written by hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "written by hand" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that has been physically written, rather than typed or printed. Example: The love letter was written by hand on delicate, scented stationery.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The letters were written by hand.

The New York Times

"You felt like it was almost written by hand".

The New York Times - Books

/ fecit Prague 17", with the last two digits of the date written by hand.

Yale University

Torahs are written by hand, take years to complete, and cost tens of thousands of dollars.

The New Yorker

The letters were often written by hand and as long as 20 pages.

The Guardian - Books

In other words, it is written by hand to create data.

The New York Times - Science

On it, she has written by hand her suggestion for the last paragraph.

The Guardian - Books

As anger simmered across the country, an enigmatic publication began to circulate, written by hand.

The New Yorker

I asked people to send us letters; real letters, written by hand and sent through the post.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lauten und Gei- / genmacher in Brunn 17[1?]", with the last two digits of the date written by hand.

Yale University

In the literal definition of the word, a manuscript is anything written by hand (as opposed to printed).

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more concise alternatives like "handwritten" when space is limited or a more direct description is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "written by hand" where the adjective "handwritten" is more appropriate. For example, say "a handwritten note" instead of "a note written by hand".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "written by hand" functions as a passive construction, describing how something was created. As supported by Ludwig, it indicates that the writing was done manually rather than through mechanical means.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "written by hand" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates manual inscription. As Ludwig confirms, its primary function is to emphasize the personal, authentic, or non-automated nature of the writing process. While often interchangeable with the adjective "handwritten", it provides a nuanced emphasis on the act of writing itself. It is used across various registers but is most common in news, academic, and scientific contexts. Remember to use "handwritten" as an adjective when suitable, and reserve "written by hand" for instances where the process of manual writing is central to the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

handwritten

A more concise adjective directly describing something written by hand.

manually inscribed

Emphasizes the act of carefully writing or carving something by hand.

penned by hand

Specifically refers to writing with a pen, highlighting the writing instrument.

scripted by hand

Focuses on the style and form of handwriting, suggesting a deliberate and artistic approach.

created by hand

Broadens the scope to include any creation, not just writing, done manually.

drafted by hand

Suggests an initial version or outline made manually.

composed by hand

Emphasizes the thoughtful arrangement of elements done manually, applicable to music or text.

scribed by hand

Implies a more formal or historical style of handwriting, often associated with official documents.

authored by hand

Focuses on the act of writing a complete work manually.

produced manually

Highlights the manual aspect of creation, contrasting with automated or machine-made processes.

FAQs

What does "written by hand" mean?

The phrase "written by hand" means something has been physically written using a pen, pencil, or other writing instrument, rather than being typed or printed. It emphasizes the manual creation of the text.

When should I use "written by hand" instead of "handwritten"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "handwritten" is often preferred as a more concise adjective. Use "written by hand" when you want to emphasize the process of writing, rather than simply describing the result. Consider using "handwritten" for simpler descriptions.

What are some synonyms for "written by hand"?

Alternatives to "written by hand" include "manually inscribed", "penned by hand", or simply "handwritten", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "written by hand"?

Yes, "written by hand" is grammatically correct. It is a passive construction indicating that the act of writing was performed manually. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used and understood.