handler

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "handler" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts such as programming, event management, or when referring to someone who manages or controls a specific task or process. Example: "The event handler is responsible for managing user interactions in the application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Monroe might still be a well-paid call handler for Essex fire service had she not resigned because she could no longer juggle night shifts and motherhood.

The Guardian

The call handler informed her supervisor during the conversation and the police were contacted but the call could not be traced immediately.

The Guardian

She told the handler: "It might be better if I could put a pillow over his face".

The Guardian

He claims to have been recruited by US intelligence on a business trip to Romania, liaising with a handler in Cyprus.

The Guardian

"It's bullshit," said his handler Dan Duva.

The Guardian - Sport

TWO examples of the infrastructure that has helped make China a mighty trading power can be found on the outskirts of Shanghai: Yangshan, the world's busiest container port, and Pudong airport, the world's third-biggest handler of air cargo.

The Economist

However, it might be advisable not hold your breath.On the same day that the Airline Quality Rating was released, news came through that a baggage handler in Seattle had taken a nap in the belly of an Alaska Airlines plane.

The Economist

Last month Viterra, the largest grain handler, accepted a C$6.1 billion ($6.2 billion) takeover by Glencore, a Swiss company that is the world's biggest commodity trader.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

A former Quebec police dog-handler said he and his bomb-sniffing dog were called to Montreal airport (the flight's last Canadian stop) too late to search the ill-fated aircraft; it left 15 minutes before he arrived.All this might be ancient history but for the fact that not much appears to have changed.

The Economist

If business sags or landing fees rise, they will drop an airport as surely as a baggage-handler will drop a bag marked "fragile".Privatisation can improve efficiency and service quality.

The Economist

Every month he spends a day as a baggage-handler; every two months, a day as cabin crew; every three months, a day as a check-in clerk.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "handler" to refer to a person managing classified information or an operative, ensure the context clearly indicates professional or intelligence activities. For example, "The spy's handler provided secure communication channels."

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "handler" has complete control over the subject. The "handler's" influence may be limited to specific tasks or areas, rather than encompassing total authority. For example, a call "handler" manages calls, but does not control company policy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "handler" is as a noun, referring to a person who manages, trains, or controls someone or something. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that the term is correct and usable in English. Examples include a call "handler", a baggage "handler", or an animal "handler".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

31%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "handler" is a versatile noun that describes someone who manages, controls, or trains an entity, be it a person, animal, object, or system. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media and Encyclopedia sources, "handler" has a neutral formality, making it suitable for diverse contexts. While synonyms like "manager" or "controller" offer alternative phrasing, it's crucial to consider the specific nuance of direct, hands-on involvement that "handler" often implies. Common errors include overstating the level of control a "handler" possesses, so clarity and context are paramount in its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manager

Refers to someone who is in charge of an organization or team.

controller

Indicates someone who directs or regulates something.

coordinator

Suggests someone who organizes and integrates activities.

operator

Implies someone who operates a machine or process.

director

Denotes someone who supervises or manages a project or organization.

supervisor

Refers to someone who oversees workers or a process.

custodian

Indicates someone who is responsible for the care and protection of something.

attendant

Suggests someone who provides a service or assistance.

caretaker

Implies someone who looks after someone or something.

steward

Denotes someone who manages property or affairs for someone else.

FAQs

How is "handler" used in a sentence?

The word "handler" can be used to describe someone who manages, controls, or trains another person or animal. For example: "The spy's handler provided him with instructions" or "The dog handler trained the animal for search and rescue missions."

What are some synonyms for "handler"?

Alternatives for "handler" include "manager", "controller", "coordinator", or "operator", depending on the specific context and the nature of the responsibilities involved.

What is the difference between a "handler" and a "manager"?

While both "handler" and "manager" refer to someone in charge, "handler" often implies a more direct, hands-on approach, typically dealing with specific tasks or individuals, whereas "manager" usually involves broader oversight and strategic decision-making.

When is it appropriate to use "handler" instead of "caretaker"?

"Handler" is appropriate when referring to someone who manages or controls a specific task, animal, or person, especially in professional or specialized contexts, whereas "caretaker" implies a more general role of looking after someone's well-being or property.