a broad hand

USAGE SUMMARY

'a broad hand' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English that can be used in various contexts.
For example: "With a broad hand, he gently patted his daughter's head."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He stuck out a broad hand.

The New York Times

He bought with a broad hand — by the crate and by the dozen.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Go into the mouse settings and make some adjustments to your liking, it will be less tiring to have a sensitive mouse that does not require broad hand movements.

WikiHow

One doctor, as he talked to me, made a broad, swiping hand gesture that suggested that a lot of erasing was in order.

The New Yorker

Mr. Bergeret believes in having his cast illustrate almost every word with broad hand and arm movement.

The New York Times - Arts

Standardised hand function tests were excluded in the second round in favour of assessment of broad hand function.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

She had a cardiac murmur; short broad hands with clinodactyly of the fifth fingers, and absence of distal interphalangeal joint creases; short broad feet with short toes and a slight skin syndactyly between the second and third toes bilaterally.

Human Genetics

1, 7, 8 There is contraction at the base of the skull with a prominent forehead and flattened midface region and short, broad hands with a trident appearance of the fingers.

Application of Clinical Genetics

The second, c.278A>G (p.E93G), was identified in a proband with bilateral microphthalmia, broad hands with low-placed thumbs, brain anomalies, and developmental delay.

Human Genetics

Jato had few teeth, broad hands, and bushy gray eyebrows, and wore jeans and a lumberjack shirt.

The New Yorker

He has long, ropy arms and broad hands.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "a broad hand" to describe an action that is generous in scale or scope. For example: "The philanthropist supported numerous charities with a broad hand", signaling a generous level of giving.

Common error

While "a broad hand" can be descriptive, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "generous gesture" or "expansive approach" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad hand" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, often implying generosity, comprehensiveness, or a sweeping gesture. Ludwig confirms its acceptability in written English. It typically appears as part of a larger clause or sentence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

23%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a broad hand" is a grammatically sound phrase used to convey generosity, comprehensiveness, or a sweeping gesture. Ludwig's analysis confirms its acceptability, although it is relatively rare. It appears most frequently in news and media, with some presence in scientific and wiki contexts. While versatile, its usage should be deliberate to avoid repetitiveness. Consider using alternatives like "a generous gesture" or "an expansive approach" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a generous gesture

Focuses on the generosity implied by a broad hand, often in giving or spending.

an expansive approach

Emphasizes the wide-ranging nature of the hand's influence or scope.

a sweeping motion

Highlights the wide and inclusive physical movement of the hand.

a wide-ranging involvement

Shifts the focus to the extensive participation or impact.

a comprehensive grasp

Highlights the thorough understanding or control implied.

a liberal distribution

Emphasizes the generous and widespread allocation of resources or efforts.

an all-encompassing reach

Focuses on the extent of influence or coverage.

an inclusive gesture

Highlights the welcoming and encompassing nature of the hand's action.

a substantial contribution

Emphasizes the significant impact or role.

a far-reaching effect

Focuses on the widespread and lasting impact.

FAQs

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

The phrase "a broad hand" can be used to describe a generous or sweeping gesture, or a general approach to something. For instance, "She dismissed the concerns with a broad hand", suggesting she disregarded them easily.

What are some alternatives to "a broad hand"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a generous gesture", "an expansive approach", or "a sweeping motion".

Is it more appropriate to say "broad hands" or "a broad hand"?

The choice depends on the context. "Broad hands" describes the physical attribute of having wide hands. "A broad hand" is used figuratively to describe an action or approach. For example: "He has broad hands" (physical), versus "He dismissed the issue with a broad hand" (figurative).

Can "a broad hand" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a broad hand" can be used in formal writing, but it's important to ensure the context is appropriate. It's more common in descriptive or narrative writing than in highly technical or scientific contexts. Ensure that it contributes to the overall tone and clarity of your writing.