plight at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plight at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a current or immediate situation of difficulty or distress that requires attention. Example: "In addressing the plight at hand, we must consider all possible solutions to alleviate the suffering of those affected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But this also distances Ms. Ryan from the plight at hand.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Just as the plight of animals in the wild confirmed Darwin in his atheism, so their plight at human hands has confirmed me in my amoralism.

The New York Times

Friends of hostage Alan Henning have told of their anguish at his plight at the hands of Islamic State militants.

BBC

Armageddon was at hand.

The New Yorker

Help is at hand.

The New York Times - Tech

Solutions are at hand.

The New York Times - Arts

There are weapons at hand.

The Guardian - Sport

A solution is at hand!

The New York Times

Some lay near at hand.

The Economist

So help was at hand.

The New Yorker

Nonetheless, progress is at hand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "plight at hand", ensure that the context clearly establishes the specific difficulty or suffering being referenced. Providing specific details will enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

While "plight at hand" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "current predicament" or "immediate struggle" to maintain a professional tone and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plight at hand" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a preposition or a direct object, to denote a specific, immediate, and often distressing situation that requires attention. As Ludwig AI says, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plight at hand" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a current and often urgent difficult situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Though not extremely common, it appears in various contexts like news, business, and general writing. While versatile, remember to provide specific details to enhance clarity. Consider synonyms like "immediate crisis" or "pressing issue" for variety and context-appropriateness. Avoiding overuse, especially in formal settings, ensures a more engaging and professional writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediate crisis

Focuses on the urgency and critical nature of the situation.

pressing issue

Emphasizes the importance and need for prompt attention.

urgent problem

Highlights the necessity of a quick resolution to a difficulty.

current difficulty

Stresses the existing and challenging nature of the situation.

present predicament

Emphasizes the unfavorable and immediate circumstances.

existing struggle

Focuses on the ongoing effort to overcome a challenge.

impending trouble

Highlights the nearness and likelihood of an adverse situation.

at hand crisis

Reorders the words to still refer to an immediate crisis.

the matter in question

Shifts focus to an issue that is currently under consideration.

the challenge at the moment

Highlights the difficulty being faced in the present time.

FAQs

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

You can use "plight at hand" to refer to a current or immediate difficult situation. For example: "In addressing the "plight at hand", we must consider all possible solutions."

What are some alternatives to "plight at hand"?

Alternatives include "immediate crisis", "pressing issue", or "current difficulty", depending on the specific context.

Is "plight at hand" formal or informal?

"Plight at hand" is generally considered suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "current predicament" might be preferred in certain situations.

What does "plight at hand" emphasize?

"Plight at hand" emphasizes the difficult, unfortunate, or troublesome situation that requires immediate attention or consideration.