slender hands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slender hands" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe hands that are thin and delicate, often conveying a sense of grace or elegance. Example: "She played the piano with her slender hands, each movement fluid and precise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

His slender hands tremble and he stands shakily.

The New York Times

She rubs her slender hands together fiercely, as if kindling fire.

The New York Times

- The banner for foreign-born players at the P.G.A. Championship ended up in the slender hands of Anders Hansen on Sunday.

The New York Times

The cadet, who had a shaved head and slender hands protruding from a long black robe, described many forms of disappointment in the Qaddafi military.

The New York Times

For thirty minutes, Benazir played the crowd like a maestro — fiery, impassioned, her eyes blazing and her slender hands slicing the air.

The New Yorker

In the lowest weight category, a flyweight at 50kg, she is slim, with the slender hands and wrists of a ballerina.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

He ran his slender hand through strawberry blond hair.

The New York Times - Magazine

With a diamond of a certain size on that slender hand.

The New Yorker

Raggi's trademark is exquisite courtesy – she proffers a slender hand even to reporters who approach her with hostile questions.

The Guardian

He pointed with his slender hand to the eastern horizon, where five spots of light flickered uncertainly.

The Guardian - Books

The woman ran a slender hand lovingly over the polished casing, as though it were the hood of a car.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slender hands" to evoke a sense of elegance or delicacy when describing someone's physical appearance or actions. This phrase is particularly effective in descriptive writing and character development.

Common error

Avoid using "slender hands" as a generic descriptor for female characters in fiction. Instead, focus on specific details that make the description unique and relevant to the story's context. Consider actions the hands perform or how they interact with objects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slender hands" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "slender" modifies the noun "hands", providing a specific detail about their appearance. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slender hands" is a grammatically correct and commonly used descriptive phrase that evokes a sense of elegance or delicacy. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent use in news articles, encyclopedias, and other general-interest content. While "slender hands" is considered neutral, it's important to avoid overusing it in cliché descriptions. Instead, strive for originality by focusing on specific details that make the description unique and impactful. Consider using alternatives like "thin hands" or "delicate hands" to add subtle nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thin hands

Focuses on the lack of thickness in the hands, similar to 'slender' but more direct.

delicate hands

Emphasizes the fineness and grace of the hands, adding a sense of fragility.

slight hands

Highlights the smallness and slight build of the hands.

slim hands

Similar to 'slender', but may also imply a sleek or graceful shape.

attenuated hands

More formal and less common, suggesting a thinning or tapering of the hands.

fine hands

Emphasizes the refined and elegant nature of the hands.

narrow hands

Highlights the narrow width of the hands.

graceful hands

Focuses on the elegant movements and appearance of the hands, which slender hands may contribute to.

frail hands

Suggests a weakness or fragility associated with slender hands, often due to age or illness.

petite hands

Emphasizes the small size and delicate nature of the hands.

FAQs

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

You can use "slender hands" to describe someone's physical appearance, such as "She played the piano with her slender hands", or to suggest a delicate or elegant nature.

What are some synonyms for "slender hands"?

Alternatives include "thin hands", "delicate hands", or "slim hands", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "slender hands" a formal or informal expression?

"Slender hands" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

What connotations does "slender hands" have?

"Slender hands" often suggests elegance, grace, or delicacy. However, in some contexts, it could also imply fragility or weakness.