case in hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"case in hand" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the particular situation or example being discussed, instead of generalizing or speaking in hypotheticals. For example, "Considering the case in hand, we will need to adjust our strategy accordingly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

But this court must deal with the case in hand, and not with imaginary ones.

Cornell University

We think that these views, as applied to the case in hand, are substantially correct.

Harvard University

Even such an impossible doctrine can have no relation to the case in hand.

Cornell University

On the way, a doorman watched me come down the sidewalk, mandolin case in hand.

The New York Times

The action taken by the Office for Fair Trading is a case in hand.

The Guardian

This idea is underscored by the framing of Ms. Franz in a dusky, diagonal shaft of light, while Mr. Dennehy stands below her, salesman's sample case in hand.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

(A facsimile of Freud's eyeglass case in hand-sewn calfskin is available at the Neue Galerie's gift shop, 1048 Fifth Avenue, at 86th Street; $90).

The New Yorker

In the first beat of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" (now in a luminous revival, directed by Mike Nichols, at the Ethel Barrymore), the salesman Willy Loman (Philip Seymour Hoffman) trudges up the path to his Brooklyn house, sample cases in hand.

The New Yorker

On his first day of school in the US, Martin arrived escorted by his father both dressed in suits, with brief cases in hand - aligned with the strict formalities of Baghdad.

Huffington Post

Case bound in hand painted linen and housed in a chitzu.

Princeton University

Case study in hand, Remedi, now with $140 million in annual revenue, is at a tipping point.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "case in hand" to clearly indicate you are referring to the specific situation or example being discussed, avoiding generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "case in hand" when you mean something is readily available or imminent. "At hand" is more appropriate for that meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "case in hand" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun (often implied) to specify that the discussion is focused on a particular situation. It limits the scope to the present instance, as supported by Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "case in hand" is a prepositional phrase used to focus on a specific situation or example being discussed. It is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, especially in academic, news, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "matter at hand" or "particular case" exist, "case in hand" is effective in narrowing the scope of discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is readily usable and adds clarity to your writing, however, be careful not to confuse it with "at hand". It's important to keep in mind that, while this phrase is very common, it is less frequently employed in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particular case

Adds emphasis to the uniqueness of the situation.

matter at hand

Emphasizes the importance of the issue being addressed.

issue in question

Highlights the specific problem or topic under consideration.

current instance

Replaces 'case' with 'instance' for a slightly different emphasis.

present situation

Uses 'situation' instead of 'case', focusing on the circumstances.

relevant instance

Highlights the pertinence of the example.

immediate context

Emphasizes the relevance of the surrounding circumstances.

specific example

Focuses on the illustrative nature of the case.

given scenario

Refers to a hypothetical or presented situation.

existing circumstances

Focuses on the current state of affairs.

FAQs

How can I use "case in hand" in a sentence?

You can use "case in hand" to refer to the specific situation or example being discussed. For example, "Let's analyze the "case in hand" to understand the implications."

What's a good alternative to "case in hand"?

Alternatives include "matter at hand", "present situation", or "particular case", depending on the context.

Is "case in hand" formal or informal?

"Case in hand" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, often used in academic, legal, and professional settings.

How does "case in hand" differ from "at hand"?

"Case in hand" refers to a specific instance under consideration, while "at hand" means something is readily available or imminent.