contest at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contest at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the current competition or situation being discussed or addressed. Example: "In the contest at hand, we must evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each participant before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They affect coastlines, where cosmopolitan types cluster, and thus divert liberals' attention from the contest at hand, granting more power to the folks living in the flyover.

The New York Times

As Dallas lapped the ring, cameras caught Vince McMahon's arrival to the arena, and moments later, the boss made his way to the ring, bringing an end to the contest at hand.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Indeed a very American contest is at hand and in the spirit of the dynamic free market promises to deliver new hunters of every stripe to the fold.

The Economist

Norris kept within touching distance, though, and levelled the contest at 3-3 BuntingBunting showed his class to move three sets clear and put one hand on the trophy.

Independent

If someone is saying something offhand, it's fine to lapse (you don't want to start a staring contest), but if they really care about the topic at hand, give them your attention.

WikiHow

The early departures began even as Minnesota's commissioners of health and education took part in a hand-washing contest at the fair's "Germ City booth," one of many efforts to promote awareness about ways to avoid the flu.

The New York Times

She was concentrating so hard on the task at hand that she missed the signal the contest was over.

BBC

A design contest is at the center of Waldman's début novel, but the questions at hand are political rather than aesthetic.

The New Yorker

Mr. Stroger does have his supporters, but voters are left with him and three others in the Democratic contest, each of whom shares one characteristic with Mr. Stroger: an inability to address the job at hand.

The New York Times

On the other hand, Sanders enters the contest at a moment when it's possible to be taken seriously — very seriously — as a liberal with a youthful following.

The New Yorker

On the other hand, Sanders enters the contest at a moment when it's possible to be taken seriously very seriously as a liberal with a youthful following.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contest at hand" when you want to emphasize the immediacy and relevance of a competition or challenge. It is suitable when the competition is the direct focus of discussion.

Common error

Avoid using "contest at hand" in casual conversations or informal writing. It sounds slightly formal and may seem out of place in relaxed settings. Instead, opt for simpler alternatives like "current competition" or "ongoing challenge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contest at hand" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying the competition or challenge that is currently being discussed or considered. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contest at hand" refers to the current competition or challenge being considered. While grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is relatively rare and leaning towards neutral-professional. It is best suited for emphasizing the immediacy and focus on the competition. Alternatives include "current competition" and "present challenge". Use the phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse in informal settings to maintain appropriate tone and register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current competition

Focuses on the present time frame of the competition.

present challenge

Highlights the difficulty or problem that needs to be overcome right now.

immediate competition

Emphasizes the temporal proximity of the competition.

existing rivalry

Focuses on an ongoing state of competition between two or more parties.

ongoing battle

Implies a more protracted and intense competitive situation.

pending match

Refers to a scheduled competition that is about to occur.

the matter in dispute

Emphasizes the subject of disagreement or contention.

the current game

Specifically refers to a sports competition happening now.

the present conflict

Highlights the adversarial aspect of the competition.

the issue being contested

Emphasizes that the topic at hand is a point of disagreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "contest at hand" to refer to a current competition or challenge being discussed. For example, "The judges carefully reviewed all entries in the "contest at hand"".

What are some alternatives to "contest at hand"?

Some alternatives include "current competition", "present challenge", or "immediate competition", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "contest at hand" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "contest at hand" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when emphasizing the current and immediate nature of the competition. However, ensure that the level of formality matches the overall tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "contest at hand" and "task at hand"?

"Contest at hand" refers specifically to a competition or rivalry that is currently the focus. "Task at hand" refers to a job, duty, or objective that needs to be accomplished. While both phrases focus on immediacy, they apply to different scenarios.