kept at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is readily available or easily accessible. Example: "I always keep a first aid kit kept at hand in case of emergencies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr. Brown would not say how much cash was being kept at hand, but said "it's a higher balance than one would expect to see".

The New York Times

A horn blared, telling them now to put on their gas masks and hoods, the rubber gloves and boots that were always to be kept at hand.

The New York Times

And for someone who has always held that shopping can be the hardest part of cooking, it is a bonus that the ingredients you need are easily kept at hand.

The New York Times - Food

The magnifying glass is useless though without a telescope kept at hand, because these movies are simultaneously tiny and sweeping in narrative.

BBC

Though it is assumed that they describe real dishes, food scholars do not believe they were used as cookbooks might be today, as a step-by-step guide through the cooking procedure that could be kept at hand while preparing a dish.

Wikipedia

Alternatively, a chemical "stop" could be developed, or a boiling water bath could be kept at hand.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

But the Guardian was given a deeper peek inside Park's notebooks, one of which he always keeps at hand.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When it came time to pack the trays of grinders away, I chose a few to keep at hand.

The New York Times - Food

Font manager programs will let you group fonts into sets that you might want to keep at hand for one project or another and can handle both TrueType and Type 1 fonts.

The New York Times - Tech

One by one, he passed armfuls of his half-wanted possessions to me - things not valuable enough to keep at hand and not worthless enough to throw away.

Vice

Write them down in a note on your phone or on a journal you keep at hand.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing preparedness for unexpected situations, use "kept at hand" to convey the sense of readily available resources.

Common error

While "kept at hand" is generally acceptable, consider simpler alternatives like "nearby" or "handy" in casual conversation to avoid sounding overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept at hand" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating that something is maintained in a state of readiness or close proximity for convenient use. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kept at hand" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating that something is readily available. While Ludwig identifies it as acceptable, it's more commonly encountered in news, wiki, and scientific contexts with a neutral to slightly formal tone. When writing, consider the context; while perfectly valid, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate for casual conversation. Remember that using "kept at hand" suggests preparedness and easy accessibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

readily available

Emphasizes the ease of access and immediate usability.

easily accessible

Highlights the lack of obstacles in obtaining or using something.

within reach

Focuses on the physical proximity and ease of obtaining something.

on standby

Suggests a state of readiness for immediate deployment or use.

at the ready

Implies preparedness and immediate availability for action.

close by

Indicates physical nearness and convenience.

nearby

Similar to 'close by' but slightly more general in terms of distance.

on call

Emphasizes availability for service or assistance when needed.

at one's disposal

Highlights the ability to use something as one wishes or needs.

in proximity

A more formal way of indicating nearness or closeness.

FAQs

What does "kept at hand" mean?

"Kept at hand" means something is stored or located in a place where it is easily accessible and readily available for use when needed.

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

You might say, "The mechanic "kept his tools at hand" so he could quickly make repairs."

What are some alternatives to "kept at hand"?

Alternatives include "readily available", "easily accessible", or "within reach". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "kept at hand" formal or informal?

"Kept at hand" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very casual settings, simpler alternatives like "nearby" might be more appropriate.