facts at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

'facts at hand' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to existing facts that are relevant to the topic being discussed. For example, "Given the facts at hand, it is clear that we need to take immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Ms. Waxman, perhaps driven by wish fulfillment, wrote beyond the facts at hand.

The New York Times

She rarely attempts to transcend the facts at hand, or to speak to broader constituencies.

The New Yorker

This would ensure that as we become adults, we have the facts at hand.

The New York Times

He started sentences by admitting that he might not know all the facts at hand.

The New Yorker

They were charged only with interpreting Florida law and the facts at hand.

The Washington Post

The negative emotions I "caught" temporarily overwhelmed my capacity to assess the facts at hand.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It hasn't taken away from the fact at hand, that we have a game to play.

The New York Times - Sports

"But it can't take away, and it hasn't taken away from the fact at hand, that we have a game to play".

The New York Times - Sports

Two hours later, Mrs. Clinton's campaign, realizing, it seems, that she had run out of cards, said that an agreement was in fact at hand.

The New York Times

Putting aside the fact that a high-end milliner is partnering with a travel agency (yeah, we don't get it either), let's examine the most peculiar fact at hand: the maker of some of the world's most elaborate, extravagant hats will be designing for little kids.

Huffington Post

This objection is similar to the last in that it emphasizes our dependence on examples and authority in acquiring moral perceptions that are stable once the relevant non-moral facts are at hand, but the claim is not that this dependence is inconsistent with the existence of a non-natural moral reality.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting an analysis, start by stating that you will be considering the "facts at hand" to establish a foundation of objectivity.

Common error

Avoid presenting assumptions or speculation as "facts at hand". Ensure that all information cited as "facts at hand" is verifiable and supported by credible evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "facts at hand" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a preposition or in an adverbial role, modifying a verb or clause. This indicates the informational basis for decisions or assessments. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

33%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "facts at hand" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to emphasize the importance of relying on available information for decision-making and analysis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it sees consistent use across various contexts, including News & Media and Academia, signaling its broad applicability. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure you are indeed referring to verifiable information and not conjecture. Consider alternatives like "available evidence" or "pertinent details" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

available evidence

Focuses on the evidence that is accessible and pertinent to a situation.

pertinent details

Highlights the relevant and specific details of a matter.

current information

Emphasizes the up-to-date nature of the data being considered.

existing data

Refers to the data that already exists and can be analyzed.

relevant circumstances

Shifts the focus to the conditions and situations that are important.

the known facts

Stresses that the facts are established and recognized.

the present reality

Emphasizes the actual state of affairs that exists now.

the prevailing conditions

Indicates the conditions that are currently dominant or widespread.

the situation's specifics

Highlights the unique and detailed aspects of a given situation.

the matter's essentials

Focuses on the most important and fundamental aspects of the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "facts at hand" to refer to the available information when making a decision or analysis. For example, "Based on the "facts at hand", we can conclude that further investigation is needed."

What's a good alternative to "facts at hand"?

Alternatives to "facts at hand" include "available evidence", "pertinent details", or "current information". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "facts at hand" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "facts at hand" in both formal and informal writing when you want to emphasize that your analysis or conclusion is based on verifiable information and not personal opinions.

Is there a difference between "facts at hand" and "facts at issue"?

"Facts at hand" generally refers to all the relevant facts available in a situation, while "facts at issue" typically refers to the specific facts that are in dispute or under consideration in a legal or argumentative context.