could use a hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could use a hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that someone needs help or assistance with something. Example: "I could use a hand with this project; it's more complicated than I anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Three bedraggled date palms in the courtyard looked as if they could use a hand.

The New York Times

Oh, Benjamin Bratt, if you're reading this, I could use a hand caulking the tub.

The New York Times

Sometimes, couples who've been together for years and feel they've tapped out all of their fresh ideas (and all of Google's results for "Fun things to do around San Francisco") could use a hand coming up with something special.

TechCrunch

Office manager Marie thinks Abe could use a hand.

Huffington Post

We aren't done working towards restoration in all things or helping out those who could use a hand.

Huffington Post

Since Setrakian sure could use a hand with the heavy lifting, he arms Eph with a nail gun this time.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Although not all projects born of university collaborations spark such excitement, science and engineering postgraduates could use a helping hand from institutions to turn their research into a going concern.

The Guardian

As for the Powell suggestion that the suppliers could use a helping hand, "we're not to the point where we are going to reach in and send a check to support them," Mr. Lacouture said.

The New York Times

Some believe that human bodies are finely calibrated by evolution and would be corrupted by manipulation, but rather than regarding evolution as a benevolent engineer, Buchanan sees it as a "tightly shackled tinkerer" who could use a helping hand.

The New York Times - Books

If the Android-toting event coordinator in your life could use a helping hand, why not direct them toward the Android Market where Easy Entry can be had for free.

TechCrunch

I know that I could use a helping hand once in a while.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could use a hand", ensure the context makes it clear what kind of assistance is needed. This prevents ambiguity and ensures your request is understood.

Common error

Avoid using "could use a hand" when you need more than just physical help. If you need advice or a different type of support, be explicit. Using a more precise phrase will ensure you get the specific help you need.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could use a hand" functions as a polite request for assistance. It implies that the speaker or someone else needs help with a task, often suggesting physical assistance but applicable to other forms of support as well. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could use a hand" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to politely request assistance. While generally informal, it appears across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Wiki sources, as shown by Ludwig's examples. More formal alternatives, such as "would appreciate assistance", exist for professional or academic settings. Ludwig AI validates its usability, confirming that it's a readily understood and accepted expression for needing help.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

need a helping hand

Similar to the original but adds the adjective "helping" to emphasize the nature of the assistance needed.

could use some help

Replaces "a hand" with the more general term "help", maintaining the same meaning but with slightly less emphasis on direct physical assistance.

could do with some assistance

This is a slightly more informal alternative, particularly common in British English.

would appreciate assistance

More formal alternative, replacing "could use" with "would appreciate" and "a hand" with "assistance".

require some support

Uses "require" instead of "could use", suggesting a stronger need for assistance, and replaces "a hand" with "support".

require aid

A shorter more direct way to say that they need help

seeking help

A simpler and more direct way of expressing that one is looking for assistance.

am in need of assistance

A more emphatic and slightly formal way of expressing the need for help.

desire some aid

Replaces "could use" with "desire" and "a hand" with "aid", resulting in a more formal and direct expression.

benefit from assistance

Focuses on the positive outcome of receiving assistance rather than directly stating the need.

FAQs

What does "could use a hand" mean?

The phrase "could use a hand" means that someone needs help or assistance with something. It's a polite way of asking for support.

What can I say instead of "could use a hand"?

You can use alternatives like "could use some help", "need a helping hand", or "would appreciate assistance" depending on the context.

Is "could use a hand" formal or informal?

The phrase "could use a hand" is generally considered informal. For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "would appreciate assistance".

How do I use "could use a hand" in a sentence?

You can use "could use a hand" when you want to politely ask for assistance. For example: "I "could use a hand" with moving these boxes".