on hand.

USAGE SUMMARY

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Counsellors are on hand.

The Economist

A tailor is on hand.

The New Yorker

No policemen were on hand.

Independent

He was on hand, too.

The New Yorker

Staff are on hand around the clock.

Independent

The foreign VIPs on hand gushed.

The Economist

The director will be on hand.

The New Yorker

He has $8.3m cash on hand.

The Economist

Our expert is on hand to help.

The Guardian - Money

Luxury is also on hand.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Keep breath mints on-hand.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on hand" to clearly indicate that something is readily available or present for immediate use. Avoid overusing the phrase; consider synonyms like "available" or "ready" for variety.

Common error

While "on hand" is generally acceptable in most contexts, it might be too informal for highly academic or technical writing. In such cases, consider more formal alternatives like "available" or "present".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on hand" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate availability or readiness. Ludwig examples show it describing readily available resources or personnel.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

39%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on hand" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates something is readily available or present. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, general writing, and wiki-based content. While generally neutral in tone, remember to consider more formal alternatives like "available" or "present" in highly academic or technical settings. By understanding its meaning, appropriate usage, and potential alternatives, you can effectively incorporate "on hand" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

available

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adjective describing availability.

readily available

Emphasizes the ease of access or immediate availability.

in stock

Specifically refers to items that are available for purchase or use.

at the ready

Implies a state of preparedness and immediate usability.

accessible

Highlights the ease with which something can be obtained or used.

within reach

Indicates physical or metaphorical closeness and availability.

present

Indicates being in a particular place or situation.

at one's disposal

Indicates that something is available for someone to use as they wish.

nearby

Indicates physical proximity and potential availability.

conveniently located

Focuses on the ease of access due to location.

FAQs

What does "on hand" mean?

The phrase "on hand" means available or readily accessible. It suggests that something is present and can be used or accessed without delay.

How can I use "on hand" in a sentence?

You can use "on hand" to describe resources, personnel, or information that are readily available. For example: "We have experienced technicians "available" to assist you with any technical issues" or "It's always wise to keep some cash "available" in case of emergencies".

What are some alternatives to "on hand"?

Alternatives to "on hand" include "available", "at the ready", "in stock" (when referring to goods), and "accessible". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "on hand" formal or informal?

"On hand" is generally considered neutral in tone and suitable for most contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, alternatives like "available" or "present" might be more appropriate.