shake hands

USAGE SUMMARY

'shake hands' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of two people shaking hands in order to greet one another or to show agreement. For example: We shook hands to seal the deal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They shake hands.

The New Yorker

We can shake hands.

The Economist

Did they shake hands?

The New Yorker

Then you shake hands.

The Guardian - Sport

We don't shake hands.

The Guardian

He doesn't shake hands.

The Guardian - Books

Now shake hands".

The Guardian - Opinion

We nearly shake hands.

The Guardian

Might shake hands.

The New York Times

They shake hands warmly.

The New York Times

Foch refused to shake hands.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shake hands" to describe a formal greeting, agreement, or farewell between two people. Ensure the context is appropriate for this gesture, as cultural norms vary.

Common error

Avoid using "shake hands" when describing interactions where physical contact is discouraged or culturally inappropriate. Consider alternative greetings like a nod or a bow.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shake hands" is as an idiomatic verb phrase. It is commonly used to describe the act of greeting, agreement, or farewell. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shake hands" is a very common and grammatically correct idiomatic phrase used to describe the act of grasping another person's hands, typically as a greeting, farewell, or sign of agreement. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase carries a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While generally appropriate, it's important to be mindful of cultural norms where handshaking may not be customary. Consider alternatives like "exchange handshakes" for more formal settings or different gestures entirely when cultural sensitivity is paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greet with a handshake

Emphasizes the greeting aspect of shaking hands.

exchange handshakes

Highlights the reciprocal nature of the gesture, emphasizing the act of giving and receiving a handshake.

offer a handshake

Focuses on the initiation of the gesture, suggesting politeness and respect.

shake on it

An informal expression indicating agreement, often followed by shaking hands.

clasp hands

Emphasizes the act of grasping hands firmly, suggesting a stronger connection or agreement.

grip hands

Similar to clasp hands, focusing on the physical act of holding hands tightly.

seal the deal with a handshake

Specifically refers to finalizing an agreement through a handshake, adding a transactional element.

press palms

A more descriptive and less common alternative, emphasizing the physical contact of the palms.

come to terms

Emphasizes the agreement preceding the handshake, if any.

make an agreement

Focuses on the consensus or settlement achieved, with the handshake serving as a symbolic gesture.

FAQs

How can I use "shake hands" in a sentence?

You can use "shake hands" to describe a greeting, an agreement, or a farewell. For example, "They "shake hands" to finalize the deal", or "It's customary to "shake hands" upon meeting someone new".

What's a more formal way to say "shake hands"?

While "shake hands" is already fairly neutral, you could use "exchange handshakes" to emphasize the reciprocal nature of the gesture in a more formal context.

Are there any cultural considerations when using "shake hands"?

Yes, in some cultures, handshaking may not be the norm, or it may be reserved for specific situations. It's always best to be aware of and respect cultural differences in greeting customs. In some countries a nod or a bow can be a "form of greeting".

Is it correct to say "shake hand" instead of "shake hands"?

No, it's grammatically incorrect. The correct form is ""shake hands"". The phrase refers to the action involving two hands, hence the plural form.