is close at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is close at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is imminent or about to happen soon. Example: "With the deadline approaching, the end of the project is close at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Luckily, support is close at hand.

The New York Times

But now, they say, a deal is close at hand.

The New York Times

The three-piece orchestra, too, is close at hand.

The New York Times

Perhaps the tug activates some deep neuronal pathway that signals that food is close at hand.

The New York Times

Keep in mind that a railroad line is close at hand.

The New York Times - Travel

Thank goodness that all that cheap, uncomplainingly overworked immigrant labour is close at hand, eh Jamie?

Independent

But who takes a continent for a subject when humanity is close at hand?

The New Yorker

Distance bias makes us prefer information that is close at hand or more recent.

Harvard Business Review

Although much of Brooklyn has vanished, its history is close at hand.

The New York Times

Everything is close at hand yet grand in its imaginative reach.

The New York Times - Magazine

The mobile technology that could make such a difference is close at hand.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. This phrase can be used for both positive and negative outcomes, so ensure the tone aligns with the intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "is close at hand" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "imminent" or "just around the corner" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is close at hand" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that something is imminent or easily accessible. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a common and grammatically sound way to express nearness in time or proximity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is close at hand" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the imminence or accessibility of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's appropriate for a range of contexts, from news and media to academic writing, though its register leans towards the formal side. When writing, be mindful of potential overuse and consider using synonyms to maintain variety. Its purpose is primarily to create anticipation and inform the audience that an outcome is nearing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is imminent

Emphasizes the impending nature of the event or object.

is just around the corner

Suggests the event or object is nearby and will occur soon.

is within reach

Highlights the attainability or accessibility of something.

is on the horizon

Indicates something is approaching and will become visible or apparent.

is drawing near

Emphasizes the gradual approach of an event or object.

is about to happen

States directly that an event is on the verge of occurring.

is in the offing

A more formal way of saying something is likely to happen soon.

is readily available

Focuses on the ease and speed of access.

is easily accessible

Stresses the lack of difficulty in obtaining something.

is coming up soon

Suggests an event will happen in the near future.

FAQs

What does "is close at hand" mean?

The phrase "is close at hand" means something is about to happen or is easily accessible. It suggests imminence or proximity.

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

You can use it to indicate that something is likely to occur soon, such as, "With the final negotiations underway, a peace agreement "is close at hand"."

What can I say instead of "is close at hand"?

You can use alternatives like "is imminent", "is just around the corner", or "is within reach" depending on the context.

Is "is near at hand" the same as "is close at hand"?

Yes, "is near at hand" and ""is close at hand"" are essentially interchangeable and have the same meaning. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.