gifted hands

USAGE SUMMARY

"gifted hands" is an acceptable expression in written English.
You can use it to describe a person with extraordinary skill or talent, often in a specific area. For example, "Henri has gifted hands when it comes to sculpting; his works are truly beautiful".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Talk about "gifted hands"!

The New Yorker

In "Gifted Hands," politics rarely intrudes.

The New Yorker

"This is not the result of my gifted hands.

The New York Times

("Gifted Hands," page 93) * This sentence is from page 120 of my book "Gifted Hands".("Gifted Hands," page 121) * "Ben, you have worked your way up from poverty; you have become a surgeon of skill unparallelled.

The New Yorker

In the years after "Gifted Hands" was published, he turned his autobiography into an industry.

The New Yorker

The movie took its title from Carson's autobiography, Gifted Hands (1990; with Cecil Murphey).

Encyclopedia Britannica

This all really happened!!! ("Gifted Hands," revised 2016 edition, page 3)  .

The New Yorker

He played the game "with speed and ease," he writes in his memoir, "Gifted Hands".

The New Yorker

His book "Gifted Hands" helped make him wealthy and well-known.

The Washington Post

By 2009, "Gifted Hands" was adapted to a made-for-TV movie.

The Washington Post

He documented his journey to becoming a renowned neurosurgeon in a widely read autobiography, Gifted Hands.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gifted hands" to describe someone with a natural talent or exceptional skill, especially in areas requiring dexterity or precision. It is most effective when emphasizing an inherent ability.

Common error

Avoid using "gifted hands" when describing tasks achieved through hard work and dedication alone, without a significant element of natural talent. This phrase is best reserved for showcasing inherent abilities rather than learned skills.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gifted hands" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun (hands). According to Ludwig, this is acceptable English. It attributes a specific quality (giftedness) to the noun, emphasizing the exceptional skill or talent associated with the hands in question.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gifted hands" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase employed to describe someone possessing exceptional skill or talent, particularly in areas requiring dexterity or precision. Ludwig confirms its acceptability in written English. It's commonly found in news and media, academic writing, and encyclopedias, highlighting natural ability rather than simple effort. While interchangeable with alternatives like "skilled hands" and "talented hands", its specific emphasis on inherent talent makes it a powerful descriptor. The phrase should be reserved for contexts where natural ability is a key component, and Ludwig's findings show that the phrase is very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skilled hands

Synonymous, emphasizing proficiency.

talented hands

Highlights natural aptitude rather than learned skill.

expert hands

Suggests a high level of experience and knowledge.

masterful hands

Implies great skill and control.

adept hands

Emphasizes quickness and skill.

capable hands

Focuses on the ability to perform a task well.

proficient hands

Highlights competence and efficiency.

deft hands

Suggests nimbleness and precision.

accomplished hands

Emphasizes a history of success and achievement.

artistic hands

Specifically relates to creative skill.

FAQs

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

You can use "gifted hands" to describe someone who has a natural talent or skill, particularly in areas requiring dexterity and precision. For example: "The surgeon's "gifted hands" saved the patient's life".

What is a suitable alternative to "gifted hands"?

Alternatives to "gifted hands" include "skilled hands", "talented hands", or "expert hands", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "gifted hands" in formal writing?

Yes, "gifted hands" is generally appropriate in formal writing, particularly when describing someone's exceptional abilities in a respectful and professional manner. Its usage is widespread in "news media" and other formal contexts.

What's the difference between "gifted hands" and "capable hands"?

"Gifted hands" emphasizes natural talent or an inherent ability, while "capable hands" suggests competence and the ability to perform a task effectively, regardless of whether it's due to natural talent or learned skill.