complete the task at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"complete the task at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize the importance of focusing on the current task rather than getting side-tracked. For example, "John was always easily distracted, so I had to remind him to complete the task at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"I don't think it can compare, because we never really had the chance to complete the task at hand there," Messier said.

The New York Times - Sports

Waller's team is composed of highly individualistic, temperamental "metahumans" who need to figure out a way to blend their talents, suppress their differences and work together to complete the task at hand.

The New York Times

Importantly, they're programmed to simply complete the task at hand and get the job done.

Forbes

Our approach is not to create a service that takes more time to learn than to complete the task at hand.

TechCrunch

Fetch's app returns the results of the requests to mobile users, offering them a quick way to complete the task at hand.

TechCrunch

Rather than treating Culpepper like he was less than able to complete the task at hand, Babers showed the type of leadership that calls a player forth.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Educators are also struggling to balance what some see as an essential teaching of the deep fundamentals of artificial intelligence with a desire by some in the industry to focus on the less expensive, less complicated training of workers who can complete the tasks at hand without that deep understanding.

The New York Times

Several students would come in, and together we usually completed the task at hand and solved most of the problems.

Science Magazine

You'll save loads of time by staying put and completing the task at hand". "Rid yourself of the idea that labels are just for obsessive Type-A types.

HuffPost

When I completed the task at hand and rushed out to tend to my not-so-patient patrons, one of my regulars told me, "You know you look like Amy Winehouse, black hair, red lips and all... of course you're not a heroin addict though".

Vice

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Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complete the task at hand" to refocus efforts when distractions arise. It serves as a concise reminder to prioritize and finish the immediate objective.

Common error

While generally acceptable, excessive use of "complete the task at hand" in very formal or academic writing might sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "accomplish the objective" or "finalize the project" to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete the task at hand" functions as an imperative or directive, urging focus and action towards finishing the current task. As Ludwig AI indicates, it emphasizes the importance of prioritizing and finishing the immediate objective.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complete the task at hand" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that encourages focus and the finishing of current tasks. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, from news media to scientific writing. While versatile, remember to use synonyms in formal writing to avoid repetition. The phrase serves as a reminder to prioritize immediate goals and resist distractions. Its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Forbes underscores its widespread acceptance and utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get the job done

Offers an informal and direct way to express task completion.

finish the undertaking

Replaces "task" with "undertaking", emphasizing the effort involved.

accomplish the objective

Focuses on achieving a specific objective or goal.

execute the assignment

Uses more formal and action-oriented vocabulary.

bring the work to fruition

Highlights the successful outcome of the task.

see the mission through

Emphasizes persistence and determination in finishing a difficult task.

finalize the project

Specifically refers to completing a project.

conclude the activity

Offers a more general and abstract alternative.

wrap up the matter

Suggests a casual way to express finishing a task.

discharge the duty

Emphasizes fulfilling an obligation or responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "complete the task at hand" in a sentence?

You can use "complete the task at hand" to emphasize focusing on and finishing the current task, such as: "Despite the distractions, it's crucial to "complete the task at hand" efficiently."

What are some alternatives to "complete the task at hand"?

Some alternatives include "finish the undertaking", "accomplish the objective", or "get the job done", depending on the context and desired formality.

Is it better to say "complete the task at hand" or "finished the task at hand"?

"Complete the task at hand" is generally used as an imperative, while "finished the task at hand" indicates that the task has already been completed. The best choice depends on whether you are giving an instruction or describing a past action.

What's the difference between "complete the task at hand" and "focus on the task at hand"?

"Complete the task at hand" means to finish or bring the current task to an end. "Focus on the task at hand" means to concentrate your attention and effort on the current task, but doesn't necessarily imply finishing it.