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first hand vs first-hand

Both "first hand" and "first-hand" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "First hand" is used as an adjective before a noun, while "first-hand" is used as an adverb or adjective after a linking verb. The hyphenated form is more common and preferred in formal writing.

Last updated: March 20, 2024

first hand

This phrase is correct when used as an adjective before a noun.

This phrase is used to describe something that is directly experienced or observed by someone.

Examples:

I got the information first hand from the source.
She had first hand experience of the situation.

Show examples from the web [+]

It's a really good opportunity to have first hand experience, sister.
Schedule interviews with people who have first hand experience with the research topic.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 313 Refrigeration box from first hand.
The priest experiences this first hand.
I saw first hand how to ruin and destroy someone.
Thought you deserved to hear it first hand.
We know first hand of his malevolence.
It's a subject I know about first hand.
I think it's better to hear bad news first hand.
You have first hand experience of how his healing can have disastrous results.
He witnessed first hand the massacre of those attending the funeral by government forces.
As a missionary bishop, he learned first hand the difficulties of travel into remote rural counties.
And you'll write from first hand experience.
Nissan Cabstar 35.11 aerial platform with toolboxes from first hand.
I have seen his work first hand.
Experience VMware technology first hand with our Hands-On Labs catalogue.
In an exclusive atmosphere you will experience first hand the delightful combination of Alpine and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Thanks to internships participants can experience first hand what happens during these processes .
Opportunity to witness first hand the hoods or choose in-store catalog.
Renault Midlum as flatbed tarp tautliners first hand.

Alternatives:

directly
personally
at first hand
from the source
from the horse's mouth

first-hand

This phrase is correct when used as an adverb or adjective after a linking verb.

This phrase is used to describe something that is directly experienced or observed by someone, especially in formal writing.

Examples:

She experienced the event first-hand.
He provided first-hand information about the incident.

Show examples from the web [+]

Define firsthand: coming directly from actually experiencing or seeing something —usage, synonyms, more.
first-hand information. Synonyms and related ... first-hand experience. Synonyms and ... Explore Thesaurus. This is the British English definition of first-hand.
I got it first-hand from Harry that he's being promoted. Synonyms and related ... He wants to see firsthand how the policies are affecting people. Synonyms and ...
1. from the original source; direct or directly: first-hand news; he got the news first- hand. 2. at first hand from the original source; directly. Collins English ...

Alternatives:

directly
personally
at first hand
from the source
from the horse's mouth

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