issue in hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "issue in hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a current problem or topic that is being addressed or discussed. Example: "We need to focus on the issue in hand before moving on to other matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Today, Jonathan Stuart Ward and Adam Barker at the University of St Andrews in Scotland take the issue in hand.

MIT Technology Review

We need to be brave in our gardens, especially given the unpredictability of the issue in hand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the last minute they will trade away their opposition on the issue in hand against a handsome concession elsewhere, and they are respected for doing so.

The Economist

The truth is that Clegg is only calling for a referendum on "in or out of Europe" to cover up the fact that he is against a referendum on the real issue in hand - the revived constitutional treaty.

The Guardian - Opinion

The issue in hand being the remuneration and in particular severance payments made to top managers at the corporation, which exceeded not only contractual obligations but also, it would seem, public and political tolerance.

The Guardian

" 'We know what you're doing, stop it, we know what you're doing, stop it.' Eventually, it got to the point where the government had to take the issue in hand".

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In a sign of the continuing anger at the political establishment in Bradford, Selina Ullah, chair of the Bradford Muslim Women's Council, warned in the local media that for too long the voices of women and young people had "been ignored, at best because of a paternalistic approach, at worst [because] they were not deemed worthy of having opinions relevant to the issues in hand".

The Guardian

With the resolution of my fundamental body issues in hand, toying with gendered objects and concepts became much easier: not only empowering in its own right, it meant that finally, I'd found a community to which I wanted to belong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I strongly believe that if the current government takes the proper steps to address the issue hand in hand with the Egyptian people, if they develop the country and show Egyptians that there are clear-cut plans and alternative paths to change, then we can avoid violence.

The Guardian

Issued in hand-painted metal box 20 x 13 x 4 cm.

Yale University

IN HIS blue suit and white shirt, with his standard-issue briefcase in hand, the salaryman is the symbol of modern Japan.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "issue in hand" to clearly signal the central topic of discussion, especially when transitioning between different subjects. This ensures your audience understands the current focus.

Common error

Avoid using "issue in hand" when the context is too broad or vague. It's best suited for specific, well-defined problems or topics, not general areas of interest. Consider alternatives like "area of concern" for broader contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "issue in hand" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific topic or problem that is being discussed or addressed. Ludwig's examples show it used in various contexts, affirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "issue in hand" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote the current topic or problem being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's essential to use it in appropriate scopes, replacing it with a broader term if needed. Alternatives like "matter at hand" or "topic at hand" can also be used based on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subject in hand

Replaces "issue" with "subject", focusing on the topic being discussed.

matter at hand

Substitutes "issue" with "matter", emphasizing the importance of the current situation.

topic at hand

Replaces "issue" with "topic", highlighting the theme under consideration.

question at hand

Substitutes "issue" with "question", framing it as a problem needing a solution.

problem in question

Replaces "hand" with "question", framing the issue as a problem.

current issue

Focuses on the timeliness of the issue.

present concern

Highlights the worry or anxiety associated with the issue.

immediate problem

Emphasizes the urgency and need for immediate attention.

prevailing matter

Indicates that the issue is currently dominant or widespread.

relevant point

Highlights the significance and applicability of the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "issue in hand" to refer to a specific problem or topic that needs to be addressed. For example: "Let's focus on the "issue in hand" before discussing other matters."

What are some alternatives to "issue in hand"?

Some alternatives include "matter at hand", "topic at hand", or "subject in hand", depending on the specific context.

Is "issue in hand" formal or informal?

"Issue in hand" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal situations, consider using "matter at hand".

What's the difference between "issue in hand" and "problem in question"?

"Issue in hand" refers to the current topic of discussion, while "problem in question" specifically highlights a problematic situation requiring a solution. The former is more general, while the latter implies a difficulty.