item at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "item at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the current subject or issue being discussed or dealt with. Example: "Let's focus on the item at hand and address the concerns raised in the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Identify positive behavior, discuss the item, and only the item at hand, and finally reinforce the positive.

WikiHow

One way to help you remember something, whether it is the title of a book or where you left your keys, is to take a moment to visualize the item at hand.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Therefore, we carefully examine the items at hand in order to differentiate MtL, or the use of deep learning strategies, within the theoretically conglomerate RtL scale.

Large-scale Assessments in Education

For example, CVI analysis focuses on the items at hand and does not elucidate other issues that might be of importance to adequately measure the underlying construct [ 28].

BMC Geriatrics

As these reports included a variety of experiences, it was not possible to generate additional survey items "at hand" without prior qualitative testing.

BMC Health Services Research

Try to use the items at hand.

WikiHow

Make sure you have all the necessary items at hand, to avoid doing a bad day's cleaning.

WikiHow

These are the items you will keep out or keep separate so that you have the most essential items at hand when you first arrive.

WikiHow

Keep frequently used items at hand when deciding how to organize a mobile office so you do not have to search for them.

WikiHow

Having all of these items easily at hand will speed up the nail painting process and minimize the chances of you smudging a nail.

WikiHow

Select the quantity of the particular item you have at hand.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "item at hand", ensure the context clearly defines what the 'item' refers to, whether it's a physical object, a topic of discussion, or a task.

Common error

Avoid using "item at hand" when the specific subject is unclear to the audience. Always provide sufficient context so readers understand precisely what "item" is being referred to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "item at hand" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the current focus or subject. It is used to direct attention to the specific thing being considered, as evidenced by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "item at hand" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that directs attention to the current subject, task, or object being discussed or dealt with. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile. While it appears in various contexts, it's important to ensure clarity and provide sufficient context so readers understand precisely what "item" refers to. Alternatives such as "matter at hand" or "topic at hand" can be used depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overall, "item at hand" serves as a useful tool for focusing discussions and actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matter at hand

Replaces "item" with a more abstract term, focusing on the issue or situation.

topic at hand

Substitutes "item" with "topic", emphasizing the subject of discussion.

issue at hand

Focuses specifically on a problem or point of contention.

task at hand

Emphasizes the action or work that needs to be done.

subject under discussion

A more formal and explicit way of referring to the current topic.

current concern

Highlights the pressing nature of the matter being addressed.

present matter

A slightly more formal way to indicate the current issue.

immediate problem

Specifically points to a difficulty that requires attention.

pertinent subject

Highlights the relevance of the topic being discussed.

relevant point

Focuses on a specific idea or argument that is important to the discussion.

FAQs

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

You can use "item at hand" to refer to the current subject, task, or object being discussed or dealt with. For instance, "Let's focus on the item at hand and address the concerns raised in the meeting."

What phrases are similar to "item at hand"?

Alternatives include "matter at hand", "topic at hand", or "issue at hand", depending on the specific context.

Is "item at hand" formal or informal?

"Item at hand" is generally considered neutral and can be used in various contexts, from informal discussions to more formal writings. However, "matter at hand" might sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "item at hand" and "task at hand"?

"Item at hand" refers to something that is currently being considered or discussed. "Task at hand" specifically refers to a piece of work that needs to be done. Therefore, "task at hand" implies action, while "item at hand" can be more general.