in competent hands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in competent hands" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically means that an individual or group can be trusted to handle a situation skillfully and reliably. For example, "We can trust that the task is in competent hands with our highly experienced team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In any case, our history is in competent hands.

The New York Times - Arts

A spokeswoman for the bureau said management of all science remained in competent hands.

The New York Times - Science

Meanwhile, politicians who know better are too spooked to utter the simple truth that government in competent hands can be a tremendous tool for advancing the good.

The New Yorker

Acupuncture, a core component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used for thousands of years in several oriental countries to treat various diseases, with virtually no side effects in competent hands.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"The case is in very competent hands," she said, "and at this stage it would be inappropriate for me to comment".

The New York Times

In her competent hands the human condition is malleable, capable of evolving to match the highs and lows of a hormonally challenged teenager.

The New York Times - Books

He is compelled therefore to put himself in the competent hands of a plain chauffeur, a woman with ears "like satellite dishes placed in some remote landscape" (the glee with which Murakami alights on such similes is infectious).

The Guardian - Books

This gastropub has an amazing selection of international beers and an award winning wine list but it is the "gastro" side that we find so very exciting in the competent hands of John Cuevas.

Los Angeles Times

The Mondays and Tuesdays were invaluable to me, not only because I was able to do my own work, but also because I knew that for two days a week my son was in safe and competent hands.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And fighters planning to use the system effectively would need training, including on how to select the best angles for attacking aircraft; it is not possible to tell from this image whether the system is in even reasonably competent hands.

The New York Times

As the prime minister comes under fire for announcing the reversal in policy on car industry assistance without any public consultation or reference to his own cabinet or party room, and for exaggerating its monetary benefits, Turnbull said the key to economic management was "that the public have confidence economic management is in safe and competent hands.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "in competent hands" to reassure stakeholders that a task or project is being managed by capable individuals. It conveys confidence and reliability.

Common error

Avoid using "in competent hands" in highly informal settings where more casual language is appropriate. Overuse in casual conversation might sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in competent hands" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate that something is being managed or handled by capable individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in competent hands" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that effectively conveys assurance and confidence in the abilities of those managing a task or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly news, science, and professional settings. While alternatives like "in capable hands" and "under skillful management" exist, ""in competent hands"" specifically emphasizes expertise, unlike "in good hands" which focuses more on safety. Be mindful of the setting to ensure the level of formality aligns with the intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in capable hands

Replaces "competent" with "capable", emphasizing the ability to handle something effectively.

in able hands

Substitutes "competent" with "able", highlighting the skill and proficiency of the individuals involved.

in skilled hands

Replaces "competent" with "skilled", focusing on the expertise and training of the handlers.

in expert hands

Highlights the specialized knowledge and experience of those entrusted with the task.

under competent management

Maintains the focus on management while retaining the original level of competence.

under skillful management

Shifts the focus to management and emphasizes the dexterity in handling a task or situation.

well-managed by experts

Highlights the expertise of management in the context of handling something well.

handled with expertise

Emphasizes the use of expertise and skill in the handling of a situation.

safely entrusted

Focuses on the safety and security aspect of entrusting something to someone.

in trustworthy custody

Highlights the reliability and integrity of the individuals or entities entrusted.

FAQs

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

You can use "in competent hands" to indicate that a task or responsibility is being managed by capable and reliable individuals. For example: "We can be confident that this project is "in competent hands" with our experienced team."

What are some alternatives to saying "in competent hands"?

Some alternatives include "in capable hands", "in able hands", or "under skillful management" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "in competent hands" is suitable for formal writing as it conveys professionalism and assurance. It's often used in business reports, official statements, and academic papers.

What's the difference between "in competent hands" and "in good hands"?

"In good hands" generally implies a sense of safety and care, whereas ""in competent hands"" specifically emphasizes the skill and capability of those in charge. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight security or expertise.