a great hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a great hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is skilled or talented at a particular task, often in the context of helping or performing a job well. Example: "She has a great hand for painting, and her artwork always impresses everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

During the summer, Ainge dealt Rivers a great hand.

The New York Times

"I surmise Jane had a great hand in it," he said.

The New Yorker

The winery has a great hand with red wines; look for a well-priced cabernet franc.

The New York Times - Travel

And Johnny's got a great hand gesture here on this line".

The New York Times

Its roots clutched the slope like a great hand, holding the hill in place.

The Guardian - Books

"He either has a great hand or I have unresolved feelings about my mother".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

There's nothing like a great hand-drawn font, right?

The New York Times

The work culminated in a great hand-drawn lunar atlas made by observers in Berlin and Athens.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And I have a great hand-colored engraving of Bright and Lambert, from 1815, which has an inset of the seven men in the waistcoat".

The New Yorker

From £8, marksandspencer.com 1. Boden Boden's fun and quirky owl-themed jumper is made from 100 per cent cotton that doesn't seem to shrink or bobble, no matter how many times it's washed, meaning that it will also make a great hand-me-down.

Independent

"Mike is a great hand-holder," said the strategist Ed Rollins, who worked with Mr. Murphy in Mrs. Whitman's race for governor in 1993, when Mr. Rollins's boast, later recanted, that black ministers were paid to suppress the black vote got Mr. Murphy grilled by the F.B.I. "He just makes you feel comfortable".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a great hand" to describe someone's proficiency in a particular skill or activity, especially when emphasizing their ability to create or manipulate something effectively. For example, "She has a great hand with pottery."

Common error

Avoid using "a great hand" to describe abstract qualities that aren't related to skill or proficiency. For instance, instead of saying "He has a great hand in managing people" consider using "He is a great manager."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a great hand" functions as a noun phrase, where "great" is an adjective modifying the noun "hand". As the Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase describes someone who is skilled or talented at a particular task.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

21%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a great hand" is a noun phrase used to describe someone with significant skill or talent, as confirmed by the examples provided by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and, while not extremely common, appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news media. While versatile, it's best suited for describing tangible skills and should be avoided in abstract contexts where other phrases may be more appropriate. Overall, as the Ludwig AI states, "a great hand" is a useful phrase for expressing admiration for someone's proficiency in a given area.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a skillful touch

Focuses on the finesse and dexterity involved.

a deft hand

Emphasizes quickness and cleverness in execution.

an expert's touch

Highlights the expertise and experience behind the action.

a talent for

Shifts the focus to innate ability rather than physical skill.

a knack for

Similar to 'a talent for' but suggests a more intuitive, natural aptitude.

a proficiency in

Highlights competence and mastery in a specific area.

a flair for

Suggests a distinctive and stylish approach.

a gift for

Emphasizes a natural, inherent ability.

an aptitude for

Highlights a natural inclination and potential for excellence.

a facility with

Focuses on the ease and efficiency of performing a task.

FAQs

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

You can use "a great hand" to describe someone's skill or talent in a particular area, such as "The chef has "a great hand" with sauces."

What are some alternatives to saying "a great hand"?

Alternatives include "a skillful touch", "a deft hand", or "an expert's touch", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a great hand"?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. It's best suited for describing tangible skills or abilities. Avoid using it for abstract concepts where other phrases might be more fitting.

What's the difference between "a great hand" and "a greater hand"?

"A great hand" refers to significant skill or talent, while "a greater hand" suggests having more influence or control in a situation. The meanings are distinct and not interchangeable.