phenomenon at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "phenomenon at hand" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means the situation or occurrence being discussed or dealt with in a particular moment or context. Example: The scientists were baffled by the strange phenomenon at hand, unable to explain the sudden changes in the environment.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Propositional modal logic offers a new paradigm of applying logical methods: instead of using the traditional languages with quantification to describe a structure, an appropriate quantifier-free language with additional logic operators that represent the phenomenon at hand, is used.

Studies in Logic and Practical Reasoning

The present paper is focused on the analysis of the peculiar type III intermittency transition to chaos exhibited by a tubular reactor for a proper set of parameters values: suitable methods of numerical and statistical type are considered in order to characterize in detail the phenomenon at hand and to recognize it from the theory.

Chemical Engineering Science

Thus, we encourage submissions that pay attention to these questions, while not losing the focus on the phenomenon at hand.

EPJ Data Science

To make an example, examining gestures grants a particular vantage point from which to understand a social phenomenon at hand.

Video Journal of Education and Pedagogy

The study had an exploratory design because little is currently known about the phenomenon at hand [ 24].

BMC Pediatrics

The implication is that what is not measurable, standardizable, auditable is not measured and so cannot be taken as standing for, as representing, the phenomenon at hand.

BMC Medical Ethics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Or one that encourages even-handed investigation of all the evidence and phenomena at hand?

Huffington Post

The case study approach is useful for exploring social phenomena that are poorly understood in order to generate hypotheses about the phenomena at hand.

BMC Health Services Research

Practically the only conclusion is that a new not understood phenomenon is at hand with respect to transcription during aging and differentiation that needs to be studied.

Biology Direct

Those involved with the program now experienced the phenomenon at first hand.

The New Yorker

I accordingly headed off to the Clapham Picturehouse to experience this comparatively new phenomenon at first hand.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "phenomenon at hand" when you want to specifically refer to an event or situation that is currently being examined, especially when it is somewhat unusual or noteworthy.

Common error

Avoid using "phenomenon at hand" to describe ordinary or everyday situations. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios that are genuinely noteworthy or require detailed analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "phenomenon at hand" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific situation or event under consideration. Ludwig confirms its validity, showing it commonly introduces a focused discussion of something noteworthy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "phenomenon at hand" is a grammatically correct and relatively formal way to refer to a specific event or situation currently being examined. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's most often encountered in scientific and news-related contexts, signaling something noteworthy demanding analysis. While interchangeable with phrases like "current situation" in some cases, "phenomenon at hand" carries a stronger implication of unusualness or significance. When writing, reserve "phenomenon at hand" for scenarios truly deserving of detailed attention, and avoid it in casual or everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Current situation

Focuses on the present circumstances, omitting the implication of something unusual or noteworthy.

Present issue

Emphasizes the problem or matter being discussed, lacking the broader sense of an observable event.

Matter in question

Highlights the uncertainty or debate surrounding the subject, downplaying the observational aspect.

Topic under discussion

Focuses on conversation or debate, rather than the phenomenon itself.

Subject at issue

Emphasizes the point of contention, rather than the broader phenomenon.

Observed occurrence

Stresses the act of witnessing an event, less on its importance or relevance to a discussion.

Prevailing circumstance

Highlights the conditions that exist, but does not necessarily imply something remarkable or requiring attention.

Immediate concern

Focuses specifically on a worry or problem needing urgent attention, not just a general event.

Existing state of affairs

Highlights the current situation, but does not imply something unusual.

Current challenge

Highlights the difficulties or obstacles, shifting away from the neutral observation of a "phenomenon".

FAQs

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

You can use "phenomenon at hand" to refer to a particular event or situation that's being discussed or analyzed. For example, "The researchers struggled to explain the unusual phenomenon at hand."

What are some alternatives to "phenomenon at hand"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "current situation", "present issue", or "matter in question".

Is it appropriate to use "phenomenon at hand" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "phenomenon at hand" sounds formal. It's better suited for academic, scientific, or professional writing than for casual conversation.

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

"Phenomenon at hand" refers to an observable occurrence or event being examined, while "problem at hand" refers specifically to a difficulty or challenge that needs to be resolved. "Phenomenon" doesn't necessarily imply a negative connotation, whereas a "problem" does.