show of hands

USAGE SUMMARY

"show of hands" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking for a collective, visual demonstration of opinion or consensus. For example, "Let's do a show of hands - who would like to go on the camping trip?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

(Show of hands).

The New York Times

Can I see a show of hands?

The New York Times

May I see a show of hands?

The New York Times

Let me see a show of hands.

The New York Times

Let's see a show of hands.

The New York Times

Professor Sandel asked for a show of hands on Monday.

The New York Times

Proponents of the show of hands have less confidence in the consciences of politicians.

The Economist

And there are still Aldermen and Sheriffs, usually elected by a show of hands.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

He does oppose tax increases, he said, but he dismissed the show-of-hands approach as "nonsense".

The New York Times

Dick Morris, the Republican political strategist, conducted a show-of-hands poll of the crowd's preferences among the Republican presidential field.

The New York Times

But ultimately Alexis Tsipras, the prime minister, won support for the government's negotiating efforts in a show-of-hands vote.Related topics European Union Greece International Monetary Fund (IMF) Alexis TsiprasFor weeks Mr Tsipras has sounded defiantly optimistic in the face of a worsening cash squeeze and excruciatingly slow bail-out negotiations with the European Union and the IMF.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you need to quickly gauge the general sentiment of a group, use "show of hands". It's an efficient method for informal voting, suitable for smaller audiences and immediate feedback.

Common error

Avoid using "show of hands" in highly formal or critical decision-making processes where a confidential or meticulously recorded vote is necessary. Opt for secret ballots or digital voting systems instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show of hands" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically referring to a method of voting or indicating agreement within a group. It describes the action itself (the showing) and the means by which it is done (the hands). According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "show of hands" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an informal voting method, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves as a quick way to gauge group sentiment. Alternatives like "raise your hand" can be used interchangeably depending on the context. When writing, it's best to reserve it for informal settings. Be cautious of using it where precise counts or anonymity are important, and use secret ballots instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise your hand

A more direct imperative, instructing people to physically raise their hands.

indicate your preference

A broader instruction, encompassing various methods of showing support or choice.

vote by hand

Emphasizes the act of voting through a physical show of hands.

express your agreement

Highlights the expression of accord, rather than the specific method.

make a visual vote

Focuses on the visible aspect of the voting process.

poll the audience

Indicates a broader attempt to gauge opinion, not necessarily through hand-raising.

take a straw poll

Suggests an informal vote to get a sense of the general opinion.

call for a vote

A procedural step to initiate a voting process.

ask for assent

Focuses on seeking agreement or approval from the group.

gauge public opinion

Implies a broader and possibly less formal assessment of viewpoints.

FAQs

How do you use "show of hands" in a sentence?

You can use "show of hands" to describe a voting method. For example: "The vote was taken by a "show of hands"." It can also be used to ask for a vote: "Can I see a "show of hands"?"

What can I say instead of "show of hands"?

You can use alternatives like "raise your hand", "indicate your preference", or "vote by hand" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use a "show of hands"?

A "show of hands" is best used for informal votes or quick polls in meetings or gatherings. It is not suitable for situations requiring secrecy or precise record-keeping.

What are the limitations of a "show of hands" as a voting method?

A "show of hands" can be influenced by peer pressure and lacks anonymity. It is also not suitable for large groups or situations where an exact count is crucial. Secret ballots or electronic voting systems are more reliable in these scenarios.