keeping at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeping at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to having something readily available or within reach for immediate use. Example: "I always keep a first aid kit keeping at hand in case of emergencies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

One useful thing commemorations of composers' births and deaths should do is remind us that some of the music performed on these occasions, and neglected otherwise, is worth keeping at hand between anniversaries as well.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Non-profits have little room to manoeuvre when it comes to keeping capital at hand; they are under pressure to reassure donors that money is being spent quickly and wisely.

The Economist

After Kneebone returned from a war zone in Africa in the late 1980s, he practiced as a GP in Wiltshire for 15 years, keeping his hand in at surgery at the local cottage hospital.

The Guardian

While I was sitting with Fey one afternoon in a café on Broadway, she admitted that she chronically prepares for the worst, in part by keeping zingers close at hand.

The New Yorker

"He came back different" is the shared refrain of the defendants' family members, who mention irritability, detachment, volatility, sleeplessness, excessive drinking or drug use, and keeping a gun at hand.

The New York Times

Longtime executive Lou Gorman admitted to keeping Percentage Baseball close at hand, and player-turned-manager Davey Johnson took some of the book's lessons to heart particularly the importance of on-base percentage (the measurement of how frequently a batter safely reaches base).

Encyclopedia Britannica

This study was identical to the first, except that the infants saw the experimenter merely look at the plant, then the artifact, all the while keeping his hands at his side and saying, "Hmmm".

Huffington Post

Keeping the minute hand at 12, move the hour hand to various positions on the clock.

WikiHow

Consider keeping a hand sanitizer with you at all times in case you can't reach a bathroom to wash your hands.

WikiHow

Sam Tomkins is good at keeping his hands on the ball from full-back.

The Guardian - Sport

It was just unthinkable that Clay could beat Liston by running, keeping his hands at his hips, and defending himself simply by leaning away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeping at hand" to suggest preparedness and easy access to something. For example, "Keeping the necessary tools at hand will speed up the repair process."

Common error

While "keeping at hand" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make it sound less sophisticated. Consider using alternatives like "maintaining accessibility" or "ensuring availability" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeping at hand" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of readiness or availability. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show it used to describe having something readily accessible for immediate use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keeping at hand" is a grammatically sound and usable expression signifying that something is readily available or within easy reach. Ludwig provides examples indicating its prevalent use in News & Media and general contexts, though Ludwig AI notes that it should be used judiciously in very formal contexts. Several alternative phrases, such as "having readily available" and "having within reach", offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas. When writing, consider the context and audience to determine if "keeping at hand" or a more formal option is most appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having readily available

Focuses on the immediate availability of something.

having within reach

Emphasizes the ease of accessing something.

keeping close by

Highlights the proximity of something.

maintaining accessibility

Focuses on the characteristic of something being accessible.

stockpiling nearby

Implies accumulation and proximity, suitable in contexts of supplies.

possessing for immediate use

Highlights ownership and readiness.

keeping in proximity

Focuses on maintaining a close distance.

ensuring availability

Highlights the act of ensuring something is available.

preserving accessibility

Focuses on maintaining the state of being accessible.

setting aside for ready access

Emphasizes preparation and intention.

FAQs

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

You can use "keeping at hand" to describe having something readily available for immediate use. For example, "She was "keeping a first aid kit at hand" in case of emergencies."

What are some alternatives to "keeping at hand"?

Some alternatives include "having readily available", "having within reach", or "keeping close by", depending on the specific context.

Is "keeping at hand" formal or informal?

"Keeping at hand" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain situations.

What's the difference between "keeping at hand" and "having on hand"?

Both phrases are similar, but "keeping at hand" might imply a more deliberate act of maintaining something nearby, while "having on hand" simply means possessing something for use when needed.