your hands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "your hands" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone's hands, often in contexts related to actions, feelings, or physical sensations. Example: "Please wash your hands before dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You're using your hands.

The New Yorker

"Show me your hands!

The New York Times

Clap! Raise your hands!

The New York Times

Keep your hands free.

The New York Times - Travel

Numbness in your hands?

The New York Times

"Please wash your hands".

The New York Times - Science

(3) Cup your hands behind your neck.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Why do you wash your hands at all? Knowledge How should you wash your hands?

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

Do your hands shake?

HIV/AIDS - Research and Palliative Care

Now, go and wash your hands!

Critical Care

You could always wash your hands afterwards.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving instructions involving physical actions, use "your hands" to clearly specify which body part should perform the action. For example, "Position your hands on the steering wheel at ten and two" is more direct than "Position the hands...".

Common error

Ensure clarity when using "your hands" in contexts where multiple people are involved. To avoid confusion, specify whose hands are being referred to, especially in group settings. Instead of saying, "Put your hands up," clarify with "Everyone, put your hands up."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "your hands" primarily functions as a noun phrase with a possessive determiner. It identifies and specifies the hands belonging to the person being addressed. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts, ranging from simple instructions to descriptions of physical states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

36%

News & Media

26%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "your hands" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as a noun phrase specifying the hands belonging to the addressed individual. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is versatile and suitable for diverse contexts, spanning from simple instructions and general descriptions found in sources like WikiHow and News & Media, to scientific contexts. Its usage is generally neutral, making it appropriate for both formal and informal settings. When using "your hands", ensure clarity in situations involving multiple individuals to avoid ambiguity. Alternative expressions, such as "the palms of your hands" or "your fingertips", can offer more specific descriptions. Overall, "your hands" is a straightforward and effective way to refer to someone's hands in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the palms of your hands

Specifies a particular part of the hands.

your fingertips

Focuses on the tips of the fingers.

the touch of your hands

Emphasizes the sensation or contact made by the hands.

what your hands are doing

Emphasizes the action being performed by the hands.

the work of your hands

Highlights the outcome or product resulting from using the hands.

your grip

Focuses on the act of holding something.

your manual dexterity

Emphasizes the skill and precision of hand movements.

your handling

Refers to the way something is managed or manipulated with the hands.

your clutches

Describes a firm or tight grasp.

how you manipulate

Focuses on the manner and skill with which something is handled.

FAQs

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

You can use "your hands" in sentences related to actions, physical sensations, or instructions. For example, "Please wash your hands before dinner" or "Are your hands cold?"

What are some alternative ways to say "your hands"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "the palms of your hands", "your fingertips", or "the touch of your hands".

Is there a difference between saying "your hands" and "the hands you have"?

While both refer to the same thing, "your hands" is more direct and commonly used. "The hands you have" might be used for emphasis or in a more descriptive context.

When is it appropriate to use "your hands" instead of just "hands"?

Use "your hands" when you are specifically addressing someone and referring to their own hands. "Hands" can be used in a more general or impersonal context. For example, "Wash your hands" versus "Hands should be washed regularly".