by hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by hand" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an action being done without the use of machinery or any kind of motorized device. For example, "She knitted the scarf by hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By hand?

The New York Times - Magazine

It's inked by hand.

The New York Times

Everything is by hand.

Independent

By hand, of course.

Independent

Mix the dough by hand?

The New York Times - Food

Doing it by hand.

The Washington Post

Wash them by hand.

The Washington Post

Yes, grated by hand.

The New York Times - Magazine

Again, by hand.

The Washington Post

I write by hand.

The New York Times - Books

One costume is all made by hand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by hand" to emphasize the manual effort involved in a task, highlighting skill or care where machines could be used instead.

Common error

Avoid using "by hand" when it's already clear the action is manual. For example, saying "I ate the apple by hand" is redundant unless you're contrasting it with using utensils.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by hand" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies that something is done manually, without the use of machines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by hand" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase that describes doing something manually, without machines. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides various examples of its usage. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as wiki-style content. While "by hand" is generally appropriate, avoid using it when the manual nature of an action is already obvious. For alternative phrases, consider "manually", "without machinery", or "using human labor" depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manually

This single word succinctly replaces the two-word phrase, emphasizing the manual nature of the action.

with one's own hands

This expression highlights the direct physical involvement in performing an action.

without automation

Directly states the absence of automated processes in performing the task.

without machinery

This phrase directly contrasts the action with the use of machines, highlighting the manual aspect.

non-mechanically

A more technical term that means without the use of machines.

by human power

Emphasizes the source of the action's energy is human, not machine.

using human labor

This alternative emphasizes the use of people in the process, rather than automated systems.

through manual effort

Emphasizes the work and energy expended by a person, rather than a machine.

personally

This word underscores the direct involvement of a person in performing the action.

unaided

Focuses on the lack of external assistance, whether mechanical or otherwise.

FAQs

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

You can use "by hand" to describe an action done manually, without machines. For example, "The tapestry was woven "by hand"".

What does "by hand" mean?

"By hand" means doing something manually, without the use of machines or automated tools. It emphasizes the human effort involved in the task.

What are some alternatives to saying "by hand"?

You can use alternatives like "manually", "without machinery", or "using human labor" depending on the context.

Is it always better to do something "by hand" instead of using machines?

Not always. Doing something "by hand" can be preferable when precision, craftsmanship, or a personal touch is desired. However, machines are often more efficient for large-scale or repetitive tasks.