at your hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at your hand" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or incorrect.
It can be used to imply that something is available or within reach, but it is more often expressed as "at hand." Example: "The tools you need for the project are at your hand, so you can start working immediately."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Look at your hand.

The New York Times - Tech

"Sometimes you can look at your hand and see your father".

The New Yorker

"Look at your hand, then look at your vagina," said one participant in the project.

The Guardian - Opinion

With this genre you are not looking at your hand or puppet.

The New York Times

Or sit down, a little later in the show, and trace the figure of a star using a pointer, while looking in a mirror, not at your hand.

The New York Times - Arts

You stand for a moment staring at your hand, which is not by any standards a pretty sight, with its knobbed knuckles and thick, yellowed nails.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

"No point just staring at your hands".

The Guardian - Travel

I made something [in 'Herzog'] of the abuses I suffered at your hands".

The New York Times - Books

"I cried when I thought about how hard they suffered at your hands".

The New York Times

"You've got a 300-pounder running at your hands," Abraham said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It helps to look at your hands when they look nice".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing accessibility or availability, consider "at your disposal" as a stronger and more formal alternative.

Common error

The phrase "at your hand" can sound awkward to native English speakers. Ensure you're not intending to use the more common idiom "at hand", which means readily available or nearby. Using "at your hand" when you mean "at hand" is a common mistake to avoid.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at your hand" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often indicating availability or proximity. As noted by Ludwig, it's less common than "at hand". Its function aligns with that of other prepositional phrases denoting location or accessibility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically sound, the phrase "at your hand" is less common and idiomatic than alternatives like "at hand" or "at your disposal". Ludwig's analysis of real-world examples reveals that it appears in a mix of contexts, from news articles to how-to guides, but with less frequency than its close relatives. Ludwig AI also indicates that the phrase might sound awkward. Therefore, while not incorrect, writers should consider opting for more conventional phrases to ensure clarity and naturalness in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at your disposal

Stresses the idea of being able to use something as one wishes.

at your fingertips

Suggests easy and immediate access to information or resources.

within your reach

Highlights physical or metaphorical proximity and accessibility.

available for your use

Clearly states that something is ready and permitted to be used.

readily available to you

Emphasizes ease of access and immediate usability.

on hand for you

Implies readiness and preparedness for assistance or utilization.

easily accessible

Focuses on the straightforwardness of obtaining or using something.

at your command

Indicates that something is available to be ordered or controlled.

in your possession

Highlights ownership and control over something.

at your service

Suggests a willingness to assist or provide help.

FAQs

Is "at your hand" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "at your hand" is less common than the idiom "at hand", which means readily available or easily accessible. Using "at hand" is generally preferred.

What does "at your hand" mean?

The phrase "at your hand" suggests something is accessible or within reach. However, it's often more idiomatically expressed as "at hand" or "at your disposal".

When should I use "at your hand"?

While grammatically sound, "at your hand" isn't frequently used. It's best to opt for alternatives like "at hand", "within your reach", or "at your disposal" for clarity and idiomatic correctness.

What are some alternatives to "at your hand"?

Consider using phrases like "readily available", "at your disposal", "within reach", or the more common idiom "at hand" depending on the specific context.