Hand of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Hand of" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts that refer to control, influence, or action, often in a metaphorical sense. An example is "the Hand of Fate guided their decisions." Alternative expressions include "Touch of," "Grip of," and "Power of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Hand of the maker," Moses said, approvingly.

The New Yorker

By hand, of course.

Independent

A hand of poker?

The New York Times - Sports

Does the hand of God.

The New Yorker

Call it the hot hand of investing.

The New York Times

Pajarito Gómez plays another hand of poker.

The New Yorker

He shook the hand of the referee.

The New York Times - Sports

It was the Hand of Dread.

The New York Times - Books

It was a hand of Fatima.

The New York Times

The hand of the designer themselves?

Independent

"What hand of God?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Hand of" to denote a powerful, often unseen force or influence, as in "the invisible hand of the market."

Common error

Avoid using "Hand of" when a more direct or specific agent is known. For example, instead of "the hand of fate intervened", specify "fate intervened" or, if applicable, name the intervening entity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Hand of" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object complement. It signifies influence, agency, or control, particularly in abstract or metaphorical contexts. Ludwig examples show its use in various constructions like "the hand of fate" or "the hand of the market". Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Hand of" is a versatile noun phrase used to signify influence, control, or agency. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. The frequency of its appearance in news and media suggests its role in explaining events through an entity's influence, be it fate, the market, or a specific organization. While generally neutral in register, context dictates its precise formality. Ludwig examples showcase its diverse application, reinforcing its status as a common and adaptable expression. Remember to attribute agency accurately and avoid overuse when more specific agents can be identified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Control of

Focuses on the act of directing and managing something, implying authority.

Power of

Stresses the capacity to affect or change something, emphasizing strength or authority.

Influence of

Indicates a more general form of impact or sway, rather than direct control.

Touch of

Suggests a subtle or delicate influence, differing from the more assertive implication of "hand".

Intervention of

Implies active involvement, often to alter a course of events or a situation.

Agency of

Emphasizes the role or capacity to act, focusing on the entity responsible.

Impact of

Refers to the effect or result, rather than the source of influence.

Manipulation by

Indicates skillful handling or control, often with a negative connotation.

Involvement of

Highlights participation or connection, rather than direct manipulation or control.

Guidance of

Suggests direction or advice, rather than direct control or action.

FAQs

How can I use "Hand of" in a sentence?

You can use "Hand of" to indicate influence, control, or action, especially in a metaphorical sense. For example, "the "hand of fate"" or "the guiding "hand of the market"".

What are some alternatives to "Hand of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "influence of", "touch of", or "power of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever incorrect to use "Hand of"?

While grammatically correct, using "Hand of" may be inappropriate if a more specific agent or cause is known and could be stated more directly. It is best to avoid it in contexts that require precision and clarity.

What does "Hand of God" mean?

The phrase "Hand of God" typically refers to divine intervention or an action attributed to God's power or influence. It is often used in contexts involving unexpected or miraculous events.