hands down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hands down" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express certainty or agreement about a particular topic. For example, "He is the best for the job, hands down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

(He passes, hands down).

The New York Times - Arts

Hands down, it's Bryant.

The New York Times

Hands down, best birthday ever.

The New York Times

So specialisation wins hands down?

The Economist

Richard Ford: "Overrated... hands down".

The New York Times - Books

Ha! Hands down!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Well, the verdict has been handed down.

The New York Times

It will hand down its decision next summer.

The Economist

It was handed down Wednesday, not Friday.

The New York Times

Ngeju kept his hand down, and smiled.

The New York Times - Sports

It's been handed down and handed down.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "hands down" to convey a sense of ease or lack of effort in achieving something. This adds a layer of nonchalance to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "hands down" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "without a doubt" or "definitely" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hands down" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express certainty or ease. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It emphatically reinforces a statement, indicating that there is no doubt or contest regarding the matter at hand.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Lifestyle

15%

Tech

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hands down" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express strong conviction, ease, or superiority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While its register leans towards neutral to informal, it's crucial to consider the audience and purpose of the writing. For formal contexts, alternatives like "without a doubt" or "definitely" might be more appropriate. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing a clear winner or preference. While generally considered grammatically sound and prevalent, be mindful to use it correctly to enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without a doubt

Replaces figurative language with direct assertion.

easily

Focuses on lack of difficulty rather than undisputed victory.

definitely

Emphasizes certainty but lacks the competitive implication.

unquestionably

Highlights the lack of dispute but less emphatic.

by far

Indicates superiority by a wide margin.

without question

Directly states a lack of doubt.

assuredly

More formal and emphasizes confidence.

certainly

Indicates a firm belief or expectation.

absolutely

Emphasizes the positive affirmation of something.

undeniably

Highlights something that cannot be challenged or contested.

FAQs

How can I use "hands down" in a sentence?

Use "hands down" to emphasize that something is the best or easiest. For example, "This is the best coffee I've ever had, "hands down"."

What phrases are similar to "hands down"?

Alternatives include "without a doubt", "easily", or "definitely", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "hands down" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "hands down" is generally considered informal. Use more formal alternatives like "unquestionably" or "without question" in academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "hands down" and "by far"?

"Hands down" implies ease and certainty, while "by far" emphasizes a significant margin of difference. For example, "He's the best candidate, hands down" suggests he's the clear choice, while "He's by far the most qualified" highlights his superior qualifications.