manual dexterity

USAGE SUMMARY

"manual dexterity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's skill in using their hands. For example: "He showed amazing manual dexterity when performing the surgery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They had better manual dexterity.

The New Yorker

He liked games requiring manual dexterity.

The New York Times

"Manual dexterity is extremely important," he said.

The New York Times

Both require manual dexterity and practice.

The New York Times - Tech

Skill is more than manual dexterity.

The New York Times - Arts

Dissection builds spatial skills, manual dexterity and sense of touch.

The Guardian

Control of species-dependent cortico-motoneuronal connections underlying manual dexterity.

Cornell University

High-precision computerized machine tools superceded manual dexterity.

The New York Times

Decreased manual dexterity is common in persons after stroke.

PM&R

They were suppler, showed greater manual dexterity and sat taller — just as Langer had guessed.

The New York Times - Magazine

They were slower to learn than humans, but the manual dexterity was there.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a skill that involves hand movements, use "manual dexterity" to emphasize precision and control. For example, "Surgical procedures require a high degree of manual dexterity".

Common error

Avoid using "manual dexterity" when you mean general physical agility. "Manual dexterity" specifically refers to skills involving the hands, not overall coordination.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "manual dexterity" is that of a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase describes a specific skill or ability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

26%

Science

44%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "manual dexterity" is a noun phrase referring to skill in using one's hands. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It's frequently found in scientific, academic, and news-related articles. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately describes hand-related skills rather than general physical ability. Consider alternatives like "hand skills" or "fine motor skills" for nuanced expression. Remember that while widely understood, it maintains a slightly formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manual skill

A direct synonym, simply reordering the words.

hand skills

Focuses specifically on the skill aspect of using one's hands.

fine motor skills

Highlights the precision and coordination required for small muscle movements in the hands and fingers.

hand-eye coordination

Emphasizes the coordination between visual input and hand movements.

dexterity

A shorter, more general term encompassing skill and agility, but not specifically manual.

skillful hands

Uses a more descriptive adjective to convey the idea of having skill in using hands.

nimble fingers

Highlights the agility and quickness of the fingers.

facility with tools

Indicates competence in using tools, implying manual competence.

craftsmanship

Implies a high level of manual skill applied to a specific craft or trade.

expertise in handling

Highlights expert ability in physical handling and manipulation of objects.

FAQs

How to use "manual dexterity" in a sentence?

You can use "manual dexterity" to describe someone's skill in using their hands, such as, "The surgeon's exceptional "manual dexterity" allowed for a successful operation".

What can I say instead of "manual dexterity"?

You can use alternatives like "hand skills", "fine motor skills", or "hand-eye coordination", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "manual dexterity" or "dexterity"?

"Dexterity" refers to general skill or agility, while ""manual dexterity"" specifically refers to skill in using one's hands. The better choice depends on whether you need to emphasize hand skills.

What's the difference between "manual dexterity" and "mechanical aptitude"?

"Manual dexterity" refers to the skill in using one's hands. "Mechanical aptitude" involves understanding how machines work and the ability to fix them. While they can overlap, they are distinct abilities.