being at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is nearby or readily available. Example: "With the deadline approaching, all necessary resources are being at hand to ensure we complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But help being at hand was no help, not right in the here and now, with his wife away wherever the hell she was, and his parents (a) in Majorca and (b) useless.

The New Yorker

A dead Messiah is no Messiah and all the talk about the kingdom of God being at hand had become meaningless.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Help is at hand.

The New York Times - Tech

Solutions are at hand.

The New York Times - Arts

Armageddon was at hand.

The New Yorker

A solution is at hand!

The New York Times

So help was at hand.

The New Yorker

Then help is at hand.

Independent

Fortunately, help is at hand.

The Economist

Now it is at hand.

The Economist

But help is at hand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being at hand" to emphasize that something is readily accessible or about to occur. This phrase is more formal than simply saying "available" or "near".

Common error

Avoid using "being at hand" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "available" or "ready" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being at hand" functions as a descriptive element indicating readiness, availability, or imminence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, further validating its grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being at hand" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that indicates something is readily available or about to occur. While considered correct by Ludwig, it is relatively rare and carries a neutral to slightly formal tone, most often found in news and media contexts. When writing, remember that while correct, "being at hand" might sound overly formal in everyday conversation and simpler alternatives like "available" or "nearby" could be more appropriate. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity, but careful consideration of the context is always recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being available

Focuses on the accessibility of something.

being accessible

Highlights the ease with which something can be obtained or used.

being within reach

Emphasizes the ease of access or attainment.

being imminent

Highlights the closeness in time of an event.

being obtainable

Focuses on the possibility of getting something.

being close by

Stresses the physical proximity of something.

being in proximity

Similar to 'close by', but slightly more formal.

being present

Emphasizes the current existence or availability of something.

being on the horizon

Suggests that something is approaching but not yet present.

being in the offing

An idiomatic way to express that something is likely to happen soon.

FAQs

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

You can use "being at hand" to describe something that is readily available or imminent. For example: "With the deadline approaching, all necessary resources are being at hand to ensure we complete the project on time".

What are some alternatives to "being at hand"?

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

Is "being at hand" formal or informal?

"Being at hand" tends to be more formal than simpler alternatives like "available" or "nearby". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing whether to use it.

When is it appropriate to use "being at hand"?

It's appropriate to use "being at hand" when you want to convey that something is not only available but also conveniently accessible or very close to happening. This is often used in more formal or literary contexts.