with their hands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with their hands" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that the action being described is being done using one's hands. Example: The children built a sandcastle with their hands and decorated it with seashells.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They worked with their hands.

The New Yorker

Everyone made things with their hands".

The New York Times - Magazine

With their hands.

The Guardian

People worked with their hands.

The Guardian - Opinion

With their hands, they're drawing graphs.

Cornell University

So they walk feeling with their hands.

The Guardian - Travel

"Brazilians don't eat with their hands".

The New York Times

Get into violent arguments with their hands.

The New Yorker

Patrons prefer to eat with their hands.

The Guardian

People without disabilities seamlessly control devices with their hands.

Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine

They beat them hard with their hands and rifles".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with their hands" to emphasize direct physical action and involvement, especially when contrasting with automated or indirect methods. For example, "They built the house with their hands, showcasing their dedication and craftsmanship."

Common error

Be mindful of redundancy. If the action inherently implies the use of hands (e.g., "They ate the pizza"), adding "with their hands" can be unnecessary and detract from the writing's flow. Use it when you want to highlight the method or contrast it with other means.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with their hands" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it specifies that the action is carried out manually, emphasizing the direct physical involvement of the subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with their hands" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize the manual nature of an action. As Ludwig AI explains, its primary function is to specify that something is done physically, highlighting the direct involvement of individuals. It is versatile, appearing in various contexts from news and media to scientific writing, though most frequent in neutral settings. When using the phrase, it's best to reserve it for situations where the manual aspect needs emphasis and to avoid redundancy when the action already implies manual effort. Related phrases like "manually" or "by hand" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in diverse contexts, confirming its wide acceptance and applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with their own hands

Adds emphasis on personal involvement and direct action.

using their hands

Emphasizes the act of employing hands as a tool or instrument.

by hand

Similar to "manually", highlights the direct involvement of hands in the action.

manually

Focuses on the action being done by hand, emphasizing the absence of machinery or automation.

by means of their hands

Formal way of indicating the hands as the instrument of action.

through manual effort

Highlights the labor and physical exertion involved in using hands.

handcrafted

Specifically refers to creating something using hands, emphasizing craftsmanship.

via manual operation

Focuses on the hands as the means of controlling or operating something.

through handiwork

Highlights the skill and craftsmanship involved in using hands.

with manual dexterity

Emphasizes skill and precision in using hands.

FAQs

How can I use "with their hands" in a sentence?

You can use "with their hands" to emphasize that an action is performed manually. For example, "They crafted intricate sculptures "with their hands", showcasing their artistic skills."

What are some alternatives to saying "with their hands"?

Alternatives include "manually", "by hand", or "using their hands", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. For example, instead of "They built it with their hands", you could say "They built it "by hand"".

Is it always necessary to specify "with their hands" when describing manual actions?

No, it's not always necessary. If the action inherently implies manual effort, specifying "with their hands" can be redundant. It's best used when you want to emphasize the manual aspect or contrast it with automated processes. For example, specifying they cleaned the area "with their hands" after a storm may contrast doing so using machines.

What's the difference between "by hand" and "with their hands"?

"By hand" is generally more concise and emphasizes the manual process itself. "With their hands" is more descriptive and can highlight the involvement of specific individuals or a group in performing the action manually. For example, the artwork was created "by hand" versus The community created the garden "with their hands".