What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
handwriting
Example
Her handwriting was so elegant and precise that it looked like calligraphy. [handwriting: noun]
Example
I spent hours practicing my handwriting to make it more legible. [handwriting: noun]
hand
Example
She held the pen tightly in her hand as she wrote the letter. [hand: noun]
Example
He waved his hand to say hello as he walked by. [hand: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hand is a more common word than handwriting in everyday language. Hand is a versatile word that can be used in many contexts, while handwriting is a more specific term related to writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between handwriting and hand?
Hand is a neutral and versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while handwriting is more commonly used in formal or academic settings, such as when discussing penmanship or calligraphy.