issues at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"issues at hand" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing a few key topics that are being addressed in a particular context. For example, "We have to address the issues at hand quickly to resolve the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Reading together focuses everyone's attention on the issues at hand.

Harvard Business Review

Plus, there are much bigger issues at hand.

The Guardian - Film

The council, which met intermittently until 1563, responded emphatically to the issues at hand.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the issues at hand were momentous: liberty, security and the American way.

The New York Times

Court proceedings, while cathartic, can quickly distract from the real issues at hand.

The New York Times

"Parisians would wake up the following morning and see the issues at hand.

The New York Times - Books

Was this an attempt to distract from the issues at hand?

The Guardian - Tech

It deserved an informed analysis of the complex issues at hand.

The New York Times - Magazine

It can be divisive and polarising, diverting us from the real issues at hand.

The Guardian - Opinion

It also said that "initially the crew did not react to the issues at hand".

The New York Times

As for how to divvy up Michigan's delegates, that's one of the thornier issues at hand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing sensitive subjects, frame them as "issues at hand" to maintain a professional and objective tone.

Common error

Avoid using "issues at hand" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "current concerns" or "matters in question" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "issues at hand" functions as a noun phrase that identifies specific topics, problems, or concerns that are currently under consideration. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct and usable. The examples illustrate its use in focusing attention and defining the scope of discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "issues at hand" is a versatile and frequently used expression to refer to the topics, problems, or concerns currently being discussed or addressed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It's commonly found in news, scientific, and business writing, offering a neutral yet professional way to direct attention and define the scope of communication. While "issues at hand" is useful, avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms like "current concerns" or "matters in question" for variety. Remember that while "issues at hand" can refer to any topic, "problems at hand" specifically denotes difficulties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matters in question

Focuses on the specific items being discussed or investigated, emphasizing their questionable nature.

current concerns

Highlights the present-day worries or anxieties that need addressing.

topics under discussion

Emphasizes the subjects that are currently being talked about or debated.

pressing problems

Stresses the urgency and importance of the issues that need to be resolved.

prevailing challenges

Focuses on the difficulties that are currently present and widespread.

pertinent questions

Highlights the relevant inquiries that need to be answered.

relevant factors

Emphasizes the significant elements that need to be taken into account.

key considerations

Highlights the important aspects that need careful thought and attention.

salient points

Focuses on the most noticeable or important aspects of a situation.

immediate priorities

Stresses the tasks or goals that need to be dealt with first.

FAQs

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

You can use "issues at hand" to refer to the problems or topics that are being discussed or dealt with. For example, "We need to focus on the "issues at hand" to find a solution".

What are some alternatives to "issues at hand"?

Some alternatives include "current concerns", "matters in question", or "topics under discussion", depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "issues at hand" is suitable for formal writing. It provides a clear and professional way to refer to the matters being addressed.

What is the difference between "issues at hand" and "problems at hand"?

"Issues at hand" is a more neutral term and can refer to any topic being discussed, while "problems at hand" specifically refers to difficulties or challenges that need to be resolved. Use "issues" when the topics aren't necessarily negative. Ludwig shows examples for both.