capable hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capable hand" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning without additional context.
It could be used when referring to someone who is skilled or competent in a particular task or field. Example: "The project was in capable hands with Sarah leading the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

He is widely seen as the most capable hand to steady Sony's music division, which has been plagued by internal quarrels since its merger with BMG in 2004.

The New York Times

The project was placed in the capable hand of the city's one-armed chief engineer, Fulgence Bienvenue, who oversaw the network's rapid expansion until 1932, when he retired aged 80.

The Guardian

And as the script grew under David Farr's capable hand – I had seen and admired his stage productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford – and as I listened from afar to the progress of the four-month shoot, and was even treated now and then to snippets of film, I began to feel the buzz, those little churnings of the stomach that give an early warning of the excitement to come.

The Guardian - Books

Peng was looking for a capable hand to drive growth and restructure the channel mode of business in India, a key market for Lenovo.

Forbes

Not only does the pacing prohibit too much of that, but Abrams' capable hand guides the camera towards what matters, the characters and their fates, and away from the whizz banging.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Now there is much more software and hardware available to build low-cost, capable, hand-held devices, called slates, that are thinner, lighter and typically omit physical keyboards altogether.

The New York Times - Tech

I leave it in your capable hands.

The New York Times

I know I leave the business in very capable hands".

The Guardian

In less capable hands this would be daunting territory.

The Guardian

I knew Sammy was in the best capable hands".

The Guardian - Sport

The marathon seems to have passed into other capable hands.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "capable hand", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific area of expertise or responsibility to which the capability refers. For example, "The project was placed in the capable hands of the engineering team."

Common error

Avoid using "capable hand" without specifying the relevant skill or area. Saying "He's a capable hand" is vague. Instead, specify, "He's a capable hand at negotiation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable hand" functions as an attributive adjective modifying a noun (usually a person or entity), indicating that the subject possesses the necessary skills or abilities to handle a specific task or responsibility. As Ludwig AI remarks, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "capable hand" is used to describe someone skilled and reliable, particularly in handling a specific task or responsibility. While grammatically correct and found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, Ludwig AI suggests it's relatively rare. Its primary function is to convey confidence in someone's abilities, often in neutral to professional settings. Alternatives like "skilled worker" or "competent professional" may offer more specific connotations depending on the context. Ensuring clear indication of the specific area of expertise enhances its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accomplished expert

Emphasizes a high level of achievement and skill.

qualified specialist

Highlights specific qualifications and expertise.

competent professional

Emphasizes professional ability and knowledge.

proficient expert

Highlights expertise and mastery in a particular field.

adept practitioner

Focuses on skillful practice and application of knowledge.

skilled worker

Focuses on the individual's skill level rather than their overall capability.

experienced handler

Stresses the practical experience of the person.

seasoned veteran

Highlights extensive experience over a long period.

reliable operator

Focuses on dependability and consistency in performance.

masterful artisan

Emphasizes artistic skill and craftsmanship.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable hand" to describe someone who is skilled and reliable in a particular area. For example, "The company's finances are now in the "capable hands" of the new CFO."

What are some alternatives to "capable hand"?

Alternatives include "skilled worker", "competent professional", or "qualified specialist", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it better to say "capable hands" or "capable hand"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "capable hands" is generally used when referring to a group or team, while "capable hand" refers to an individual. For example, "The project is in "capable hands"" (team), versus "He is a "capable hand"" (individual).

What does it mean to leave something in someone's "capable hands"?

It means entrusting a task, responsibility, or project to someone who is considered skilled, reliable, and competent enough to handle it effectively. It expresses confidence in their ability to succeed.