problems at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"problems at hand" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a common expression to refer to the current tasks or issues that must be addressed. For example, "We must focus on the problems at hand in order to find a successful solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lesson learned: Solutions to problems at hand can create new, sometimes unforeseeable, challenges in the future.

The New York Times - Magazine

But my studies have certainly sharpened my analysis of the problems at hand".

The New York Times

"When doctors and medical personnel are in the moment, we're dealing with the problems at hand.

The New Yorker

"Incompetence and infighting seem to be diverting attention away from addressing the real economic problems at hand.

Independent

Protecting the family image is more important to them than finding solutions to the dire problems at hand.

The Guardian - Opinion

But hindsight is 20/20, and casting blame retroactively is not going to solve the very real problems at hand.

The Guardian - Opinion

"In spite of his shock and sorrow," Johnson said, Kennedy "discussed the practical problems at hand with dispatch"; he was "very businesslike".

The New Yorker

Worse, the speech was dominated by unexplained goals that were often worthy, but also familiar, modest and incommensurate with the problems at hand.

The New York Times

But I don't see anybody out there who is courageous enough to deal with the problems at hand and go purely on their record".

The New York Times

Michael Steel, a spokesman for Mr. Boehner, fired back: "It's time for Senate Democrats to stow their faux outrage and deal with the problems at hand.

The New York Times

Of course, the country needs long-term solutions but until they are in place we still need resources to deal with the problems at hand".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "problems at hand", ensure it's clear what specific problems you're referring to. Provide context so the reader understands the issues being discussed.

Common error

While "problems at hand" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more sophisticated alternatives like "current challenges" or "existing difficulties" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problems at hand" functions as a noun phrase, specifically referring to the difficulties or challenges that are currently being considered or addressed. Ludwig shows that it is used to direct attention to specific issues requiring immediate action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "problems at hand" is a common and versatile way to refer to current difficulties or challenges that require attention. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and frequently used in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to scientific discussions. While generally acceptable, remember to provide clear context and consider more formal alternatives in highly academic settings. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, reinforcing its reliability in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current challenges

Focuses on the difficulty aspect, implying a need for effort to overcome them.

present difficulties

Highlights the troublesome nature of the issues being faced right now.

immediate concerns

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of addressing these issues promptly.

pressing issues

Stresses the need for swift action due to the significance of the matters.

existing troubles

Draws attention to the fact that these problems already exist and need resolution.

matters in question

Refers to the specific topics or subjects that are currently being discussed or dealt with.

prevailing crises

Highlights the critical and widespread nature of the current problems.

current dilemmas

Emphasizes the difficult choices and uncertainties involved in addressing these issues.

present predicaments

Highlights the tricky or awkward situations that need to be resolved.

urgent matters

Emphasizes the critical and time-sensitive nature of the issues.

FAQs

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

You can use "problems at hand" to refer to current difficulties or challenges that need to be addressed. For example, "The team needs to focus on the "current challenges" to improve productivity."

What is a good alternative to "problems at hand"?

Alternatives to "problems at hand" include "immediate concerns", "pressing issues", or "existing troubles" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "problem at hand" or "problems at hand"?

The choice between "problem at hand" and "problems at hand" depends on whether you are referring to a single issue or multiple issues. Use "problem at hand" for a singular issue and "problems at hand" for multiple issues.

How does "problems at hand" differ from "issues in hand"?

"Problems at hand" emphasizes the challenging or difficult aspect of the situation, while "issues in hand" is a more neutral term that simply refers to matters currently being dealt with. Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific context.