have on hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have on hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to something that you currently have in your possession. For example, "I like to have a few extra ingredients on hand in case I need to make an emergency batch of cookies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You can buy a hollow metal sphere or make one from materials you have on hand.

WikiHow

If I had one, I could reduce the amount of cash I have on hand.

The New York Times

You can use any materials you have on hand.

Stanford University

They'll offer what water they have on hand.

Harvard University

You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand.

The New York Times

What about the data that we have on hand already?

The New York Times

How much cash should a start-up have on hand?

Harvard Business Review

"It's cash I have on hand," Mr. Trump said.

The New York Times

Have on hand a dish or two that you really enjoy and be done with it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

What pieces will you have on-hand for my visit?

Forbes

Look around your house and see what materials you already have on-hand.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising readers on preparing for emergencies, use "have on hand" to suggest keeping essential supplies readily available. For example, "It's wise to have a first-aid kit and extra water bottles on hand."

Common error

Avoid using "have on hand" when describing something that is generally accessible but not immediately available. Instead of saying "We have all the resources on hand to solve this", when resources are scattered across different departments, specify where to find the needed help or materials.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have on hand" functions as a verb phrase, indicating possession and availability. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. It suggests that something is readily accessible or in one's possession for immediate use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

31%

News & Media

34%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have on hand" is a versatile verb phrase indicating that something is readily available or possessed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources. Predominantly used in Wiki and News & Media contexts, it serves to inform and advise, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both professional and informal communication. When using "have on hand", ensure it accurately reflects immediate availability rather than general accessibility. Consider alternatives like "possess readily" or "keep available" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possess readily

Focuses on the immediate availability of something.

keep available

Emphasizes the act of maintaining something for future use.

have in stock

Implies a supply or reserve of something.

maintain possession

Highlights the act of retaining ownership and access.

retain for use

Focuses on keeping something specifically for a purpose.

have access to

Indicates the ability to use or obtain something when needed.

keep in supply

Suggests ensuring a constant amount is present.

have within reach

Highlights proximity and ease of access.

own outright

Emphasizes full and unrestricted ownership.

control the use of

Focuses on the ability to manage and utilize something.

FAQs

How can I use "have on hand" in a sentence?

Use "have on hand" to indicate that something is readily available or possessed at the moment. For example, "It's always good to have a few extra pens on hand during a meeting."

What are some alternatives to "have on hand"?

You can use alternatives like "possess readily", "keep available", or "have in stock" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "have on hand" or "have available"?

"Have on hand" implies immediate availability and possession, while "have available" suggests something can be obtained or accessed, though not necessarily immediately. The better choice depends on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "have on hand" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when indicating that something is readily accessible or possessed for immediate use. For example, "The research team must have all necessary data on hand before commencing the analysis."