be on hand for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be on hand for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is available or present to assist or support during a specific event or situation. Example: "I will be on hand for the meeting to answer any questions that may arise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Kerry postponed a major health care policy speech to be on hand for one roll call.

The New York Times

Amos Gitai (Ph.D Architecture '79) will be on hand for the screening and discussion that follows.

University of California, Berkeley

Ashby explained that some drugs have to be on hand for immediate use by patients.

The Washington Post

The critics Simon Abrams and Bilge Ebiri and I will be on hand for a discussion.

The New Yorker

Chefs will be on hand for cooking demonstrations and cookbook signings.

The New York Times

Williams has accompanied Thorpe to several recent meets and will be on hand for the Olympics.

The New York Times - Sports

(Lonergan will be on hand for a Q. & A. on Saturday after the 7 P.M. screening).

The New Yorker

A guest sommelier or wine expert will be on hand for advice.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Arrange to be on-hand for last-minute details and to give directions to movers.

HuffPost

Gillian Robespierre and Jenny Slate will be on-hand for a Q&A afterwards.

Vice

The Livorno fans have been on-hand for every Berlusconi peccadillo to deride the politician.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be on hand for" when you want to emphasize that someone will be present and available for a specific purpose, such as providing assistance or participating in an event.

Common error

While versatile, "be on hand for" can sound slightly informal in highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "be present at" or "attend" for a more professional tone in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be on hand for" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating availability and presence at a specific event or occasion. It often implies a readiness to assist or participate, as demonstrated by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be on hand for" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate that someone will be present and available at a particular event or occasion, often to provide assistance or support. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While generally neutral, consider using more formal alternatives in certain contexts. Common synonyms include "be available for" and "attend". Remember to use "be on hand for" when emphasizing presence and readiness for a specific purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be available for

Focuses on availability rather than presence at a specific event.

be present at

Emphasizes physical attendance at a particular event or location.

attend

A more concise way of indicating presence at an event.

be in attendance for

A more formal way to indicate presence.

be there for

Suggests support or assistance, in addition to mere presence.

be around for

Implies a less formal presence and availability.

be on deck for

Idiomatic expression suggesting readiness to handle a task or situation.

be in place for

Emphasizes readiness and preparedness for an event or task.

be ready to assist with

Highlights the willingness to provide help or support.

be prepared for

Focuses on being equipped and ready for what might happen.

FAQs

How can I use "be on hand for" in a sentence?

You can use "be on hand for" to indicate someone's presence and availability at an event. For example, "The experts will "be on hand for" the conference to answer questions".

What are some alternatives to "be on hand for"?

Alternatives include "be available for", "be present at", or simply "attend", depending on the specific context.

Is "be on hand for" formal or informal?

"Be on hand for" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. In highly formal contexts, consider using "be present at" or a similar alternative.

What does it mean to "be on hand for" something?

To "be on hand for" something means to be present and available, often to offer assistance, support, or participate in an event or activity.