on our hands

USAGE SUMMARY

"on our hands" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a responsibility or task that falls to a particular person or group. For example, "We have the responsibility of addressing this issue on our hands." In this sentence, the phrase "on our hands" is referring to the responsibility of dealing with the mentioned issue.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We should have a good one on our hands.

The New York Times

"We have a referendum on our hands.

The Guardian

"It works on our hands," Sawyer said.

The New York Times - Sports

We have a crisis on our hands.

The New York Times

So let's not sit on our hands.

The New York Times

Their blood is on our hands.

The Guardian

"We had time on our hands".

The New York Times - Arts

We got several problems on our hands.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

We have several problems on our hands.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"We have a huge humanitarian refugee crisis on our hands.

The Washington Post

"We have a huge problem on our hands..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on our hands" to indicate a problem or crisis, consider the tone. It can sometimes sound alarming, so choose alternatives like "facing at the moment" if a more neutral tone is desired.

Common error

While versatile, repeatedly using "on our hands" in formal reports or academic papers can sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "our responsibility" or "entrusted to us" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on our hands" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb, indicating a state of possession, responsibility, or confrontation with a particular issue. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage, aligning with examples illustrating various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on our hands" is a versatile expression used to indicate responsibility, possession, or the presence of a situation, often a problem or opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. When writing, consider the potential for overuse in formal settings and explore synonyms like "our responsibility" for variety. Remember, the phrase is grammatically sound and readily understood, making it a valuable tool for expressing current states and obligations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our responsibility

Directly states the obligation or duty.

in our care

Emphasizes the responsibility of taking care of something.

in our possession

Focuses on physical possession rather than responsibility.

currently dealing with

Emphasizes the act of managing or resolving a situation.

entrusted to us

Highlights the act of being given something to take care of.

facing at the moment

Highlights the immediacy and challenge of a situation.

requiring our action

Highlights the need for immediate intervention or resolution.

under our control

Focuses on the aspect of managing or directing something.

our present concern

Focuses on a specific worry or issue that needs attention.

awaiting our attention

Implies something needs to be addressed or handled soon.

FAQs

How can I use "on our hands" in a sentence?

You can use "on our hands" to describe a situation, problem, or responsibility that you are currently dealing with. For example, "We have a major project "on our hands" that needs to be completed by next week".

What's the difference between "on our hands" and "in our hands"?

"On our hands" usually refers to a problem, responsibility, or situation that needs to be addressed, while "in our hands" suggests possession or control. For example, "We have a crisis "on our hands"" versus "The decision is now "in our hands"".

What are some alternatives to saying "on our hands"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "our responsibility", "in our care", or "currently dealing with".

Is it appropriate to use "on our hands" in formal writing?

Yes, "on our hands" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but it's important to consider the context. In some cases, a more formal alternative such as "entrusted to us" or "our present concern" may be more suitable.