point at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "point at hand" is not correct in standard written English; the correct expression is "the point at hand." You can use it when referring to the specific issue or topic currently being discussed or considered.
Example: "Let's focus on the point at hand and address the main concerns of the project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Back to the point at hand, though.

The Washington Post

Why are you commenting here if you keep making the same points over and over irrespective of the point at hand?

University of California, Berkeley

He can perform in paragraphs; like a figure skater completing a series of spins, he returns from tangents to the point at hand.

The New Yorker

In the new book, he describes David Starkey as "the homosexual historian" when his sexuality has no bearing on the point at hand.

Independent

Users can scroll from topic to topic to prepare themselves or, in the heat of a dispute, search for the point at hand — and the perfect retort.

The New York Times - Tech

What has long defined Nadal is his optimism: his ability to play the point at hand without being weighed down by the baggage from the last.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Should the media feel bad for asking picky questions instead of concentrating on the main points at hand? (Robots making robots!) Are we supposed to wonder whether the school exists at all? Presume it does exist and chide Mr. Lazio for not fixing the problem?

The New York Times

Clearly, an inflection point is at hand.

The New Yorker

Another turning point was at hand for the Jets.

The New York Times - Sports

The people who make up Occupy Wall Street know enough to sense that a tipping point is at hand.

The New York Times

It has already been made quite clear what historical crisis point is at hand; no urgent bulletin needed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the current topic or issue, use the grammatically correct phrase "the point at hand" to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "point at hand" without the definite article "the". Always use "the point at hand" to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point at hand" functions as a noun phrase intended to identify a specific issue or topic. However, according to Ludwig AI, the correct expression is "the point at hand".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "point at hand" appears frequently in various sources, it's crucial to recognize that the grammatically correct form is "the point at hand". This expression serves to focus attention on the current topic or issue being discussed. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, omitting the article "the" is considered an error. To maintain clarity and credibility, always use the correct phrasing, especially in formal or professional contexts. Alternative phrases like "the matter at hand" or "the issue at hand" can also be used to achieve a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the matter at hand

This alternative refers to the specific issue or situation that needs to be dealt with or discussed.

the issue at hand

This phrase highlights the specific problem or subject that is currently being considered or addressed.

the topic at hand

This alternative emphasizes the subject or theme that is currently being discussed or analyzed.

the subject at hand

Similar to "topic at hand", this phrase focuses on the specific subject being discussed.

the question at hand

This highlights that there is something to be answered or solved.

the argument at hand

It focuses on the current argument to be discussed.

the item at hand

It refers to the specific item or object that is currently being used or examined.

the detail at hand

It singles out a specific detail as something to deal with.

the aspect at hand

It singles out a specific aspect as something to deal with.

the concern at hand

It singles out a specific concern as something to deal with.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "point at hand"?

The grammatically correct and widely accepted way to phrase this is "the point at hand".

What does "the point at hand" mean?

It refers to the specific issue, topic, or matter that is currently being discussed or considered.

Are there alternatives to saying "the point at hand"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "the matter at hand", "the issue at hand", or "the topic at hand".

Is it acceptable to omit the article "the" when using the phrase "point at hand"?

No, omitting "the" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct form is always "the point at hand".