at our hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at our hand" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or incorrect in many contexts.
It can be used to imply that something is within reach or available to us, but it is more often expressed in other ways. Example: "With the resources at our hand, we can tackle this project effectively."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Photos at Our Hand at Youth Conference 2008 http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile& amp friendID=49580719 Photos posted on site of Wasilla AoG staff member, Buster Barlow.

Huffington Post

At our hand, simultaneous PET/MRI of this large animal model is feasible but requires some optimization [ 18].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Neanderthals met a violent end at our hands and in some cases we ate them," Rozzi said.

The Guardian

"People looked at our hand-wired computers and laughed at us and asked, 'What are you going to do with it?' " THIRTY-TWO people showed up at the first meeting after a peace activist named Frederick Moore Jr. rode his bicycle around Palo Alto and Menlo Park, tacking up small 3-by-5-inch notices on bulletin boards and telephone poles.

The New York Times

Look at our hands.

The Guardian

Nature has suffered enough indignities at our hands.

The Guardian - Books

"That's all because of the immense technology we have at our hands.

The Washington Post

He licked at our hands and, staggering, fell, but got up again.

The New Yorker

But gulls are losing out at our hands much more than the other way around.

The Guardian

Sir Nicholas believes the damage future generations will suffer at our hands is greater than generally perceived.

The Guardian

But we just went at our hands with a brillo pad and fire hose, so we think it's safe for the moment.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "at our disposal" or "within our reach" for clearer and more common phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "at our hand" in formal writing or when clearer alternatives exist. While grammatically correct, its infrequency can make your writing sound awkward or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at our hand" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate availability or proximity. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase isn't widely used, suggesting it may sound unusual to contemporary ears.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at our hand" is grammatically acceptable but infrequently used in modern English. Ludwig AI suggests that it might sound awkward and recommends using more common alternatives like "at our disposal" or "within our reach". While the phrase appears in various contexts, including news, science and academia, its low frequency indicates that it is not a preferred choice among writers. Therefore, while not incorrect, writers should be mindful of its uncommon nature and consider clearer alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at our disposal

Emphasizes the availability of something for use.

within our reach

Highlights the accessibility and attainability of something.

within our grasp

Similar to 'within our reach', suggesting attainability.

available to us

Simply indicates that something can be used or accessed.

in our possession

Focuses on having control or ownership of something.

under our control

Stresses the ability to manage or direct something.

in our power

Highlights the ability to influence or effect change.

at our command

Implies readiness and the ability to be activated or used immediately.

on hand

A more concise way to indicate availability.

through our efforts

Highlights the agency and work involved in achieving something.

FAQs

What does the phrase "at our hand" mean?

The phrase "at our hand" generally means something is available or accessible for us to use. However, it is not a commonly used phrase in modern English.

What are some alternatives to "at our hand"?

You can use phrases like "at our disposal", "within our reach", or "available to us" as alternatives to "at our hand".

Is "at our hand" grammatically correct?

Yes, "at our hand" is grammatically correct, but it is an uncommon phrasing. Using more common alternatives might improve clarity.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "at our hand"?

While grammatically sound, it's best to use it sparingly, favoring clearer and more common alternatives like "at our disposal" or "within our reach" in most contexts.