lost his hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lost his hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing injury, accidents, or metaphorical loss, often referring to someone who has physically lost a hand or is experiencing a significant loss. Example: "After the accident, he lost his hand and had to adapt to a new way of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

He almost lost his hand.

The New York Times - Magazine

The governor lost his hand in an attack in December.

The New York Times

He lost his hand after standing up for her.

The New Yorker

A child lost his hand when he opened an abandoned bag laden with explosives.

The Economist

At the outset, Mr. Hallam told his doctors he lost his hand in an industrial accident.

The New York Times - Science

Ren finds out who he is, where he came from and how he lost his hand.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Belmarsh's most notorious prisoners Abu Hamza Extremist cleric who lost his hands in an explosion.

Independent

"Handcuff Babul has lost his hands," he said sagely, stroking the white hair beneath his chin.

The New York Times

It's casting akin to that of Harold Russell, a Second World War veteran who lost his hands in combat and was fitted with prosthetic hands, in William Wyler's 1946 masterwork "The Best Years of Our Lives".

The New Yorker

"It was a pretty amazing thing to see this boy come out of his shell," says Ebeling, recalling the moment Daniel picked up a spoon for the first time since he had lost his hands.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He said he was often misinterpreted because his first language is Arabic and that he was just an engineer, who had shifted to preaching after the injury in which he lost his hands and an eye.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the loss of a hand, consider using more descriptive or precise language depending on the context. For instance, instead of simply stating that someone "lost his hand", you could provide further details about the cause or circumstances.

Common error

Refrain from using overly casual or euphemistic language when describing the loss of a hand. Using terms like "misplaced his hand" or "no longer has his hand" can trivialize the experience. Choose straightforward and respectful language to ensure clarity and sensitivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lost his hand" functions primarily as a declarative statement, typically forming the predicate of a sentence. It describes a past event where someone experienced the loss of their hand. Ludwig examples show it frequently used in news reports and personal narratives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lost his hand" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the event where someone has suffered the loss of their hand. According to Ludwig, this phrase appears primarily in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, serving to inform or report an event. While versatile, writers should use respectful and descriptive language, and avoid overly casual terms. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable and appropriate. Related phrases include "had his hand amputated" and "suffered amputation of his hand", which may be more suitable in certain formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffered amputation of his hand

More formal and medical term for losing a hand.

had his hand amputated

Focuses on the action of amputation being performed.

sustained hand loss

Emphasizes the result of the incident.

his hand was severed

Describes the action of the hand being cut off.

became a hand amputee

Focuses on the person's status after losing a hand.

endured hand trauma

Highlights the traumatic experience of losing the hand.

experienced hand detachment

A clinical way of describing the loss of a hand.

his hand was forcibly removed

Highlights the forceful nature of the hand loss.

suffered a hand injury requiring amputation

Highlights the causal link between the injury and the amputation.

underwent a hand amputation procedure

Focuses on the medical procedure involved in hand loss.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "lost his hand"?

You can use phrases like "had his hand amputated", "suffered amputation of his hand", or "sustained hand loss" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "lost his hand" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "lost his hand" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but it's important to consider the specific context and audience. More formal alternatives like "suffered amputation of his hand" may be preferable in certain situations.

What implications does the phrase "lost his hand" carry?

The phrase "lost his hand" typically implies a significant and often traumatic event, such as an accident, injury, or medical condition, that resulted in the amputation or severance of the hand. It suggests a permanent physical change and potential challenges for the individual.

What's the difference between "lost his hand" and "lost his arm"?

While both phrases describe limb loss, "lost his hand" specifically refers to the loss of the hand, whereas "lost his arm" indicates the loss of the entire arm. The extent of the limb loss differs between the two phrases.