skillful hands

USAGE SUMMARY

'skillful hands' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone with a specific set of talents or abilities. For example: "The craftsman worked with skillful hands to create the beautiful sculpture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 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

It demonstrated the way that probing thought, in skillful hands, can refine and ultimately increase enjoyment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 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

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

Not for one moment did you confuse the individual and very skillful hand of each artist involved in the show, but you definitely knew that these artists had been systematically and methodically selected by the same heart.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "skillful hands" to describe someone with expertise in a craft, art, or any activity requiring dexterity and precision. For example, "The surgeon's skillful hands saved the patient's life."

Common error

Avoid using "skillful hands" to describe purely intellectual or strategic abilities. While someone can be skillful in planning, it's more appropriate to use terms like "strategic mind" or "astute intellect" rather than "skillful hands" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "skillful hands" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the hands as possessing skill, indicating competence and expertise in performing tasks. This is supported by Ludwig's examples showcasing its usage in contexts like craftsmanship and surgery.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skillful hands" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that effectively describes someone's dexterity and expertise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, with strong representation in News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to avoid misapplication in purely intellectual contexts, opting instead for alternatives like "strategic mind". Overall, "skillful hands" is a reliable and versatile phrase for conveying competence and artistry.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gifted hands

Suggests an innate talent or natural ability.

talented hands

Similar to gifted hands, emphasizing inherent talent.

deft touch

Implies a delicate and skillful approach to a task.

practiced hands

Emphasizes the experience and training behind the skill.

expert craftsmanship

Focuses on the quality of the work produced rather than the hands themselves.

capable hands

Focuses on competence and reliability.

masterful technique

Highlights the skill and precision involved in the execution of a task.

adept manipulation

Emphasizes dexterity and control, particularly in physical tasks.

artisan's skill

Highlights the expertise and creativity associated with skilled craftspeople.

virtuoso performance

Highlights exceptional skill and artistry.

FAQs

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

You can use "skillful hands" to describe someone who is adept at a task requiring dexterity or craftsmanship. For example: "The clockmaker's "skillful hands" meticulously assembled the intricate mechanism".

What are some alternatives to "skillful hands"?

Some alternatives include "deft touch", "expert craftsmanship", or "gifted hands", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "skillful hands" to describe a writer?

While "skillful hands" typically refers to physical dexterity, you could use it metaphorically to describe a writer's "deft touch" with language, implying they are skilled in crafting words and stories. However, consider alternatives like "masterful storyteller" or "gifted writer" for clarity.

What is the difference between "skillful hands" and "skilled hands"?

"Skillful hands" emphasizes a higher degree of expertise and artistry, while "skilled hands" simply indicates competence. Both are correct, but "skillful" suggests a more refined and exceptional ability.