in our hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in our hand" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something that is physically or figuratively held or controlled by the subject of the sentence. Example: "We have the future of our company in our hands; it's up to us to make the right decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We want the bird in our hand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, war and peace is not really in our hand".

The New York Times

"Finally the decision is in our hand," it ended.

The New York Times

At one agonized note, interminably held, the highball glass cracked in our hand.

The New Yorker

Because it's right there, in our hand, like the whole world.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Tjeknavorian puts Armenian and Iranian tradition in our hand as if they were passports.

The New York Times

"We had our ace in our hand and nobody even knew it," receiver Amani Toomer said.

The New York Times - Sports

We don't even get to hold our wages in our hand anymore thanks to direct deposits.

The Guardian - Opinion

Stocks and shares close every news bulletin, yet we cannot hold them in our hand.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We still have destiny in our hand," San Diego second baseman David Eckstein said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Would you rather see us with a gun in our hand and a bandana on our face, acting like thugs?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in our hand" when you want to convey a sense of direct control, responsibility, or possession over something, whether tangible or abstract. For example, "The future of the project is in our hand."

Common error

Avoid using "in our hand" when describing situations where control is shared or heavily influenced by external factors. Instead, use phrases like "influenced by" or "dependent on" to reflect shared control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in our hand" typically functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate control, possession, or responsibility. Ludwig examples confirm its usage across various contexts to highlight agency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in our hand" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase, signifying control, responsibility, or possession. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread application across diverse fields, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. While versatile, it's crucial to use it accurately, avoiding its application in scenarios where agency is limited or shared. Remember, while "in our hands" is more common, "in our hand" underscores focus on a specific item or duty. By understanding these nuances, you can wield this phrase effectively to convey the desired meaning in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under our control

This alternative emphasizes the aspect of having authority or command over something.

in our possession

This highlights the aspect of ownership or holding something tangible.

at our fingertips

This suggests ease of access and readily available resources or information.

within our grasp

This implies that something is attainable or achievable with effort.

in our power

This focuses on the ability or capacity to influence or effect change.

our responsibility

This shifts the focus to the obligation or duty to take care of something.

entrusted to us

This emphasizes the idea of being given something valuable to care for.

in our keeping

This suggests a protective or safeguarding role.

under our management

This highlights the organizational or administrative role.

subject to our decisions

This emphasizes the aspect of something being affected by or dependent on our choices.

FAQs

How can I use "in our hand" in a sentence?

You can use "in our hand" to indicate control, responsibility, or possession. For example, "The success of this venture is "in our hand", we must work diligently."

What's a good alternative to "in our hand" when referring to control?

Alternatives to "in our hand" include phrases like "under our control", "in our power", or "at our disposal", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "in our hand" in formal writing?

Yes, "in our hand" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing responsibility or control. However, ensure the tone is appropriate for the context. Alternatives like "under our jurisdiction" might be even more suitable in highly formal or legal contexts.

What is the difference between "in our hand" and "in our hands"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "in our hands" is more common and generally preferred. The singular "in our hand" often emphasizes a specific item or task, whereas the plural is more general. For example, it's more common to say "The company's future is in our hands" than "The company's future is "in our hand"".