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Handfull vs. Handful: Mastering the Correct Spelling

Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on March 10, 2024
"Handfull" is incorrect, while "Handful" is the correct spelling, denoting a quantity that fills the hand or a small, often troublesome amount.

Which is correct: Handfull or Handful

How to spell Handful?

Handfull is Incorrect

Handful is Correct

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Key Differences

Remember, it's "full" of items, but only one 'l' is taken to form "handful."
Imagine your hand cannot hold more than one 'l'; thus, it’s "handful," not "handfull."
Think of the word as a "hand" that is "ful(l)" - one 'l' is already occupied, so only one 'l' is left.
Associate "handful" with "grateful," where only one 'l' is also used at the end.
Recall that your "hand" "fulfills" its capacity with a "handful," not a "handfull."
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Correct usage of Handful

She had a handfull of papers to sort through.
She had a handful of papers to sort through.
A handfull of people showed up to the meeting.
A handful of people showed up to the meeting.
He grabbed a handfull of popcorn from the bowl.
He grabbed a handful of popcorn from the bowl.
Handfull of almonds can be a healthy snack.
Handful of almonds can be a healthy snack.
Only a handfull of students passed the final exam.
Only a handful of students passed the final exam.

Handful Definitions

"Handful" represents a small but significant quantity
A handful of seeds can create an entire garden.
"Handful" can mean a person or situation that is difficult to manage
Her toddler is a real handful.
"Handful" signifies something or someone needing a lot of attention to manage
Maintaining the old property is a handful.
The amount that a hand can hold.
A small, undefined number or quantity
Only a handful of people on the street.
(Informal) One that is difficult to control or handle
The hyperactive toddler is a real handful.
The amount that a hand will grasp or contain.
Passage=I put two or three corns in my mouth, liked it, stole a handful, went into my chamber, chewed it, and for two months after never failed taking toll of every pennyworth of oatmeal that came into the house
(obsolete) A hand's breadth; four inches.
A small number, usually approximately five.
A group or number of things; a bunch.
(informal) Something which can only be managed with difficulty.
Those twins are a real handful to look after.
(slang) A five-year prison sentence.
As much as the hand will grasp or contain.
A hand's breadth; four inches.
Knap the tongs together about a handful from the bottom.
A small quantity or number.
This handful of men were tied to very hard duty.
A person, task, or situation, which is the most that one can manage; as, my two-year-old is a handful.
They had their handful to defend themselves from firing.
A small number or amount;
Only a handful of responses were received
The quantity that can be held in the hand
"Handful" means the amount of substance that can fit in one hand
She gave me a handful of candy.
"Handful" refers to a small, limited number
Only a handful of people showed up.

Handful Sentences

He always keeps a handful of change in his pocket.
A handful of seeds can grow into a beautiful garden.
She managed to gather a handful of colorful leaves during her walk.
A handful of friends are better than a thousand acquaintances.
A handful of moments spent with loved ones are priceless.
The magician amazed the audience with just a handful of tricks.
A handful of people have a profound impact on our lives.
He offered a handful of candies to the children.
A handful of exercises done regularly can greatly improve your health.
With only a handful of ingredients, she made a delicious meal.
A handful of loyal customers can make a small business successful.
A handful of songs can bring back a flood of memories.
A small handful of nuts is a great snack for energy.
She collected a handful of shells on the beach.
She sprinkled a handful of sugar over the cake.
She found a handful of old photos in the attic.
With just a handful of words, she calmed his fears.
A handful of simple changes can significantly improve your lifestyle.
A handful of companies dominate the entire market.
She keeps a handful of her favorite spices on the kitchen counter.
A handful of stars twinkled in the early evening sky.
She appreciated the handful of quiet moments in her busy day.
He has a handful of close friends he trusts completely.
A handful of well-chosen books can provide immense knowledge.
He could carry only a handful of water from the stream.

Handful Idioms & Phrases

A good handful

A significant amount, enough to fill the hand.
He grabbed a good handful of popcorn as the movie started.

A handful of hope

A small but significant amount of hope.
In tough times, a handful of hope can keep us going.

More than a handful

More than what is manageable or desirable.
The repair work turned out to be more than a handful for the inexperienced team.

A handful to deal with

Someone or something that is difficult to manage.
The new puppy is cute but a handful to deal with.

Get a handful of

To acquire a small number of something.
He went to the market to get a handful of fresh herbs for the recipe.

A handful of laughter

A few moments filled with laughter and joy.
The evening was filled with just a handful of laughter, but it was memorable.

A handful of courage

A small but sufficient amount of courage to face something.
It took only a handful of courage to start the conversation that changed everything.

Every handful counts

Even a small amount or effort is important.
When it comes to charity, every handful counts and makes a difference.

A handful of patience

A small but necessary amount of patience.
Raising toddlers requires not just love but also a handful of patience.

FAQs

What is the root word of Handful?

The root words are "hand" and "full," combined to form "handful."

Which vowel is used before Handful?

The vowel "u" is used in "ful," before "handful."

Why is it called Handful?

It's called "handful" because it typically denotes an amount that can fit or be held in one's hand.

What is the pronunciation of Handful?

It's pronounced as /ˈhændfʊl/.

What is the verb form of Handful?

"Handful" is a noun and does not have a verb form.

Is Handful a negative or positive word?

It's neutral; context determines its connotation.

What is the plural form of Handful?

The plural form is "handfuls."

Which preposition is used with Handful?

Prepositions such as "of" can be used with "handful."

Is the Handful term a metaphor?

It can be used metaphorically, especially when describing a difficult situation or person.

Which conjunction is used with Handful?

There's no specific conjunction dedicated to use with "handful;" any suitable one like "and" or "but" can be used.

What part of speech is Handful?

It is a noun.

What is the second form of Handful?

"Handful" is a noun and doesn't have verb forms.

What is the singular form of Handful?

"Handful" is the singular form.

Which article is used with Handful?

Both "a" and "the" can be used with "handful," depending on the sentence.

Is Handful a noun or adjective?

"Handful" is a noun.

Is Handful an abstract noun?

It can be, when referring to a troublesome person or situation, otherwise, it's concrete when referring to a quantity.

Is Handful a countable noun?

Yes, you can have a singular or plural form, so it's countable.

Is the word Handful imperative?

No, "handful" is a noun, not an imperative verb.

Is Handful a vowel or consonant?

"Handful" is a word, not a letter.

How many syllables are in Handful?

"Handful" has two syllables.

How do we divide Handful into syllables?

It's divided as hand-ful.

What is a stressed syllable in Handful?

The stress is on the first syllable: "hand."

What is another term for Handful?

Synonyms include "few," "smattering," or, metaphorically, "challenge."

What is the first form of Handful?

"Handful" is a noun and doesn't have verb forms.

How is Handful used in a sentence?

"I grabbed a handful of popcorn before sitting down to watch the movie."

Is Handful a collective noun?

No, "handful" is not a collective noun.

What is the opposite of Handful?

Opposites could be "abundance" for quantity or "easy/manageable" for describing a situation or person.

Is Handful an adverb?

No, "handful" is not an adverb.

Which determiner is used with Handful?

"A" is commonly used as a determiner with "handful," as in "a handful."

What is the third form of Handful?

"Handful" is a noun and doesn't have verb forms.
About Author
Written by
Janet White
Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon Moss
Harlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.

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