matters at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "matters at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the most pressing issues in a given situation. For example: "We need to focus on the matters at hand and not let ourselves become distracted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there were matters at hand beyond the aesthetic.

The New York Times

He had applied the freshness of his independent thought to the critical matters at hand.

The New York Times

For now, at least, Mr. Reines said that Mrs. Clinton had more immediate matters at hand.

The New York Times

They kept empty chatter to a minimum and applied themselves to the matters at hand.

The New York Times - Arts

Easterbrook's egregiously misleading statement about Lubchenco casts serious doubt on his judgment and reliability concerning the matters at hand.

The New York Times - Books

There were other matters at hand, but some of the more contentious ones seemed destined to be pushed aside.

The New York Times

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 7.34pm AEST10 34 To matters at hand.

The Guardian - Sport

This being Brooklyn, it is an assembly of bloggers, all with firm opinions on the matters at hand.

The New York Times

With the Nets reportedly ready to sign him to a second ten-day contract, there were more pressing matters at hand.

The New Yorker

There's a certain amount of stiff formality to contend with at the start, as solemn elders assemble to discuss protocol and matters at hand.

Independent

There are more important matters at hand with the National League East-leading Nationals rolling as they head into a key stretch against divisional rivals at home.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "matters at hand" to transition into a discussion or summary of the key issues, signaling a shift in focus.

Common error

Avoid using "matters at hand" multiple times in a short passage. If you repeat the phrase, find synonyms to keep the language varied and engaging. For example, instead of saying 'We need to focus on the matters at hand. These matters at hand are critical,' try 'We need to focus on the "current priorities". These "pressing issues" are critical'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "matters at hand" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the current issues or tasks requiring attention. It typically serves as the object of a preposition (e.g., to matters at hand) or as a general reference to ongoing priorities, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Formal & Business

13%

Science

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "matters at hand" is a versatile expression used to direct focus to the most pressing issues or tasks in a given context. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While appropriate for various settings, it appears most frequently in news and media. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "relevant considerations" may be preferable. Remember to avoid overuse and ensure clarity in defining what the "matters at hand" actually are.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current priorities

Focuses on what is most important right now.

immediate concerns

Highlights the urgency and importance of the issues.

pressing issues

Emphasizes the urgency and need for attention.

relevant considerations

Focuses on the factors that are pertinent to the situation.

pertinent factors

Emphasizes the relevance and importance of the factors involved.

present tasks

Highlights the work that needs to be done in the current moment.

business at hand

Directly references the work or tasks to be addressed.

the issue in question

Focuses on a specific problem being discussed.

the subject under discussion

Highlights the topic being talked about or considered.

the point at issue

Emphasizes the specific disagreement or problem.

FAQs

What does "matters at hand" mean?

The phrase "matters at hand" refers to the issues, tasks, or responsibilities that are currently important or under consideration.

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

You can use "matters at hand" to indicate a shift in focus to the most important issues, such as: "Let's put aside our differences and concentrate on the "business at hand"".

Are there more formal alternatives to "matters at hand"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "relevant considerations" or "pertinent factors" in more formal settings.

What are some common synonyms for "matters at hand"?

Common synonyms include ""pressing issues"", "immediate concerns", and ""current priorities"".