done by hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "done by hand" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a sentence like this: "This task must be done by hand to ensure accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Then everything is done by hand.

The New York Times

"Everything is done by hand," he said.

The New York Times

And everything was done by hand.

The New York Times

Ploughing and reaping are done by hand.

The Economist

The rest is done by hand.

The Economist

All services are done by hand.

The New York Times

Payrolls and accounting are done by hand.

The Guardian

This was originally done by hand.

The Guardian

"People understand that things done by hand cost more".

The New York Times

Much of this is still done by hand.

The Economist

In this country everything is done by hand.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "done by hand" to emphasize the human element and skill involved in a process, especially when contrasting it with automated methods. For instance, "The intricate details were all done by hand, showcasing the artisan's dedication."

Common error

Avoid using "done by hand" in situations where automation is the norm. Stating "the report was done by hand" when software is typically used may raise concerns about efficiency or resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "done by hand" functions primarily as a modifier, often describing a process or object. It indicates that something was created or performed manually, emphasizing the absence of automation. This is supported by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "done by hand" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something created or performed manually. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it appears frequently in various contexts, from news articles and scientific papers to encyclopedias and wikis. Its primary function is to emphasize the manual effort, skill, or craftsmanship involved. While generally neutral in register, it can carry different connotations depending on the specific context. Be mindful of overuse in scenarios where automation is standard, as this could raise questions about efficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

handmade

Focuses on the creation process being entirely manual.

manually crafted

Highlights the skill and effort involved in manual creation.

hand-built

Emphasizes the construction aspect of being done by hand.

hand-operated

Indicates that a device or process is powered or controlled manually.

artisanal

Suggests a high level of skill and traditional methods.

by manual means

Formal way of expressing that something is done without automation.

accomplished by hand

Focuses on the completion of a task through manual labor.

executed manually

Highlights the precise execution of a task by hand.

hand-finished

Indicates that the final touches are applied by hand.

personally crafted

Emphasizes the personal touch and care in the creation.

FAQs

What does "done by hand" mean?

The phrase "done by hand" means that a task or process is performed manually, without the use of machines or automated systems. It emphasizes human effort and skill.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "done by hand"?

It is appropriate to use "done by hand" when you want to highlight the manual effort, craftsmanship, or personal touch involved in a task, especially in contrast to automated or machine-driven processes.

What are some alternatives to saying "done by hand"?

You can use alternatives such as "handmade", "manually crafted", or "hand-built" depending on the context.

Is "done by hand" better than saying "handmade"?

Whether "done by hand" is better than "handmade" depends on the context. "Done by hand" emphasizes the action of manually performing a task, while "handmade" describes the product as being created manually. They are often interchangeable but have slightly different focuses.