extra pair of hands

USAGE SUMMARY

"extra pair of hands" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is a way to refer to assistance or help from someone else. For example, "Having an extra pair of hands to help paint the house really made the job go much more quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This spring, they will get an extra pair of hands.

The New York Times

They are much more than an extra pair of hands".

The New York Times

And an extra pair of hands when we're busy.

The Guardian

An extra pair of hands and a smiling face.

The Guardian

That said, she does admit that they can be a valuable extra pair of hands.

Independent

Without an extra pair of hands, a salon-style blow dry is impossible to achieve.

Independent

I could see an extra pair of hands would be useful.

The Guardian - Travel

With this it was simple – we just needed an extra pair of hands.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Looking for an extra pair of hands to get you through the winter months?" the copy reads.

The New York Times

For a new family [that the woman is married into], you have one extra pair of hands.

Independent

My wife suffers similarly, waiting those few minutes more for that extra pair of hands to give her a break.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extra pair of hands", ensure the context clearly indicates the need for assistance in completing a task or managing a situation. It is most effective when referring to practical help.

Common error

Avoid using "extra pair of hands" when the required assistance involves specialized expertise or skills beyond general help. Instead, specify the type of expertise needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extra pair of hands" functions as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig, it typically describes someone who provides assistance, offering practical help to complete tasks or manage situations. It highlights the need for additional support to accomplish something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

16%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extra pair of hands" is a common and widely understood idiom used to describe the need for or availability of assistance, particularly in practical tasks. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in news, media, and general contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it leans toward informal, making it suitable for a variety of situations, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in professional or academic settings. The analysis reveals that while an "additional help", and a "helping hand" are good synonyms, the best way to use it is when practical aid is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

helping hand

Similar meaning, but more general; lacks the sense of extra capacity.

additional help

Focuses on the concept of providing general assistance, lacking the specific imagery of physical aid.

another person to help

Simple way of saying more people are available for assistance, no nuance.

an assistant

Implies a more formal or professional helper, possibly with specific skills.

supporting hand

Emphasizes providing encouragement and help in a more abstract sense.

extra manpower

Highlights additional personnel available to work, but is gendered.

relief support

Conveys the act of providing comfort and assistance, often during difficult circumstances.

supplemental aid

Highlights an additional resource offering some kind of support or assistance.

a helping presence

Focuses on the positive effect of someone present to assist, without directly mentioning aid.

back-up support

Provides aid when needed, specifically in case of primary support failure.

FAQs

How can I use "extra pair of hands" in a sentence?

You can use "extra pair of hands" to describe someone who provides assistance, for instance: "We needed an "extra pair of hands" to move the furniture."

What's a more formal way to say "extra pair of hands"?

In a formal setting, you could use phrases like "additional support", "supplemental assistance", or "additional personnel" instead of "extra pair of hands".

What can I say instead of "extra pair of hands"?

You can use alternatives like "additional help", "helping hand", or "an assistant" depending on the context.

Is "extra pair of hands" appropriate for professional communication?

While widely understood, "extra pair of hands" is generally considered informal. For professional communication, consider alternatives like "additional resources" or "supplemental support".