capable hands

USAGE SUMMARY

'capable hands' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is able to do something with skill and efficiency. For example, "I felt reassured that my project was in capable hands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It could easily have become leaden in less capable hands.

Independent

No matter, the kitchen is in capable hands.

The New York Times - Magazine

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

The Guardian

"The future of Johnson & Johnson is in very capable hands".

The New York Times

I knew Sammy was in the best capable hands".

The Guardian - Sport

In less capable hands, maybe; in DiSpirito's, it's pure genius".

The New York Times - Food

The marathon seems to have passed into other capable hands.

The New York Times - Sports

In less capable hands this would be daunting territory.

The Guardian

The melodies unfolded graciously in the highly capable hands of Edward Dusinberre, the ensemble's first violinist.

The New York Times - Arts

One mantelpiece offers up an assortment of objects that might seem motley in less capable hands.

The New York Times

In less capable hands, this somewhat incongruous combination might register as off-key.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "capable hands" to convey confidence and assurance in someone's abilities, especially when entrusting them with important tasks or responsibilities.

Common error

While "capable hands" is a useful expression, avoid overusing it in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "skilled hands" or "competent hands" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capable hands" functions as a noun phrase, where "capable" modifies "hands", indicating the quality of the hands being skillful and competent. This conveys that someone or something is under the care or control of someone skilled. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capable hands" is a commonly used phrase that conveys confidence in someone's abilities to manage a task or responsibility effectively. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability across various writing styles. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, suggesting its widespread appeal. While versatile, varying your language with synonyms like "skilled hands" or "competent hands" can enhance your writing. When you use "capable hands", it means to imply that you are putting the task in a secure and able place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competent hands

Replaces "capable" with "competent", emphasizing the possession of necessary skills and qualifications.

skilled hands

Substitutes "capable" with "skilled", highlighting expertise and proficiency in a particular area.

expert hands

Replaces "capable" with "expert", stressing specialized knowledge and mastery.

able hands

Uses "able" instead of "capable", providing a simpler and more direct expression of competence.

qualified hands

Emphasizes the fulfillment of required standards or qualifications.

experienced hands

Focuses on the knowledge and skills gained through practical involvement over time.

trustworthy hands

Shifts the focus to reliability and integrity in addition to capability.

safe hands

Highlights the security and protection offered by someone's competence.

deft hands

Emphasizes skill and nimbleness in execution.

steady hands

Implies reliability and a lack of nervousness or shakiness, suitable for situations requiring precision.

FAQs

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

You can use "capable hands" to indicate that someone is competent and reliable. For example, "The project is now in "capable hands" and we expect positive results."

What are some alternatives to "capable hands"?

Alternatives include "competent hands", "skilled hands", or "expert hands" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "capable hands" formal or informal?

"Capable hands" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase for various writing styles.

What does it mean when something is described as being in "capable hands"?

It means that the task, project, or responsibility has been entrusted to someone who is considered competent, skilled, and trustworthy to handle it effectively.