual wit.

The New York Times

And what you get from Molina's generous hand is an almost supernatural flakiness — the biscuits separate into a series of steamy, crunchy-edged leaves, each one ready to dab with a bit of whipped maple butter.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a generous hand" to emphasize the act of giving or providing assistance with a positive and benevolent intention.

Common error

Avoid using "a generous hand" solely to describe material wealth; it's more effective when highlighting acts of kindness, charity, or support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a generous hand" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb, describing an act of giving or providing assistance. As Ludwig points out, it is a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a generous hand" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe acts of giving, support, and kindness. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English. It is versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts, from news articles to formal business communications. While similar to "a helping hand", it emphasizes the benevolence and positive intention behind the act of giving. When using this phrase, focus on highlighting the positive impact of someone's actions rather than just describing material wealth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A helping hand

Focuses more on providing assistance, often in a practical sense.

A charitable disposition

Highlights the inherent character trait of being charitable.

A giving nature

Emphasizes the natural tendency to give and share.

A benevolent spirit

Indicates a kind and well-meaning attitude towards others.

Openhandedness

Highlights the quality of being liberal in giving or spending.

A generous contribution

Specifically refers to the act of donating or contributing resources.

A liberal donation

Similar to a generous contribution, but emphasizes the quantity of the donation.

An altruistic approach

Implies selfless concern for the well-being of others.

A supportive gesture

Highlights the act of providing support, whether emotional or practical.

A kind offering

Emphasizes the kindness and thoughtfulness behind the act of giving.

FAQs

How can I use "a generous hand" in a sentence?

You can use "a generous hand" to describe someone who is charitable or helpful. For example, "She extended "a generous hand" to the less fortunate during the holidays."

What's the difference between "a generous hand" and "a helping hand"?

"A generous hand" implies providing support with resources or kindness, while "a helping hand" more directly refers to assistance in completing a task.

What are some alternatives to "a generous hand"?

Alternatives include "a helping hand", "a charitable disposition", or "a giving nature", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a generous hand" in formal writing?

Yes, "a generous hand" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing acts of philanthropy or goodwill. It maintains a respectful and appreciative tone.