on your hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on your hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to something physically located on someone's hand or metaphorically indicating control or responsibility. Example: "She had a beautiful ring on her hand that sparkled in the sunlight."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take your finger (any one on your hand).

WikiHow

even on your hand wraps!

Cornell University

"Write it on your hand," she recommended.

The New York Times

They may be on your hand right now.

The New York Times

And the human hand is different because "you have flora on your hand that lives there and interacts with other bugs on your hand".

The Guardian

All will, unlike Barneys, have sinks so consultants can test a regimen on your hand.

The New York Times

Is writing messages on your hand a good idea?

BBC

It can come off on your hand.

Los Angeles Times

Maybe an 'R' on your hand.

Vice

Not just those that appear on your hand held device.

Huffington Post

"It's designing as if someone is putting henna on your hand".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "on your hand" to indicate where a substance or object should be placed. Example: "Put a small amount of lotion on your hand before applying it to your face."

Common error

Avoid using "on your hand" when you mean merely 'in your possession' or 'under your control'. "On your hand" strictly denotes physical location. Instead, opt for phrases like "in hand" or "available to you" to better express broader control or possession.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on your hand" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location or surface. Ludwig examples show how it specifies where an action is performed or where something is situated. Ludwig AI indicates that this is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on your hand" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate location or surface. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and it appears frequently in varied contexts, particularly in WikiHow and news media. The phrase can be used to describe where something should be placed or where an action should be performed. While generally neutral, awareness of the specific context ensures its appropriate application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Upon your hand

More formal or literary way to express the same location.

In your palm

Focuses specifically on the inner surface of the hand.

Applied to your hand

Specifically refers to applying something.

Written on your hand

Specifically refers to writing.

Held in your hand

Emphasizes the act of holding something.

Drawn on your hand

Specific to drawing.

On your person

Broader; refers to anything carried or located on one's body.

Resting on your hand

Implies something is placed gently on your hand.

In hand

Implies possession or control rather than physical location.

Across your hand

Focuses on covering the hand's surface.

FAQs

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

Use "on your hand" to describe something physically located on someone's hand, such as "She had a beautiful ring "on your hand"". It can also describe an action performed on the hand, like "Draw a 13 "on your hand"".

What can I say instead of "on your hand"?

You can use alternatives like "in your palm", which focuses on the inner surface, or "in hand", which implies possession. "Upon your hand" is a more formal alternative.

Is it ever appropriate to write reminders "on your hand"?

While it can be a quick and easy way to remember something, writing reminders "on your hand" is generally considered informal. For important notes, it is better to use a notebook or digital device.

What does it mean to have something "on your hand"?

Literally, it means that something is physically located on your hand. Figuratively, it does not have a common idiomatic meaning.