put a hand on

USAGE SUMMARY

"put a hand on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an act of touching someone or something gently, with care, or affection. For example, "He put a hand on my shoulder and smiled reassuringly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Gago, the football coach, swears no one put a hand on him.

The New York Times - Sports

Joan said, "You're a good one, aren't you?" and put a hand on his cheek.

The New York Times

Upstairs, Mr. Passmore smiled gamely for one more iPhone photo and put a hand on Mr. Proesch's arm.

The New York Times - Arts

She put a hand on her chest.

The New York Times

He put a hand on my shoulder.

The New Yorker

Matthew put a hand on his shoulder.

The New Yorker

He put a hand on Chenayya's back.

The New Yorker

He put a hand on the estimate and sighed heavily.

The New Yorker

Jeremijenko put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed.

The New York Times - Magazine

He nodded and put a hand on his forehead.

The New Yorker

She turned and put a hand on her hip.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that the nuance of the phrase is usually about offering support, comfort or affection through touch.

Common error

Be careful when using "put a hand on" in contexts where physical contact could be misconstrued. Ensure the situation and your intent are clear to avoid any misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put a hand on" functions as a verb phrase, specifically an idiomatic expression. It's used to describe the action of touching someone or something, often conveying comfort, support, or a specific intention. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put a hand on" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to describe the act of touching someone or something, often to offer comfort, support, or guidance. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and prevalence in various contexts, especially within news and media. While its register is generally neutral to informal, more formal contexts may benefit from a more descriptive alternative. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to convey intent and emotion through the simple act of touch. As always, context is very important for the appropriateness of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

place a hand on

This alternative emphasizes the deliberate action of positioning the hand.

lay a hand on

This alternative is a more formal or literary way of saying "put a hand on".

rest a hand on

This alternative implies a gentle and supportive touch.

touch

This alternative is a more general term for making physical contact.

pat

This alternative suggests a brief, gentle touch, often as a sign of affection or reassurance.

stroke

This alternative implies a gentle, repetitive touch.

caress

This alternative suggests a loving or affectionate touch.

tap

This alternative suggests a light and quick touch.

grasp

This alternative means to take hold of something firmly.

seize

This alternative implies a sudden and forceful taking hold of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "put a hand on" is used to describe someone touching another person or object, often gently. For example, "She "put a hand on" his arm to reassure him".

What are some alternatives to "put a hand on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "touch", "lay a hand on", or "place a hand on".

Is it appropriate to use "put a hand on" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in more formal contexts, consider using "place a hand on" or a more descriptive verb depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "put a hand on" and "touch"?

"Put a hand on" often implies a more deliberate or meaningful action, while "touch" is a more general term for making physical contact. The phrase "put a hand on" suggests a conscious effort to make contact, possibly for reassurance or support.