handles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "handles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the management or control of a situation, task, or object. Example: "She handles the customer complaints with great professionalism and care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even so, when he acted as master of ceremonies at the charity premiere of Billy Elliot last week in Leicester Square, you could sense the ease with which Daldry handles the spotlight, his confidence before a massive, if largely adoring, audience.

The Guardian

They are beautiful objects to be sighed over and stroked – the handles are an afterthought.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A company website that publishes statistics on how Facebook handles data requests shows it rejected both of two Russian government requests for information on its users in 2014.

The Guardian

It's now four episodes in to its eight-episode run, and it has become, somehow, a sensitive, sweet and funny look at teenage life that handles confusing sexuality with surprising dexterity.

The Guardian

He seems to have experience caring for the elderly, evident in how he handles his victims, which could suggest he has worked with older people or maybe just spent years looking after his mother.

The Guardian

Google needs to be more transparent in the way it handles so-called "right to be forgotten" requests, with 80 leading academics writing an open letter that accuses the firm of developing its policies "in the dark".

The Guardian - Tech

Inspired by Kafka's short story The Hunger Artist, Hermann Hesse's Siddartha and, possibly, his burgeoning love handles, Blaine fasted while people hurled food and abuse at him.

The Guardian - Arts

One is that, for reasons of history and because of elements of the national psyche, Britain handles its diversity better than many comparable nations.

The Guardian

Letwin softened his previous insistence that the industry adopt all of Leveson's non-statutory recommendations to the letter, indicating that a new regulator would not have to act in "the spirit of existing equalities legislation" when it handles complaints made about "allegedly discriminatory reporting".

The Guardian

It handles the resources that software and processes require.

The Guardian - Tech

To this day I can still smell the wooden handles of the picks we used to pass to the miners when they came to collect their tools before daybreak.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to how someone competently manages sensitive situations, use "handles" to convey both skill and care.

Common error

While "handles" is versatile, be mindful of overusing it. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "manages", "addresses", or "deals with" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The word "handles" functions as both a verb (third-person singular present) and a plural noun. As a verb, it describes the action of managing or dealing with something effectively, as seen in Ludwig AI's examples of managing situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "handles" is a versatile term, functioning as both a verb and a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific writing. When used as a verb, "handles" suggests competence and skill in managing or dealing with a situation. To avoid repetition, consider alternatives such as "manages" or "deals with". Keep in mind the nuances of each synonym to ensure accurate and engaging writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manages

Focuses on the control and direction one exerts over a task or situation.

deals with

Highlights the act of addressing or confronting a problem or situation directly.

takes care of

Emphasizes the responsibility and attention given to something.

is responsible for

Clearly indicates who is accountable for a specific task or duty.

administers

Implies a formal or official management of something.

controls

Stresses the power and authority one has over something.

operates

Highlights the functioning or running of a system or process.

oversees

Suggests a supervisory role with broad oversight.

executes

Focuses on the carrying out or performing of a task.

processes

Emphasizes the act of transforming inputs into outputs through a series of steps.

FAQs

How can I use "handles" in a sentence?

"Handles" can be used to describe how someone manages a situation or task. For example, "She "handles the pressure well"" or "The software "handles data efficiently"".

What are some alternatives to the word "handles"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "manages", "deals with", or "takes care of". Each carries slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "he handles" or "he handle"?

The correct form is "he handles". In the third-person singular present tense, the verb "handle" takes the -s ending.

What's the difference between "handles" and "controls"?

"Handles" often implies a level of skill or care in managing something, while "controls" suggests authority or power over something. For example, a pilot "handles" an aircraft, but air traffic control "controls" the airspace.