for the task at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the task at hand" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that is currently being focused on or worked on. Here is an example: "I know we have a lot of tasks on our to-do list, but let's prioritize for the task at hand and complete this project first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Unfortunately for Dr. Mishin, those gifts were very much in demand for the task at hand.

The New York Times

We need to fashion a new and targeted strategy for the task at hand.

The New York Times

It was not the first time that Apple had lost his trademark enthusiasm for the task at hand.

The New Yorker

Slow response time is often caused by insufficient RAM or processor speed for the task at hand.

The New York Times - Tech

Fossett retired from the race last Sunday after determining that his sails were too fragile for the task at hand.

The New York Times - Sports

Is this particular statistical method appropriate for the task at hand? Do other methods generate different results?

The New Yorker

Afterward, Mr. Hawk told a Suzuki representative that the SportBack was almost too good for the task at hand.

The New York Times

She would simply move a bright Post-it note to the relevant area for the task at hand and refer to it as needed.

The Guardian

Software programming is problem solving, and developers tend to gravitate to the technology that is the most useful for the task at hand.

The New York Times

By incorporating new ways of working and smart technologies for collaboration and communication, employees can effectively work where it is most appropriate for the task at hand.

The Guardian

But while Karbo, with her rueful unfitness for the task at hand, invites a good deal of sympathy, her dying father does not.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the task at hand" to clearly indicate the immediate focus or objective in a discussion or project.

Common error

Avoid using "for the task at hand" when referring to long-term goals or broad strategies. This phrase is best suited for describing immediate actions or considerations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the task at hand" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a verb or noun. It serves to limit the scope of consideration to the immediate or current activity. As supported by Ludwig, the expression is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for the task at hand" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that directs focus to the immediate and relevant action or consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. While versatile, it's best used to emphasize immediate objectives rather than long-term goals. Alternative phrases such as "regarding the current assignment" or "concerning the matter at hand" can be used to provide different nuances, but "for the task at hand" remains a clear and effective way to specify the current focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the present undertaking

Replaces "task" with "undertaking" and "at hand" with "present", indicating a current project.

regarding the current assignment

Specifies "assignment" instead of "task", focusing on a specific duty.

concerning the matter at hand

Uses "matter" to replace "task", indicating the situation being dealt with.

relevant to the ongoing endeavor

Emphasizes a continuous effort by using "endeavor" and "ongoing".

in relation to the current objective

Focuses on the aim or purpose by using "objective".

with respect to the immediate goal

Highlights the urgency and target by using "immediate goal".

for the current activity

Uses a more general term "activity" instead of task, suitable for less formal contexts.

pertaining to the project in question

Highlights the specific project being addressed.

regarding the issue at hand

Substitutes "task" with "issue", appropriate when referring to problems or challenges.

concerning the work underway

Focuses on labor/employment using "work underway"

FAQs

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

You can use "for the task at hand" to specify what needs immediate attention, as in, "Let's focus on the resources needed "for the task at hand" before considering other issues."

What is a good substitute for "for the task at hand"?

Alternatives include "regarding the current assignment", "concerning the matter at hand", or "relevant to the ongoing endeavor" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "for the task at hand" in formal writing?

Yes, "for the task at hand" is suitable for formal writing. However, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and choose a more precise alternative if necessary.

What's the difference between "for the task at hand" and "in general"?

"For the task at hand" refers to the immediate focus, while "in general" refers to a broader context. Using "for the task at hand" narrows the scope to the specific action or decision being considered.