be at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"be at hand" is a correct, usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in the idiom, "be at hand to help," which means to be ready and willing to help someone. For example: "When my friend was in need of assistance, I was at hand to help in any way that I could."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They proclaim victory to be at hand.

The Economist

Truly, a watershed may be at hand.

Independent

But help may be at hand.

The Economist

Good news may be at hand.

Independent

Fortunately, solutions may be at hand.

The Washington Post

True, economic troubles may be at hand.

The New York Times

But might change be at hand?

The Guardian - Film

Help should finally be at hand.

The Guardian

At the time, a resolution seemed to be at hand.

The Guardian

The moment of inspiration could be at hand.

Independent

But the day of liberation may be at hand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be at hand" when you want to emphasize that something is available, ready, or likely to occur soon. For example, "Solutions may "be at hand" if we consider alternative approaches."

Common error

Avoid using "be at hand" in contexts where a more literal meaning of 'being physically present' is intended. The phrase usually implies readiness or imminence, not mere physical location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be at hand" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating availability or imminence. Ludwig showcases examples where it signifies readiness, potential solutions, or approaching events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be at hand" is a common idiomatic expression used to indicate that something is available, near, or imminent. According to Ludwig, it correctly conveys a sense of readiness or accessibility and is frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it in contexts where readiness or imminence is implied, rather than mere physical presence. Alternatives like "be within reach" or "be imminent" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning. Its consistent use across authoritative sources reinforces its grammatical correctness and broad acceptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be within reach

Indicates something is easily accessible or obtainable; focuses on proximity and ease of access.

be readily available

Highlights the ease of access and preparedness; focuses on immediate usability.

be on the horizon

Suggests something is approaching or imminent but not yet present; focuses on future expectation.

be just around the corner

Indicates something is very near in terms of time or location; emphasizes the short distance.

be standing by

Implies readiness to take action or provide assistance; emphasizes preparedness and availability.

be in the offing

Implies something is likely to happen soon; similar to "on the horizon" but slightly more formal.

be in readiness

Similar to "standing by" but more formal; emphasizes the state of preparedness.

be imminent

Means something is about to happen very soon; emphasizes the immediacy of the event.

be accessible

Highlights the possibility to obtain or reach something; focuses on the possibility of access.

be close by

Indicates physical proximity or nearness; focuses on spatial closeness.

FAQs

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

You can use "be at hand" to indicate that something is readily available or imminent. For instance, "Help will "be at hand" if you need it" or "A solution may "be at hand" soon".

What does "be at hand" mean?

The phrase "be at hand" means to be available, near, or imminent. It suggests that something is ready or likely to happen soon.

What are some alternatives to "be at hand"?

Some alternatives to "be at hand" include "be within reach", "be imminent", or "be readily available", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "was at hand" instead of "be at hand"?

Yes, "was at hand" is a correct past tense form of "be at hand". For example, "Help "was at hand" when the accident occurred".