Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
indicated by hand
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "indicated by hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been pointed out or shown using one's hand, often in a physical or instructional context. Example: "The location of the hidden treasure was indicated by hand on the map during the presentation."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Wiki
Alternative expressions(6)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Response times (RTs) were faster when the right hand (728 ms) rather than the left hand (740 ms) was used, as indicated by hand significance (F 1,13) = 5.08, p<0.05).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
The buddha of the north was Amoghasiddhi, "Infallible Success," who represents the Buddha's miraculous power to save, indicated by the hand gesture of giving protection right hand raised, palm outward and pointing upward.
Encyclopedias
Others indicated by means of hand signals why they were not stopping.
News & Media
These men indicated, by means of hand signals, the state of the track ahead.
Encyclopedias
Subsequently, a second cue appeared at the bottom of the screen for another 3000 ms indicating whether the participant had to judge the extent to which the person-descriptive word applied to either him/herself or to Obama (indicated by a "pointing hand" or an "Obama 2008" symbol respectively, see Fig. 1).
Science
Drag in the manner indicated by the crocodile hand of the tutorial.
Wiki
Pause and listen for the clock to strike the number of times indicated by the little hand.
Wiki
A book is indicated by unfolding your hands like an open book, for a television programme use your fingers to draw a rectangle in the air to represent a TV screen, for a film pretend to be winding an old-fashioned camera, for a song pretend to sing into a microphone and for a play draw the outline of a stage (complete with curtains) with your fingers.
News & Media
However, the growth in numbers of trials is indicated by both electronic and hand searches.
On the other hand, indicated by a PPV of 0.49, when selecting a child with asthma medication, this child would have doctor-diagnosed asthma in only 49% of the cases.
Science
Subjects were instructed to feel with the receiving (50%) or the approaching (50%) hand, indicated by a 1 s green cross on the left or right side of the screen.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "indicated by hand", ensure the context clearly specifies what is being indicated and the purpose of the manual indication. For example, "The correct path was indicated by hand on the map to guide hikers".
Common error
Avoid using "indicated by hand" when a more direct, active voice construction would be clearer and more concise. For instance, instead of "The direction was indicated by hand", consider "He pointed to the direction".
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "indicated by hand" primarily functions as a passive construction, describing an action (indication) performed on a subject by manual means. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of this phrase.
Frequent in
Science
48%
News & Media
22%
Wiki
15%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
10%
Formal & Business
5%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "indicated by hand" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a manual method of showing or pointing out something. According to Ludwig, its usage is valid and primarily found in scientific and news contexts. While the phrase is acceptable, writers should consider whether a more direct or active construction would enhance clarity. Remember to specify the context of what's being indicated and why manual indication is relevant. The phrase is relatively uncommon, but when used appropriately, it adds a specific emphasis to the method of indication.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
signaled manually
Replaces "indicated by hand" with a more direct verb and adverb emphasizing the manual method of signaling.
shown through gestures
Emphasizes the use of gestures as the method of indication, replacing "hand" with a broader term.
determined by manual inspection
Focuses on the process of determining something through a hands-on inspection.
pointed out physically
Highlights the physical act of pointing as the means of indication.
revealed through tactile examination
Indicates discovery or revelation through touching or feeling something by hand.
demonstrated by physical action
Focuses on a physical action serving as the indication.
identified via hand signals
Specifies the use of hand signals as the method of identification.
designated by manual control
Highlights the manual control aspect in designating something.
expressed using manual techniques
Emphasizes the use of manual techniques to express or indicate something.
specified by handling
Highlights the handling or manipulation of an object as a way to specify information.
FAQs
How can I use "indicated by hand" in a sentence?
You can use "indicated by hand" to describe a situation where something is pointed out or shown manually. For example, "The route was "indicated by hand" on the map during the briefing".
What are some alternatives to "indicated by hand"?
Some alternatives include "signaled manually", "pointed out physically", or "shown through gestures", depending on the specific context.
When is it best to use "indicated by hand" over other similar phrases?
Use "indicated by hand" when you want to emphasize the manual or physical aspect of the indication. This is especially useful when contrasting it with other methods, such as digital or automated indication.
Is "indicated by hand" formal or informal?
The phrase ""indicated by hand"" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the overall tone of your writing and whether a more direct or active voice construction might be more effective.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested