activity at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "activity at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the current task or situation that is being addressed or discussed. Example: "Let's focus on the activity at hand and ensure we complete it before moving on to other tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

While involved in her chosen activity, if Sheila catches her mind fantasizing about that Broadway show or bachelorette party or road trip she decided against, she can employ a mindful solution: Pause and return wholly to the activity at hand (much like refocusing on your breathing during meditation), and actively identify what's causing your distraction.

Forbes

The book's design is as bouncy and energetic as its content, with each full-color page making use of large, eye-catching illustrations or photographs of kids (and sometimes adults) demonstrating the activity at hand.

The New York Times

This is not surprising, given that rituals have been shown to produce all sorts of benefits—even for people who don't believe in their value or effects: They lower our anxiety before we engage in high-stakes performance tasks, increase our enjoyment of the activity at hand, and even help us recover faster when we experience failure or loss.

Harvard Business Review

"And when you go to press the button your attention is on the activity at hand.

BBC

Just like meditation, coloring helps you relax and tune out negative thoughts by focusing on the activity at hand.

Forbes

Specialized subfolders called "Components" within each ACTA Activity automatically organize and present information appropriate for aspects of the activity at hand.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

You need easy, flexible activities close at hand for those who want to get out and about, and relaxing surroundings for those who don't.

Independent

What makes Leo Carillo so delightful is that it is such an easy shot from Los Angeles -- usually under an hour, depending on the traffic -- and there are lots of activities close at hand.

The New York Times - Travel

But they say the study is "a call to the fragmented child protection lobbies to join forces", adding: "This new study illustrates the growing consensus that children are entitled to grow up free from violence, denigration and non-consented sexual activity at the hands of both adults and young peers".

The Guardian

Thus, while there is nothing in our observations to argue against tubulin or HSP70 joining the complex and modulating PPP1R15-directed phosphatase activity, the evidence at hand suggesting actin's relevance to the core activity of the eIF2α-directed phosphatase justifies the focus on actin.

eLife

It was a commitment to sheer activity, with friends at hand, if not involved.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "activity at hand", ensure it clearly refers to the specific task or situation being discussed to avoid ambiguity. Be direct and ensure the context supports its use.

Common error

Avoid using "activity at hand" when referring to multiple, parallel tasks. This phrase is best suited for a single, focused endeavor. For multiple activities, consider a broader term like "current projects" or "ongoing efforts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "activity at hand" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a preposition or as a complement within a clause. It specifies the particular task or action that is currently the focus of attention. Ludwig demonstrates its varied use in sentences, often emphasizing concentration and focus.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "activity at hand" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote the task or situation that requires immediate attention. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse fields like news, science, and business. While alternatives such as "current task" or "matter at hand" exist, understanding the specific context is key to selecting the most appropriate phrase. When employing "activity at hand", ensure that it is referring to one specific endeavor so as not to create ambiguity for readers. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal settings, offering clarity and direction in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current task

Replaces "activity" with "task" and omits "at hand" for brevity, focusing on the present duty.

present activity

Substitutes "current" for "at hand" to denote the ongoing action.

task at the moment

Specifies the timing of the task, emphasizing its immediacy.

immediate activity

Highlights the urgency or priority of the action.

ongoing task

Focuses on the continuous nature of the work.

current endeavor

Replaces "activity" with a more formal "endeavor".

present undertaking

Uses a more formal "undertaking" for "activity" and "present" instead of "at hand".

work in progress

Emphasizes the developmental stage of the activity.

matter at hand

Shifts the focus to the "matter" or issue being dealt with.

item at hand

Uses "item" to refer to the thing being addressed.

FAQs

How can I use "activity at hand" in a sentence?

Use "activity at hand" to refer to the task or situation currently being addressed. For example, "Let's concentrate on the "activity at hand" before discussing other matters".

What phrases can I use instead of "activity at hand"?

You can use alternatives like "current task", "present activity", or "matter at hand" depending on the context.

Is "activity at hand" formal or informal?

"Activity at hand" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "present undertaking" might be preferred in highly professional settings.

What's the difference between "activity at hand" and "business at hand"?

"Activity at hand" refers to a specific task or action being done, while "business at hand" usually refers to the primary purpose or objective being discussed or addressed.