of the problem at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of the problem at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific issue or challenge that is currently being addressed or discussed. Example: "We need to focus on the solutions to the problem at hand to ensure we meet our deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't act like there is only one view of the problem at hand.

Harvard Business Review

The December 2017 Alabama special election provided an excellent example of the problem at hand.

The Guardian

This allows the development of fast and extremely precise simulations of the problem at hand.

Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry

I knew that to negotiate a solution, we all needed to truly understand the nature of the problem at hand.

Harvard University

It included producing aesthetically pleasing products that met the specific needs, cost, and functional requirements of the problem at hand.

The Guardian

This model allows us to better understand how people may coordinate their actions with others despite a lack of shared conceptual understanding of the problem at hand.

Harvard University

But 'omics' data can provide information on the size and composition of biological entities and thus determine the boundaries of the problem at hand.

Nature

The goal is to find hidden clues to the nature of the problem at hand and some line of inquiry for progressing toward possible solutions.

Harvard Business Review

Therefore, fully implicit time integration schemes are very desirable in order to capture the different physical scales of the problem at hand.

Journal of Computational Physics

However, due to the specific structure of the problem at hand, the success of these techniques in reducing the computational effort is rather restricted.

Computers & Operations Research

One such constraint is that mathematical models of the subsystem are limited to linear approximations of the nonlinear physics of the problem at hand.

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of the problem at hand" to clearly define the scope of discussion or analysis, ensuring focus on the specific issue needing resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "of the problem at hand" in casual conversation; opt for simpler alternatives like "the current issue" or "what we're dealing with" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of the problem at hand" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to specify a particular issue or challenge that is currently being addressed. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of the problem at hand" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to specify a particular issue or challenge that is currently being addressed. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for neutral to formal contexts, frequently appearing in science, news, and business domains. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in casual conversations and focus on simpler alternatives to maintain a natural tone. Ensure clarity when defining the scope of discussion by keeping focus on the specific issue needing resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding the current issue

Replaces "problem at hand" with a more general term for the issue being considered.

concerning the present matter

Substitutes "problem" with "matter" and "hand" with "present", indicating the topic currently under discussion.

in relation to the issue at stake

Focuses on the "issue at stake", highlighting what's being risked or involved.

with respect to the matter being discussed

Emphasizes respect and relevance to the topic actively being discussed.

in the context of the present challenge

Frames the situation as a "challenge", suitable when the problem requires effort to overcome.

pertaining to the immediate situation

Highlights the immediacy of the situation, suggesting urgency or direct relevance.

considering the existing predicament

Uses "predicament" to describe a difficult, unpleasant, or dangerous situation.

related to the ongoing difficulty

Emphasizes that the difficulty is "ongoing", implying duration or persistence.

as regards the question being addressed

Formal alternative, highlighting the "question" needing an answer.

contingent on the circumstance at play

Focuses on the "circumstance at play", adding a sense of situational dependency.

FAQs

How can I use "of the problem at hand" in a sentence?

You can use "of the problem at hand" to specify the subject being discussed or addressed. For example, "Our team needs to focus on the specifics of the problem at hand to develop effective solutions."

What are some alternatives to "of the problem at hand"?

Some alternatives include "regarding the current issue", "concerning the present matter", or "in relation to the issue at stake".

Is "of the problem at hand" formal or informal?

"Of the problem at hand" is generally considered suitable for formal and neutral contexts. In very informal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "of the problem at hand" and "the issue at hand"?

While similar, "of the problem at hand" emphasizes a specific problem that needs solving, while "the issue at hand" is a more general term that could refer to a situation, topic, or challenge.