proper handful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "proper handful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity that is significant or substantial, often in a context where something is being measured or assessed. Example: "After the storm, we had a proper handful of fallen branches to clear from the yard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Proper handful.

The Guardian

Age: 25 Position: Blind-side flanker Club: Exeter Caps: 0 Zimbabwe might be a half-decent Test side if they could ship their exiles back to Harare or Bulawayo: the Leicester back-rower Mike Williams looks a proper handful, while Dom Armand has been keeping the international No 8 Thomas Waldrom out of the Exeter side.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Without access to "proper" nightlife, a handful of Palestinian youth are taking matters into their own hands.

Vice

Latin inscriptions from the Roman period, found mostly in southwestern France, record a handful of proper names of unmistakable Basque etymology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Having a handful of proper friends with whom you travel through your life is something worth holding on to and celebrating.

Independent

Drogba is a real handful, a proper centre-forward who defenders hate playing against.

BBC

Although Rrp6 was shown to promote proper termination at a handful of ORFs and CUTs (n = 7) (Fox et al., 2015), our analyses suggest that this may not be a widespread phenomenon, at least when the Nrd1 termination factor is functional (Schulz et al., 2013).

Cell Reports

1. Fats Waller, "Handful of Keys" (Proper, 2004; tracks recorded 1922-43).

The New Yorker

Fats Waller, "Handful of Keys" (Proper, 2004; tracks recorded 1922-43).

The New Yorker

It's the closest thing to a faith-based disgrace you're going to find outside the world of proper organised religion – besides a handful of key words, the Freeh Report's basically the John Jay Report.

Vice

"Probably only a handful, right?

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proper handful" when you want to emphasize that something is not just a little, but a significant amount or presents a notable challenge. Context is key; ensure the 'proper' aspect aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "proper handful" to describe trivial or very small quantities. It diminishes the phrase's impact and creates confusion. Choose words like "few" or "small number" instead for insignificant amounts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "proper handful" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a quantifier, denoting a considerable amount or a challenging entity. As evidenced by Ludwig, it modifies other nouns, adding emphasis to their quantity or difficulty. Ludwig AI also confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "proper handful" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression that denotes a significant amount or a challenging entity, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to emphasize quantity or difficulty. While its register is generally neutral, it leans toward informal and it's seen primarily in News & Media contexts. Use it when you want to convey that something is more than just a little, but avoid overusing it for trivial amounts. While not exceedingly common, "proper handful" can add color to your writing when used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant quantity

Focuses on the size or amount being substantial.

considerable amount

Emphasizes the largeness of the amount.

notable quantity

Highlights the remarkableness or importance of the amount.

substantial number

Focuses on a large count of items or entities.

difficult challenge

Shifts the focus to the difficulty implied by "handful".

formidable opponent

Highlights the challenging aspect, particularly in a competitive context.

real problem

Simplifies the meaning to a straightforward issue.

serious difficulty

Emphasizes the gravity of the difficulty.

major undertaking

Refers to a large and complex project or task.

troublesome entity

Highlights the problematic nature of the "handful".

FAQs

How can I use "proper handful" in a sentence?

You can use "proper handful" to describe a significant amount or a challenging person or situation. For example, "After the storm, we had a "proper handful" of branches to clear", or "He was a "proper handful" to deal with during the project".

What's a less formal alternative to "proper handful"?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "quite a bit", "a good amount", or "a challenge" instead of "proper handful". The best alternative depends on whether you're emphasizing the quantity or the difficulty.

Is "proper handful" more common in British or American English?

While understandable in both, "proper handful" has a slightly more British English feel. In American English, you might hear "a real handful" more often.

When is it inappropriate to use "proper handful"?

Avoid using "proper handful" in very formal or technical writing. It's more suited for informal, conversational contexts. In formal settings, consider using more precise and quantitative language like "significant quantity" or "considerable amount".