in your hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"in your hand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to someone holding something in their hand. For example: "Put the pen in your hand and draw a circle on the paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Phones go in your hand.

The New York Times

What's that in your hand?

The Guardian

C In your hand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You can hold it in your hand".

The New York Times

Stone fruit is summer in your hand.

The New York Times - Magazine

They smelled of moss in your hand.

The New Yorker

They would die in your hand".

Independent

It will actually break in your hand".

The New York Times

That gun was in your hand.

The New York Times

What's in your hand — give it up!

The New York Times - Arts

"You don't hold it in your hand".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in your hand" to describe physical possession or control. For abstract control, consider alternatives like "under your control" or "at your disposal."

Common error

Avoid using "in your hand" for purely abstract concepts where there's no physical object. Instead of saying "the decision is in your hand" use "the decision is yours".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "in your hand" is as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb. It typically indicates location, possession, or control. For example, "The phone is in your hand" (location) or "The power is in your hand" (control). Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

37%

News & Media

35%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in your hand" is a versatile prepositional phrase primarily used to indicate physical possession, control, or proximity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure appropriateness. For abstract control, consider alternatives like "under your control". Be mindful of potential misuse in purely abstract concepts. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "in your hand" into your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within your grasp

Emphasizes the ease of access or control.

at your fingertips

Highlights ease of access, especially in a digital context.

in your possession

Focuses on ownership and control.

under your control

Stresses the aspect of management and authority.

within your reach

Indicates that something is easily obtainable.

in your power

Highlights the ability to influence or control.

carried by you

Focuses on the action of physically carrying something.

being held by you

Emphasizes the present action of holding.

gripped by you

Suggests a firm hold or grasp.

on your person

Indicates that something is carried on one's body.

FAQs

How can I use "in your hand" in a sentence?

You can use "in your hand" to describe physically holding something, such as "The phone is in your hand". It can also imply control or power, as in "The decision is "in your possession"".

What are some alternatives to "in your hand"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "within your grasp", "at your fingertips", or "under your control".

Is it always literal when we say "in your hand"?

No, it is not always literal. The phrase "in your hand" can be used figuratively to imply control, responsibility, or decision-making power. However, literal usage refers to physically holding something.

What is the difference between "in your hand" and "in your possession"?

"In your hand" generally suggests something is currently being held or directly controlled, while ""in your possession"" implies ownership or control, regardless of whether it's currently being held.