keeps on hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keeps on hand" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to items or resources that are readily available or stored for future use. Example: "The store keeps on hand a variety of organic products." Alternative expressions include "keeps in stock" and "has available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

There are not one but several tape recorders that Nathan keeps on hand, each serving a different purpose.

The New York Times

But the zoo keeps on hand 14 kinds of antivenin, which it can supply to Jacobi, or other institutions, on short notice.

The New York Times

'Oh, I'm Not Really that Famous or Talented' Radcliffe In this spoof, Radcliffe has an assistant he keeps on hand, allegedly, to keep his huge ego in line.

The New York Times

The more money a bank raises from shareholders, the more profit it keeps on hand, the less it has to borrow and the more solid it is.

The New York Times

The ranch is populated by old, rusting relics of the American Century, Mr. Carr writes, which Mr. Young keeps on hand for spare parts.

The New York Times

For his own reference, Mr. Oinonen keeps on hand a formidable set of about 700 bibliographical volumes of all books in the Library of Congress.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"Why, yes, I do, darling," she would say, handing out a bottle of the mustard she actually kept on hand.

The New York Times

Spare equipment will be kept on-hand for quick substitution if needed.

Bplans

Visit a restaurant supply store for a supply to keep on-hand.

WikiHow

Keep one hand on your hip.

WikiHow

What do you keep on hand at your studio?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keeps on hand" when you want to emphasize that something is readily available and regularly maintained for future use, especially for convenience or preparedness.

Common error

Avoid using "keeps on hand" if the item is not consistently maintained or easily accessible. If something is difficult to obtain or only available under specific circumstances, a different phrase might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keeps on hand" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of maintaining something in a state of readiness or availability. It describes a habitual or ongoing action, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keeps on hand" is a grammatically sound and functionally versatile verb phrase that indicates the maintenance of something in a readily available state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to communicate preparedness and convenience across various contexts, particularly in news, academic and wiki environments. While "keeps on hand" is suitable for a range of writing styles, it's important to ensure that the implied scope of availability aligns with the actual accessibility of the item being described. Alternative phrases, such as "maintains in stock" or "has available", can offer nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has available

Highlights the immediate accessibility of something.

keeps in supply

Focuses on maintaining a constant flow of resources.

maintains in stock

Focuses on the act of having a regular supply for sale or use.

has on standby

Implies readiness and immediate availability for use.

holds in reserve

Suggests keeping something back for a specific purpose or contingency.

stores for future use

Emphasizes the act of putting something away specifically for later use.

reserves

Highlights setting something aside for a specific person or purpose.

retains possession of

Implies ownership and continued holding of something.

stockpiles

Refers to accumulating a large quantity of something.

amasses

Suggests gathering or collecting something over a period of time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "keeps on hand"?

You can use alternatives like "maintains in stock", "has available", or "stores for future use" depending on the specific context.

What does "keeps on hand" imply about availability?

The phrase "keeps on hand" suggests that something is readily available, easily accessible, and regularly maintained for use, indicating a state of preparedness and convenience.

Is "keeps on hand" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "keeps on hand" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, alternatives like "maintains in stock" might be preferred for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "keeps on hand" and "has in stock"?

"Keeps on hand" implies a general readiness and availability, while "has in stock" is more specific to items available for sale or immediate use in a business or retail context. Therefore, "has in stock" is typically used only when referring to items that are actively being sold.