hand cut off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hand cut off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing injury, violence, or accidents involving the loss of a hand. Example: "After the accident, he was rushed to the hospital with his hand cut off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

A hand cut off means it was a thief".

The New Yorker

Imagine a judge in an American court sentencing a thief to have his hand cut off.

Princeton University

is that whoever forges a will gets a hand cut off and is exiled ("Addio Firenze").

Britannica

One of my relatives' sons was the first guy to have his hand cut off".

The Guardian

"To lose such a friend is like having your hand cut off".

The Guardian

The Soviet Union, on the other hand, cut off ties with Israel and strengthened them with the Arab world.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Keep the freezer door open the whole time or else you'll get your hands cut off by the ice cutting blade.

WikiHow

Caesar had the survivors' hands cut off.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Or have both your hands cut off!

The New York Times

People in Sierra Leone get their hands cut off for voting.

The Guardian

Cow thieves have had their hands cut off.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics involving violence or injury, consider the impact of your language. "Hand cut off" can be graphic. Use alternative phrasing like "hand severed" or "hand amputated" depending on the context to soften the impact or provide more accuracy.

Common error

Be aware that using the phrase "hand cut off" can evoke strong reactions due to its graphic nature. In professional or sensitive contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "hand removed" unless the graphic detail is necessary for the narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hand cut off" functions primarily as a verb phrase used to describe an action performed on a hand. It implies a forceful or surgical removal of the hand. Ludwig AI shows examples in diverse contexts, from legal punishments to descriptions of injuries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hand cut off" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it's employed across various contexts, primarily in news and media, to describe the action of severing a hand. While grammatically sound, the phrase can be graphic, and writers should be mindful of the emotional impact, especially in sensitive contexts. Alternatives like "severed hand" or "amputated hand" might be more appropriate depending on the intended tone. The register is generally neutral, and the phrase appears often enough to be considered a very common expression. Be aware of the nuances and potential impact of using such descriptive language. Ludwig's analysis indicates a relatively high frequency in authoritative sources, demonstrating its widespread use in conveying specific information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severed hand

Focuses on the action of severing, implying a clean cut.

amputated hand

Specifically indicates a surgical removal.

hand severed

Passive voice emphasizing the state of the hand.

hand detached

Suggests a separation, possibly less violent.

hand lopped off

Informal, suggesting a quick, crude removal.

hand hacked off

Implies a violent and uncontrolled removal.

dismembered hand

Focuses on the act of dismemberment, a broader term.

hand removed

Neutral and general term for the action.

hand forcibly removed

Emphasizes the forceful nature of the removal.

loss of hand

Focuses on the consequence rather than the act.

FAQs

How can I use "hand cut off" in a sentence?

You can use "hand cut off" to describe a situation where a hand has been severed from a body. For example: "The thief was punished by having his "hand cut off".

What are some alternatives to saying "hand cut off"?

Alternatives include "severed hand", "amputated hand", or "hand removed", depending on the context.

Is "hand cut off" grammatically correct?

Yes, "hand cut off" is grammatically correct. However, be mindful of the potentially graphic nature of the phrase.

What is the difference between "hand cut off" and "hands cut off"?

"Hand cut off" refers to a single hand, while "hands cut off" refers to both hands being severed.