Close at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Close at hand" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something is nearby or easily accessible. Example: "The tools you need are close at hand." Alternative expressions include "within reach" and "nearby."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A friendly mutiny was close at hand.

The New York Times - Travel

Luckily, support is close at hand.

The New York Times

Fortunately, there was some close at hand.

The New York Times

Other dangers are close at hand.

The Guardian - Opinion

As it happened, General Petraeus was close at hand.

The New York Times

Another weapon close at hand is the Bank of Japan.

The Economist

That moment, he said, now seems close at hand.

The New York Times - Science

Two museums are close at hand and worth a look.

Independent

And so I looked at what was close at hand.

The New Yorker

The others rest in bags close at hand.

The Washington Post

But now, they say, a deal is close at hand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional writing, this phrase adds a sophisticated, literary tone compared to simpler words like "nearby".

Common error

Avoid using "Close at hand" when you mean a task is currently being performed; in that case, the shorter "at hand" is often more precise. While "the matter at hand" refers to what is being discussed, "Close at hand" specifically emphasizes the nearness or accessibility of an object or event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Close at hand" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase used as an adjective or adverb. In the linguistic data from Ludwig, it consistently appears after a verb (like "is" or "keep") to describe the state of an object or event. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical status, showing it is frequently used to modify nouns by indicating their immediate accessibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "Close at hand" is a highly versatile and grammatically correct idiom that bridges the gap between spatial and temporal descriptions. Ludwig AI demonstrates that it is a favorite among top-tier journalists and academic writers for its ability to convey readiness and proximity with a touch of literary elegance. Whether you are describing a physical tool like a "fireplace poker" or an abstract concept like a "deal", this phrase remains a robust choice for clear and engaging English writing. It is perfectly interchangeable with "near at hand" and serves as a slightly more formal cousin to "within reach".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near at hand

nearly identical in meaning and usage, often used interchangeably in literary contexts

within reach

emphasizes the physical ease of obtaining or touching something

at hand

slightly more versatile as it can also refer to a task currently being dealt with

nearby

a more direct, less idiomatic adjective or adverb focused solely on physical proximity

close by

a common adverbial alternative focusing on geographic distance

at your fingertips

idiom emphasizing that information or tools are ready for immediate use

imminent

specifically refers to something about to happen in time rather than physical distance

just around the corner

a more informal idiom suggesting something is very close in time or space

handy

informal adjective suggesting something is useful and available

accessible

a more formal adjective describing the ease with which something can be reached or used

FAQs

How to use "close at hand" in a sentence?

You can use "Close at hand" as an adjective or adverbial phrase to mean nearby. For example: "The doctor kept her medical kit "close at hand" during the flight."

What can I say instead of "close at hand"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "within reach", "nearby", or "near at hand".

What is the difference between "close at hand" and "within reach"?

While both mean nearby, "within reach" usually implies physical accessibility where you can literally grab something, whereas "Close at hand" can be more metaphorical or temporal.

Is it "close at hand" or "close to hand"?

Both are correct. "Close at hand" is the standard idiom in American English, while "close to hand" is a common variation often found in British English.