skillful hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "skillful hand" is correctly used in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression that means someone has a high level of proficiency in performing a task. For example, you could say "She quickly completed the research project with a skillful hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Takes a skillful hand.

The New York Times

The four chefs, all Chinese, have developed a skillful hand with their slightly unconventional but unfailingly fresh array of ingredients.

The New York Times

Still only 35 when he became Attorney General in his brother's Cabinet, he applied himself to that assignment with the same intensity and with an increasingly skillful hand.

The Washington Post

He was a shrewd businessman, with an eye for a deal, a skillful hand with a poker deck and a desire to impress.

The New York Times

The architect is a skillful hand at the building of upper-class apartments, and in planning this particular one he has, on the whole, made excellent use of the possibilities open to him.

The New Yorker

Sheep, geese and dead game, rendered in Westergren's skillful hand, evoke Old Master still lifes, photorealism, and, with their flat backgrounds, Pop art.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But in the skillful hands of Francisco X.

The New York Times - Books

"Seabiscuit" is a true story, with vivid history, in skillful hands.

The New York Times - Sports

Yes indeed, and in Shand's skillful hands that very familiarity only adds to the suspense.

The New York Times - Books

These implausible twists, in Horn's skillful hands, are not only forgivable — they're delicious.

The New York Times - Books

(Less skillful hands tend to distort something — sense, rhythm, syntax — to force rhymes into place).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "skillful hand" to describe someone who possesses expertise developed through practice in a specific area, as in, "The surgeon performed the delicate operation with a skillful hand."

Common error

Avoid using "skillful hand" to describe innate talent without any learning or practice. The phrase implies acquired expertise, not inherent ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skillful hand" functions as an adjective-noun combination, modifying a noun (often an implied or stated subject) to denote expertise or proficiency in a particular activity. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correctly used in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "skillful hand" is a valid and relatively uncommon expression used to describe someone who demonstrates proficiency and expertise, typically acquired through practice. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It's primarily found in news and media contexts, denoting competence in various fields. For alternative expressions, consider using "expert touch" or "adept professional" to convey similar meanings. When using "skillful hand", ensure it reflects acquired ability rather than innate talent to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expert touch

Replaces 'skillful hand' with 'expert touch', suggesting finesse.

deft execution

Emphasizes the execution of a task with skill and precision.

accomplished professional

Highlights the high level of achievement and skill in a profession.

skilled artisan

Replaces 'hand' with 'artisan', emphasizing the craft aspect.

seasoned practitioner

Implies experience and skill through long practice.

adept professional

Substitutes 'skillful' with 'adept' and 'hand' with 'professional', highlighting competence.

polished performance

Focuses on the refined quality of a performance or action.

masterful technique

Changes the phrase to focus on the technique used with great skill.

capable operator

Highlights the ability of someone to operate effectively.

proficient approach

Focuses on the approach taken, highlighting its proficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "skillful hand" in a sentence?

You can use "skillful hand" to describe someone's proficiency in a particular task. For example, "The chef prepared the dish with a "skillful hand", creating a culinary masterpiece."

What's a good alternative to "skillful hand"?

Alternatives include "expert touch", "adept professional", or "masterful technique", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "skillful hand" in formal writing?

Yes, "skillful hand" is appropriate in formal writing. However, ensure that it accurately reflects the acquired expertise being described.

What does it mean to say someone has a "skillful hand"?

It means that the person is highly proficient and competent in performing a particular task, usually due to experience and practice. It is very similar to saying that the person has an "expert touch".