not in hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not in hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not currently available or within one's control. Example: "The documents you requested are not in hand at the moment, but I will retrieve them as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Unfortunately, the end was in sight but not in hand.

The New York Times

Promises have been made, they say, but the cash is not in hand.

The New York Times

An official said an endorsement was not in hand but could come as early as next week.

The New York Times

The $180 million needed for that phase is still not in hand, Mr. Cappelli said last week.

The New York Times

For the handful of people collecting evidence of a staged event, the truth is also clear, even if the proof is not in hand".

The New York Times

One person who was briefed on Wednesday's talks said the sides had "moved closer" on most of the system issues, but cautioned that an agreement was not in hand.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

But "fingertips" didn't mean "in hand".

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

It was interesting to note that there was marked edema in the scalp but not in hands and feet.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Recently, however, infliximab was found to prevent deterioration in BMD at spine and hip, but not in hands in RA patients [ 10].

Arthritis Research and Therapy

I had just finished my studies that quarter, and although the degree wasn't in hand, it would be in the mail any day.

Science Magazine

That is not yet clear, suggesting full understanding of this target is not yet in hand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not in hand" when you want to convey that something is presently unavailable, either physically or figuratively. It's more nuanced than simply saying 'unavailable'.

Common error

Avoid using "not in hand" in very casual conversation; simpler terms like 'unavailable' or 'don't have it' are usually more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not in hand" typically functions as a predicative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate its unavailability or lack of possession. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

32%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not in hand" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that indicates something is currently unavailable or not within one's control. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. While it is not overly common, appearing mostly in news and scientific contexts, it's a valuable phrase to have in your writing toolkit. When needing an alternative, consider options like "unavailable at the moment" or "out of reach". Just be mindful of using it in highly informal situations where simpler language may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unavailable at the moment

Focuses on the current lack of availability.

not currently available

Similar to "unavailable at the moment" but slightly more formal.

out of reach

Implies something is beyond one's grasp or control.

not within reach

Similar to "out of reach" but slightly more literal.

not obtainable

Emphasizes the impossibility of getting something.

not accessible

Focuses on the inability to access something.

not at one's disposal

Highlights the lack of control or access to something.

not yet secured

Implies that efforts are underway to obtain something but have not yet been successful.

not in one's possession

Emphasizes the lack of physical possession of something.

beyond one's control

Highlights the inability to influence or change a situation.

FAQs

What does "not in hand" mean?

The phrase "not in hand" means that something is not currently available, possessed, or under one's control. It indicates a lack of immediate access or possession.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "not in hand"?

It's appropriate in situations where you want to convey that something is unavailable at the moment, perhaps temporarily, or that a desired outcome is not yet guaranteed. It's common in professional and formal contexts.

What are some alternatives to "not in hand"?

You can use alternatives like "unavailable at the moment", "not currently available", or "out of reach" depending on the specific context.

Is "not in hand" grammatically correct?

Yes, "not in hand" is grammatically correct and idiomatic. It follows standard English grammar rules and is widely understood.