handle

USAGE SUMMARY

The word handle is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a part of something you use for carrying or holding, or as a verb to refer to the action of dealing with something. Example sentence: Please be careful when you handle this vase, it's very delicate.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unfathomable Ruination were in radio contact with organisers on the outside and, happily, the door handle eventually worked.

The Guardian - Arts

All that is to say, I am sympathetic to the notion that I may need to handle a gun some day.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We've got an extremely busy period not too far from now, and must handle that very carefully.

The Guardian - Sport

Prosecutors say that messages posted by Harris – who goes by the twitter handle @destructuremal – could show whether the defendant was aware that he was breaking police orders relating to the demo.

The Guardian

But how does a film-maker with a love of exploitation flicks handle scenes in which genuinely hideous exploitation is taking place?

The Guardian - Film

While some have questioned whether Bale is too young to move abroad at this stage, Coleman has no reservations the forward will be able to handle life on and off the field at Real Madrid if Tottenham sanction his departure.

The Guardian - Sport

Given the traffic on our roads and given the way our [public] places are crowded, it's a very difficult thing to handle VIP security – but still it's being handled right.

The Guardian

Between her hand and the handle of her walking stick is a layer of tissue paper.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The kitchen knife, found in Sollecito's house, had Knox's DNA near the handle and Miss Kercher's on the blade, the reports said.

The Guardian

Wendi Murdoch becomes a curious wrinkle in the power equation – a way for Blair to see himself as having control of Murdoch, of joining with Wendi to handle him.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fear of the people who handle corpses is not limited to rural villages in faraway lands Though we despise the undertaker, we know why we need them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "handle" as a verb, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. For example, "deal with" emphasizes addressing a problem, while "manage" suggests control and direction.

Common error

Avoid using "handle" when a more specific verb would be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "handle the data", consider more precise verbs like "analyze", "process", or "organize" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The word "handle" serves both as a verb and a noun. As a verb, it describes the action of managing, dealing with, or using something. As a noun, it refers to a part of an object designed to be held. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and versatile usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "handle" is a versatile term functioning both as a verb, meaning to manage or deal with, and as a noun, referring to a part of an object designed for holding. Ludwig AI validates its correct and widespread application across diverse contexts. It's prevalent in neutral registers, such as news and media, with frequent usage in sports and lifestyle content. While "handle" is commonly used, it is important to consider specific nuances when selecting alternative verbs, such as "deal with" or "manage", and to avoid vagueness by opting for more precise terms like "analyze" or "process" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deal with

Focuses on the action of managing or addressing a situation or problem.

manage

Emphasizes control and direction in handling a task or situation.

cope with

Highlights the ability to endure and overcome difficulties.

take care of

Implies responsibility and attention in managing something or someone.

address

Suggests a direct and focused approach to a problem or issue.

wield

Focuses on skillful and effective use of a tool or power.

manipulate

Implies skillful, sometimes strategic, management or control.

operate

Highlights the functional aspect of using or controlling something.

work with

Emphasizes collaboration and interaction in dealing with something.

be in charge of

Highlights the responsibility and authority over a specific task or area.

FAQs

How can I use "handle" in a sentence?

You can use "handle" as a verb to mean 'manage' or 'deal with', such as in "She can "handle the situation" effectively". As a noun, it refers to a part of an object, as in "The "door handle" was loose".

What can I say instead of "handle"?

Alternatives to "handle" include "manage", "deal with", or "cope with", depending on the specific context and intended meaning. For example, "He can "manage the pressure" well".

Which is correct, "handle" or "mishandle"?

"Handle" means to manage or deal with something, while "mishandle" means to manage or deal with something incorrectly or badly. Both words are correct but have opposite meanings.

What's the difference between "handle" and "address"?

"Handle" implies managing or dealing with a situation or object, whereas "address" suggests focusing on a particular issue or problem. You "handle a package", but "address a problem".