at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'at hand' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something that is needed is close by or easily accessible. For example: "The tools he needed for the job were at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Help is at hand.

The New York Times - Tech

Solutions are at hand.

The New York Times - Arts

Armageddon was at hand.

The New Yorker

There are weapons at hand.

The Guardian - Sport

A solution is at hand!

The New York Times

Some lay near at hand.

The Economist

So help was at hand.

The New Yorker

Then help is at hand.

Independent

Fortunately, help is at hand.

The Economist

Now it is at hand.

The Economist

But help is at hand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at hand" to clearly indicate that something is conveniently available or will happen soon. This avoids ambiguity and provides a sense of immediacy.

Common error

Avoid using "at hand" interchangeably with phrases that imply causation or consequence. "At hand" simply indicates availability or proximity, not a cause-and-effect relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at hand" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is readily available, nearby, or imminent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples demonstrate its use in describing solutions, weapons, and help that are easily accessible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at hand" is a versatile and commonly used expression indicating that something is readily available, nearby, or imminent. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and appropriate in various contexts. It is frequently found in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business settings, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like "readily available" or "within reach" exist, "at hand" provides a distinct emphasis on convenience and immediacy. When using "at hand", ensure it accurately reflects availability or proximity, avoiding confusion with phrases implying causation. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively incorporate "at hand" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

readily available

Emphasizes immediate accessibility and preparedness.

within reach

Focuses on the physical or metaphorical proximity of something.

easily accessible

Highlights the lack of difficulty in obtaining or using something.

close by

Similar to nearby, but can also imply a sense of support.

nearby

Indicates close physical distance.

approaching

Refers to something that is coming near in time.

imminent

Indicates something that is about to happen very soon, often with a sense of urgency.

forthcoming

Suggests that something is going to happen or be provided in the near future.

in the offing

Implies that something is likely to happen soon.

on the horizon

Suggests that something is likely to happen or appear in the future.

FAQs

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

You can use "at hand" to indicate that something is readily available or that an event is approaching. For example, "The solution is "readily available"" or "The deadline is "approaching"".

What are some alternatives to using "at hand"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "within reach", "easily accessible", or "nearby".

Is it correct to say "the problem at hand"?

Yes, "the problem at hand" is a common and correct usage of the phrase, meaning the specific problem being discussed or addressed.

What's the difference between "at hand" and "on hand"?

"At hand" generally refers to something being readily available or an event being imminent, while "on hand" typically means available or present. You might have resources "on hand" to address a problem "at hand".