hold by hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold by hand" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "hold hands" or "hold by the hand." Example: "As they walked through the park, they decided to hold hands."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The use of a MEMS scanner enabled the probe to be small enough to easily hold by hand and image at 56 frames/sec.

Biomedical Optics Express

If grating by hand: If grating by hand: Cut a large slice of unsliced bread that is comfortable to hold by hand.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Opened and held by hand, it protects the emerging passenger from the elements.

The New York Times - Travel

In performance the early zhong was either held by hand or placed on a seat with its mouth upward and struck with a mallet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A light meter held by hand within a half inch of the painting measures the foot candles of light, which are generally kept at 10.

The New York Times

The composites produced by this technique are robust and can be held by hand for application to tunable material properties for applications to bioelectronics and soft robotics.

Chemical Engineering Science

Newborn pups were anesthetized by hypothermia, placed under a dissecting scope and held by hand.

Plosone

In other cases, the sample was held by hand and separated from the microscope by a rubber spacer that automatically placed the image in the proper plane such that the center of the field was in focus.

Plosone

These devices are generally held by hand against the impact site on the skull.

BioMed Research International

To prevent motion artifacts, the transducer was not held by hand but was fixed in a dedicated device.

BMC Cancer

The syringe held by hand is attached to the conjunctiva surface covering the superotemporal microcannula's cap inside to form a closed space.

BMC Ophthalmology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the act of grasping another person's hand, use "hold hands" or "take someone by the hand" for clarity and proper grammar. If you want to indicate that an object is manipulated manually, consider using 'manually hold' instead.

Common error

Avoid using "hold by hand" when you intend to express the common action of two people grasping each other's hands; the correct phrasing is "hold hands". Additionally, be precise with your words. You want to say 'manually hold' rather than 'hold by hand'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold by hand" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, indicating a method of grasping or supporting something. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this is not correct. In many cases it appears in scientific writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

35%

Wiki

25%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold by hand" is not considered standard English. While occasionally used in descriptive contexts, particularly in science and certain Wiki entries, Ludwig AI considers it incorrect. For the common action of grasping another's hand, "hold hands" is the correct and preferred phrase. For manual manipulation, consider "manually hold". Despite its occasional appearance, writers should exercise caution and opt for more grammatically sound alternatives to ensure clarity and accuracy in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold hands

Expresses the action of two people grasping each other's hands, implying connection or affection.

hold it in hand

Specifies that something is being held within one's hand, clarifying the manner of holding.

grasp by the hand

Emphasizes a firm taking of someone's hand, adding a sense of control or assistance.

take by the hand

Suggests guiding or leading someone by their hand, focusing on the act of guidance.

manually hold

Highlights the manual aspect of holding something, contrasting with automated methods.

support by hand

Indicates that something is being supported physically by one's hand.

carry in hand

Describes the action of transporting something while holding it in one's hand.

bear by hand

Similar to carrying, but may imply a heavier or more significant load.

hand-hold

Implies that it’s a device that has to be held by hand to be used.

wield manually

Suggests skillful handling or manipulation of an object by hand, often a tool.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "hold by hand"?

The correct phrasing depends on the context. To describe people grasping each other's hands, use "hold hands". To describe manipulating something manually, consider "manually hold".

Is "hold by hand" grammatically correct?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "hold by hand" is not a standard or widely accepted English phrase. It's generally better to use alternatives like "hold hands" or "manually hold" for better clarity.

Can I use "hold by hand" to describe carrying something?

While you could technically use it, it's not the most natural phrasing. Consider using phrases like "carry in hand" or "bear by hand" instead.

What's the difference between "hold by hand" and "grasp by the hand"?

"Hold by hand" is not a standard English phrase. "Grasp by the hand" implies a firmer, more deliberate taking of someone's hand, often for guidance or support.