an extra hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extra hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who is providing additional help or assistance in a task or situation. Example: "I could really use an extra hand with this project to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

I thought Bill would welcome an extra hand.

The New York Times

The garage is looking for an extra hand, and the boss's wife Lana (Ashley Shaw) is looking for trouble.

The Guardian

Pacing the room, I craved an extra hand: one to hold the book, another to turn its pages, a third to underline.

The New York Times - Books

Immensely more respect and attention for women's athletics, thankfully, as well as criticism along affirmative-action lines: Will they ever stop needing an extra hand?

The New Yorker

When he was 12, he was an extra hand at a boarding stable off the Long Island Expressway in Great Neck.

The New York Times - Sports

Then she played a heart, to cut the communications between the defenders and to gain an extra hand entry for trump leads.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Woodward, who led England to World Cup glory a year ago, believes that Campbell's experience of handling the media and coping with highly pressured situations at the highest levels of government will make him a useful extra hand.

The Guardian - Sport

It's like having a little extra hand attached to your real hand and it's really cool.

TechCrunch

On the other hand, Annuity No. 2′s managers have time on their hands–an extra 10 years, in fact.

Forbes

In addition, 10 OsCML proteins with one pair of identifiable EF hands have an extra EF hand that does not pair with any other motif.

BMC Plant Biology

The article "Giants Get Back to Work, Happy to Have a Few Extra Hands to Help Out" discusses how injuries have affected the Giants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an extra hand" when you need someone to physically assist with a task or provide additional support to lighten the workload. It's best used when referring to needing a person's help, not just resources.

Common error

Avoid using "an extra hand" when you actually need more tools or materials. The phrase specifically refers to needing a person to assist, not just extra equipment or supplies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extra hand" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object in a sentence. It signifies the need for additional assistance or support, often implying physical help. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an extra hand" is a common and generally acceptable way to express the need for assistance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While appropriate in most situations, more formal phrases like "additional assistance" might be preferable in professional settings. Remember that "an extra hand" usually refers to needing a person's help, not just extra resources. So, next time you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to ask for "an extra hand" to lighten the load.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a helping hand

Similar meaning, but puts more emphasis on the act of helping. It's a more common and familiar idiom.

another pair of hands

Similar to "an extra hand" but more explicitly refers to the physical assistance of another person.

additional assistance

Emphasizes the provision of more help, focusing on the act of assisting rather than the person offering it.

further aid

Suggests more help is being provided, highlighting the support aspect.

supplementary help

Highlights that the help is additional to what is already available.

additional support

Broader and more general than "an extra hand", suitable for emotional or logistical support.

backup assistance

Implies there's already a primary form of help, and this is in reserve or supplementary.

some assistance

A less specific way of asking for or offering help.

more manpower

Focuses on the physical resources and number of people available for assistance.

support staff

Highlights the team providing assistance, often in a professional context.

FAQs

How can I use "an extra hand" in a sentence?

You can use "an extra hand" to describe needing assistance from someone. For example, "I could really use "an extra hand" moving these boxes".

What are some alternatives to saying "an extra hand"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "additional assistance", "a helping hand", or "supplementary help" instead of "an extra hand".

Is it appropriate to use "an extra hand" in formal writing?

While "an extra hand" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "additional support" or "assistance" for a more professional tone.

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

Both phrases imply offering or needing assistance. "An extra hand" specifically refers to needing someone to physically help, while "a helping hand" is a more general expression for any kind of aid or support.