hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'hand' is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the organ present at the end of the human arm, the individual fingers on the hand, the act of helping or holding something, or to indicate assistance. For example: "He lifted the heavy box with one hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I know that that this means to offer the right hand of friendship to keep the left hand free to deliver the knockout blow to break Britain apart.

The Guardian

"And Matt, you're only as good as your other hand.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As well as a keynote speech from the government's adviser on big society, Lord Wei, delegates will also hear first hand accounts of how other local government managers are implementing big society in their councils and the best practice they have developed.

The Guardian

On the other hand they won't want to be forced into making a difficult decision.

The Guardian

On the other hand, maybe not.

The New York Times

You have to hand it to Reggie Bush.

The New York Times - Sports

As a result, leaders of all parties were making all kinds of offers to hand over powers north of the border, including tax-raising powers that remained a no-go area in the Bernstein plan.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Remember that although self-employment and sleep deprivation are considered to go hand-in-hand, if that's how you roll you're doing yourself a disservice.

The Guardian

We will also hear from Leonardo Sakamoto, who covers slavery for Reporter Brazil, and a first-hand testimony from a Chinese human trafficking survivor.

The Guardian

It has hand-picked 13 of the best value hotels and riads for you to choose from; prices start from £9 a night in the Tachfine, a friendly three-star with a roof terrace, to £70 at the five-star Le Meridien N'Fis.

The Guardian - Travel

Just a 10-minute stroll from the Short Strand, hundreds of people looked on as two rival factions jeered and snarled at one another before the final confrontation, when hand-to-hand fighting finally broke out.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, specify if you're referring to the physical hand, control, or assistance, especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "hand" interchangeably with "honed" or "hang" in your writing, as these words have different meanings and can cause confusion. Double-check your spelling and context to ensure accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The word "hand" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the anatomical part of the body. It also functions as a verb, meaning to give or pass something. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Lifestyle

20%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Business

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "hand" is a versatile word used as both a noun and a verb, denoting a physical body part, the act of providing assistance, or a measure of length. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread and correct usage in written English. With a very common frequency, it appears across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Lifestyle, and the Arts. While its grammatical status is correct, ensure clarity in your writing by specifying the intended meaning, whether it refers to the physical limb, assistance, or control. Remember to avoid confusing it with homophones like "honed" or "hang". Alternatives such as "helping hand", control, and "first-hand experience" can provide more specific meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give a hand

An informal way of saying to assist someone.

helping hand

Emphasizes the aspect of assistance or support provided.

first-hand experience

Highlights direct, personal involvement or observation.

on hand

Indicates availability or presence.

manus

A formal, anatomical term for the hand, suitable for scientific or medical contexts.

control

Focuses on the aspect of authority, influence or management by hand.

dexterity

Emphasizes skill and adroitness in using one's hands.

under control

Highlights the aspect of management authority over something.

signature

Refers to the unique mark or autograph made by a person's hand.

sleight of hand

Describes skillful deception or trickery.

FAQs

How can I use "hand" in a sentence?

The word "hand" can be used in various contexts. For example, "She held the baby's "hand" tightly" (referring to the physical limb), "He needed a "helping hand" with the project" (referring to assistance), or "The situation is in good hands" (referring to control).

What are some alternatives to "hand" when referring to assistance?

Instead of "hand", you can use alternatives like "help", "support", "aid", or "assistance", depending on the specific context. The phrase "helping hand" is also a common alternative.

Which is correct, "first-hand experience" or "first-hand experience"?

"First-hand experience" is the correct spelling. It refers to direct, personal involvement in something, as opposed to hearing about it from someone else. You can describe something like "first-hand experience".

What does it mean to "hand over" something?

To "hand over" something means to relinquish control or possession of it to someone else. Synonyms include "transfer", "cede", and "relinquish". For example, "The documents were handed over to the authorities".