is at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"is at hand" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to refer to a situation that is likely to happen soon, or is close to occurring. For example, "The end of the academic year is at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Help is at hand.

The New York Times - Tech

A solution is at hand!

The New York Times

Then help is at hand.

Independent

Fortunately, help is at hand.

The Economist

Now it is at hand.

The Economist

But help is at hand.

The New York Times

One solution is at hand.

The New York Times

But liberation is at hand.

The Economist

Nonetheless, progress is at hand.

The New York Times

A revelation is at hand.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Solutions are at hand.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is at hand" to create a sense of anticipation or immediacy when discussing upcoming events or solutions.

Common error

Avoid using "is at hand" interchangeably with phrases that imply completion or certainty. "Is at hand" suggests proximity, not necessarily a guaranteed outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is at hand" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that something is close, imminent, or readily available. It is commonly used to suggest that a solution, event, or time is near. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

14%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is at hand" effectively conveys the nearness or imminence of an event, solution, or time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile enough for both formal and informal writing, awareness of related phrases and potential misinterpretations is essential. Remember to use "is at hand" to create anticipation and signal proximity, and be mindful of its subtle differences from similar expressions like "is in hand".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is imminent

Emphasizes the impending nature of an event.

is approaching

Suggests a gradual coming closer to a particular time or event.

is near

Indicates proximity in time or space.

is on the horizon

Implies that something is likely to happen in the near future.

is within reach

Highlights that something is achievable or attainable soon.

is drawing near

Similar to 'approaching' but with a more formal tone.

is in sight

Indicates that something can be seen or is becoming visible.

is on the cards

Suggests that something is likely or planned to happen.

is just around the corner

Emphasizes the short time until something happens.

is afoot

Implies that something is happening or about to happen, often secretly.

FAQs

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

Use "is at hand" to indicate that something is close in time or readily available. For example, "The solution to this problem "is at hand"."

What are some alternatives to saying "is at hand"?

You can use alternatives like "is imminent", "is approaching", or "is near" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is at hand" in formal writing?

Yes, "is at hand" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, though its impact might be stronger in more formal contexts.

What's the difference between "is at hand" and "is in hand"?

"Is at hand" means something is close or imminent, while "is in hand" means something is being dealt with or controlled. They have distinct meanings and should not be confused.