hand was given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hand was given" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey that something was offered or provided, but it lacks clarity and proper context. Example: "After much deliberation, the hand was given to the new leader, signaling a change in direction for the organization."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Oliva, on the other hand, was given a standing ovation.

The Guardian - Sport

LUIS SOJO, the utility infielder recovering from a broken hand, was given clearance to swing a bat.

The New York Times - Sports

"The Magnificent Ambersons," on the other hand, was given only a modest release and lost $625,000 at the box office, making it a big commercial flop.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Tutwiler, James Baker's right hand, was given a 90-day unpaid job at the White House as an adviser to the president and communications consultant to repay her for her rescue effort in Tallahassee.

The New York Times

Yet the Gardens, less than 30 minutes from Manhattan by subway or 15 minutes on the Long Island Rail Road, beckons anyone interested in experiencing what was accomplished, beginning in 1910, when a free hand was given by the Russell Sage Foundation to the visionary duo of Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., landscape architect, and Grosvenor Atterbury, supervising architect.

The New York Times - Arts

It was soon given a twist by the Boothen End and is now the subject of debate from the more PC Stoke fans - the line "I put my knife in her hand" was given a more 'erotic' slant and it upsets some dads who take their kids.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But that's bullshit: It was built by thieves, drunks, and whores whose job at hand was giving hand jobs.

Vice

The Awards for Creative and Effective Institutions, on the other hand, are given to organizations MacArthur has previously supported, said a spokesman Wednesday.

The Washington Post

Civilians with brain injury, on the other hand, are given time to recuperate for long periods in a safe environment, which may explain why they respond differently to stress.

The New York Times

Dogs, on the other hand, were given specific tasks like hunting, guarding or pulling wagons, which required them to be outside with men.

Forbes

Greece, on the other hand, were given little chance of making it through to the last eight after winning a solitary point from their first two matches.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "hand was given" in formal writing. Instead, opt for clearer and more direct alternatives like "assistance was provided" or "support was offered".

Common error

The passive construction "hand was given" can be vague. Instead of saying "a hand-sketched campus map was given to each participant", specify who gave the map: "The organizers gave each participant a hand-sketched campus map".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hand was given" functions as a passive construction, where the action of giving is emphasized over the actor. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is not correct in standard written English, and it is better to use more direct alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hand was given" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. Ludwig AI indicates that it lacks clarity, and it's advisable to use more precise alternatives like "assistance was provided" or "support was offered". While examples exist in news, science, and wiki sources, its usage is rare, and it's best to avoid this phrase in formal or professional writing to maintain clarity and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assistance was provided

Focuses on the act of helping, replacing the ambiguous "hand" with a direct term.

support was offered

Highlights the act of giving assistance, emphasizing the supportive aspect.

help was rendered

Uses a more formal tone to indicate assistance was given.

aid was supplied

Implies providing necessary resources or assistance.

backing was given

Emphasizes support or approval for an action or decision.

contribution was made

Highlights a positive addition or assistance to a collective effort.

input was offered

Focuses on providing suggestions or ideas, rather than physical help.

guidance was provided

Specifies that direction or advice was given.

a helping hand was extended

Uses a more idiomatic expression, emphasizing the willingness to assist.

a boost was provided

Focuses on giving someone or something a push or advantage.

FAQs

What does "hand was given" mean?

The phrase "hand was given" is not standard English and lacks clear meaning. It might imply assistance or control being transferred, but it is best to use more specific language.

What can I say instead of "hand was given"?

You can use alternatives like "assistance was provided", "support was offered", or "help was rendered" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "hand was given"?

No, it is not grammatically correct in standard English. Use more precise phrases to convey your intended meaning.

What is the difference between "hand was given" and "a hand was given"?

While both phrases are unconventional, "a hand was given" might imply assistance was provided, but it's still preferable to use clearer alternatives for better communication.