at my hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at my hand" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It can be used to indicate that something is within reach or available to someone, but it is more often expressed in other ways. Example: "I have all the tools I need at my hand to complete the project efficiently."

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

I look at my hand for a long time, and my fingers go numb and start to hurt because they are mine and not God's.

Vice

"Look at my hand!

Independent

I looked at my hand.

The Guardian

He tugged at my hand insistently.

The New York Times - Travel

She looked at my hand in my pocket and grinned.

The New Yorker

He looked at my hand but did not touch it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Looking down at my hand-held mallbot, I notice that McDonald's is offering 16 ounces of Diet Coke at 89 cents, but my bot, whom I call Marty, would fry his silicon if I paid retail.

The New York Times - Magazine

Wait, says Luke, looking at my hands.

The Guardian

"Me?" For some reason I looked at my hands.

The New Yorker

I stared at my hands, tangled in my lap.

The New York Times

Jean cries when he looks at my hands".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "within my reach" or "at my disposal" for clarity and contemporary style. While "at my hand" isn't incorrect, modern usage often favors more direct phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "at my hand" excessively in modern contexts where it might sound overly formal or old-fashioned. Choose simpler, more direct phrasing to maintain a natural and contemporary tone in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at my hand" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating availability, proximity, or control. Ludwig shows examples where it conveys the sense of having something readily accessible or under one's command.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at my hand" is grammatically acceptable but not as frequently used in contemporary English. Ludwig AI analysis suggests that it expresses availability or control but might sound somewhat formal or archaic. Alternatives like "within my reach" or "at my disposal" are often preferred for clarity and modern style. While the phrase appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, writers should consider their audience and the overall tone when choosing between "at my hand" and its more common alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within my reach

Emphasizes accessibility and availability.

at my disposal

Highlights the ability to use something as one pleases.

in my possession

Focuses on ownership and control.

available to me

Directly states that something is accessible for use.

under my control

Highlights the aspect of being managed or governed by someone.

close to me

Indicates physical or metaphorical nearness.

within my grasp

Suggests something is easily attainable or understandable.

readily accessible

Emphasizes the ease of obtaining or using something.

at my fingertips

Implies ease and speed of access, often for information or skills.

in my power

Highlights the capability or authority to do something.

FAQs

What does "at my hand" mean?

The phrase "at my hand" means something is readily available, within reach, or under one's control. However, it is less commonly used in modern English compared to alternatives.

What are some alternatives to "at my hand"?

You can use alternatives like "within my reach", "at my disposal", or "readily accessible" to express a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically incorrect to use "at my hand"?

No, it is not grammatically incorrect, but it may sound somewhat formal or archaic to modern ears. Ludwig AI indicates it's an acceptable but less frequent phrasing.

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

While grammatically acceptable, consider whether a more common phrasing like "I keep all the necessary tools "within my reach"" might be clearer and more natural.