a favourable hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a favourable hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a situation or condition that is advantageous or beneficial, often in games or situations involving chance. Example: "In poker, having a favourable hand can significantly increase your chances of winning the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

However, he was also dealt a favourable hand, by the unwitting Angus Deayton.

Independent

Shuffling, as casino card dealers and others know, is a job that necessitates a degree of secrecy, and lady luck was again not dealing Jeremy Corbyn a favourable hand.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Without a favourable deal, Azoff and his lawyers want those tracks removed from YouTube.

Vice

Moreover, the soldiers may also tend to report the expected favourable hand washing behaviour.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Our findings suggest a delicate balance between, on one hand, a favourable role of chemotherapy-induced G2 cell cycle arrest on viral replication and, on the other hand, a so far unresolved adverse effect of chemotherapy on CRAd replication in the absence of G2 cell cycle arrest.

British Journal of Cancer

"A lot will depend on whether we reach the finals in France next year - if we do, then we go into the World Cup qualifiers with a great deal of momentum". The Republic were handed a favourable draw with Austria, Georgia and Moldova providing the remainder of their Group D opposition.

BBC

Bolivia have qualified as the real underdogs from the group stages but have been handed a favourable draw against Peru, who will also be delighted with the outcome of finishing second in Group C. No side had fewer shots (18), less possession (34.7%) or a lower pass accuracy (66.5%) than Bolivia in the group stages.

The Guardian - Sport

Hosts Gabon were handed a favourable draw for January's Africa Cup of Nations, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's side to face Cameroon, Burkina Faso and the debutants Guinea-Bissau in Group A while the heavyweights Algeria and Senegal will face off in Group B.

The Guardian - Sport

The colt, whose sire Montjeu took the prize 13 years ago, has been handed a favourable low draw (in contrast, his rival at the top of the market, the Japanese champion Orfevre, will start on the wide outside) and his rider is without peer round the tricky course, with its deceptive bends into the home straight.

Independent

Manchester United's conquerors MK Dons were handed a favourable draw in the third round of the Capital One Cup with a home tie against League One Bradford.

BBC

The Gunners looked to have been handed a favourable draw but a display that plumbed the depths of incompetence and naivety leaves them facing a last-16 exit once more.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a favourable hand" when referring to receiving an advantage or beneficial circumstance, especially one influenced by chance or external factors.

Common error

Avoid using "a favourable hand" to describe situations solely determined by skill or effort, where external influence or luck is minimal. It's best suited for scenarios where chance plays a significant role.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a favourable hand" is that of a noun phrase, acting as the object or subject complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing circumstances benefiting someone. According to Ludwig AI the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a favourable hand" is a noun phrase used to describe an advantageous or beneficial situation, often influenced by chance. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, indicating a neutral register. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Related phrases include "an advantageous situation" and "a lucky break". When using this phrase, remember to emphasize the role of external factors or chance in creating the favorable conditions. It's best suited for scenarios where luck plays a significant role.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an advantageous situation

Focuses on the situation being generally beneficial, less specific than a hand.

a lucky break

Highlights the element of chance and good fortune involved.

a fortunate turn of events

Emphasizes the positive change in circumstances.

a beneficial opportunity

Highlights the potential for gain and advantage.

a propitious circumstance

A more formal way of describing favorable conditions.

a stroke of luck

Similar to "a lucky break" but perhaps implying a more sudden occurrence.

a golden opportunity

Emphasizes the rarity and value of the chance.

a positive development

Focuses on the forward momentum and improvement.

a welcome advantage

Highlights the element of the advantage being appreciated.

a break in one's favor

Similar to "a lucky break" but includes "in one's favor" for emphasis.

FAQs

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

You can use "a favourable hand" to describe an advantageous situation, especially when luck or external factors are involved. For example, "He was dealt "a favourable hand" in the negotiations, giving him a significant advantage."

What's a synonym for "a favourable hand"?

Synonyms for "a favourable hand" include "an advantageous situation", "a lucky break", or "a fortunate turn of events".

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

Yes, "a favourable hand" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, although alternatives like "an advantageous position" might be preferred in highly formal contexts.

What does it mean to be dealt "a favourable hand"?

To be dealt "a favourable hand" means to receive an advantageous or beneficial set of circumstances, often implying an element of luck or chance. It suggests that the situation is set up in your favor.