skilled hands

USAGE SUMMARY

"skilled hands" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it in any context in which you want to describe someone or something that has a particular expertise or skill in doing something. For example: The artisan crafted the beautiful jewelry with his skilled hands.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In less skilled hands this would be clever but facetious.

The Guardian

He re-did their house with his skilled hands.

The New York Times

Moreover, even in skilled hands, consistent penetration depths are difficult to achieve.

Journal of Neuroscience Methods

"Many techniques [require] sophisticated instruments in skilled hands, or even a formal operation".

Independent

Yes, he sometimes stacks the deck, but at least he does it with skilled hands.

The New York Times - Books

In less skilled hands, this might degenerate into a cheap raid of pop-culture references.

The New York Times

(Literary moves that were safe only in the skilled hands of Norman Mailer).

The New Yorker

They have not only skilled hands but also prodigious powers of persuasion.

The New York Times - Magazine

But artists insist that no amount of technology can adequately substitute for skilled hands and eyes.

The New York Times

But in skilled hands, these everyday ingredients add up to an exemplary dish.

The New York Times

The process of deboning requires skilled hands, but the task can be grim and repetitive.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "skilled hands" to emphasize the importance of human expertise and craftsmanship in a process or activity. For example, "The intricate details of the sculpture were brought to life by the artist's skilled hands."

Common error

Avoid using "skilled hands" when the outcome is primarily due to technology or automation, rather than human skill. It is more accurate to say, "The precise cuts were achieved through automated machinery" rather than attributing it to "skilled hands" if humans weren't the primary source of the skills involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skilled hands" functions as a noun phrase, where "skilled" modifies the noun "hands". It typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence, emphasizing the ability or expertise associated with those hands. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

18%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "skilled hands" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that highlights expertise and proficiency in a particular activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is employed across various contexts, including news, science, and academia, with a neutral tone. While suitable for formal settings, it avoids excessive formality. The phrase emphasizes the human element and the value of training and experience. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the skill is genuinely attributable to human expertise, avoiding misapplication to automated processes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable hands

Implies competence and ability to handle tasks effectively.

expert craftsmanship

Emphasizes the quality of work produced by skilled hands.

masterful technique

Focuses on the refined approach and expertise involved.

adept practitioners

Highlights individuals who are highly skilled in a field.

proficient expertise

Combines the concept of skill and knowledge in a domain.

talented individuals

Focuses on the innate talent and skill of people.

experienced artisans

Highlights the combination of experience and artistic skill.

masterly touch

Highlights the refined and expert quality of an action.

deft manipulation

Emphasizes skillful handling and control.

artful execution

Focuses on the artistic and skillful performance of a task.

FAQs

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

You can use "skilled hands" to describe someone's expertise in a craft, like "The watchmaker's skilled hands meticulously assembled the intricate mechanism" or to highlight the human element in a process, like "Even with advanced technology, the success of the surgery depended on the surgeon's skilled hands".

What are some alternatives to "skilled hands"?

Alternatives to "skilled hands" include "expert craftsmanship", "masterful technique", or "proficient expertise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "skilled hands" in a formal context?

Yes, "skilled hands" is appropriate for formal contexts when emphasizing the importance of expertise and precision. For example, "The success of the project hinges on the skilled hands of our engineering team".

What's the difference between "skilled hands" and "capable hands"?

"Skilled hands" implies a high level of expertise and training in a particular area, while "capable hands" suggests general competence and ability to handle tasks effectively. "Skilled hands" denotes mastery, whereas "capable hands" indicates adequate competence.