I was on hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was on hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that you were present or available at a specific time or event. Example: "During the meeting, I was on hand to answer any questions that arose."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The Salvation Army, which started the whole thing in 1938 to honor women who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I, was on hand too, furnishing coffee.

The New York Times

I was on hand to see one of the greatest saves in Caps history.

The Washington Post

I was on hand playing Faustus and privy to Michael's increasing impatience with Barton, whose changing mind necessitated nine different models of the set.

The Guardian

I was on hand for three previous such brawls: Mark Kaylor v Errol Christie in London in 1985, Herbie Hide's quick tiff in a London street with Michael Bentt nine years later, and Mike Tyson v Lennox Lewis in New York in 2002.

The Guardian - Sport

As a staff member at CBA, I was on hand to help the kids plant.

Duke University

I was on hand at the Imperial Art Studios in Los Angeles for the entire experience.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"Bob Murphy, Ralph Kiner and I are on hand to bring you every bit of the action," said Nelson, while noting that the game was being sponsored by Rheingold Extra Dry and Brown & Williamson, a cigarette-maker.

The New York Times - Sports

TechCrunch TV's John Murillo and I were on hand to film the last 15 minutes of the Hackathon before the teams were required to submit their apps for on-stage presentations.

TechCrunch

'I was on my hands and knees screaming at one point.

The Guardian

We were ripping off cushions and I was on my hands and knees scouring the floor.

The New York Times

"I was on my hands and knees and crawled over the cell door to call for help".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was on hand" when you want to emphasize not just your presence but also your readiness or ability to assist or observe. For example, "I was on hand to provide technical support during the presentation".

Common error

While "I was on hand" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal documents or academic papers. Opt for more direct alternatives like "I was present" or "I attended" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was on hand" functions as a statement of presence and availability. It is typically used to indicate that the speaker was not only present at a particular event or situation but also ready to assist or participate if needed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was on hand" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that you were present and available at a particular event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers several examples from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. It's most frequently used in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing, opting for alternatives like "I was present" for a more professional touch. Remember, the phrase implies not just presence but also a readiness to assist or observe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was present

More formal and direct, simply stating presence.

I was available

Emphasizes readiness to assist or participate.

I attended

Highlights participation in an event or gathering.

I was there

A more casual way of indicating presence at a specific location or event.

I was in attendance

Similar to "I attended" but slightly more formal.

I was on the scene

Suggests being present at a place of action or importance.

I was involved

Indicates participation or engagement in a particular activity or situation.

I participated

Highlights active involvement in a particular event or activity.

I lent a hand

Implies providing assistance or support.

I was at the ready

Emphasizes preparedness and availability to respond.

FAQs

What does "I was on hand" mean?

The phrase "I was on hand" means that you were present and available, often implying you were ready to assist or participate in something.

What can I say instead of "I was on hand"?

You can use alternatives like "I was present", "I was available", or "I attended" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am on hand"?

Yes, "I am on hand" is grammatically correct. It indicates that you are currently available and ready to assist.

How can I use "I was on hand" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe your presence and readiness at a past event. For example, "I was on hand at the conference to answer questions and provide support".