question at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "question at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the topic or issue currently under discussion. For example, "Let's return to the question at hand - what color should we paint the walls?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So back to the question at hand.

University of California, Berkeley

The question at hand is thus…why?

The Washington Post

How you write is the question at hand.

Yale University

The question at hand could not have been more important.

The Guardian - Opinion

The question at hand is: What do white men want?

The New York Times

The design of cantilever magnetometers allows optimization for the specific research question at hand.

Tectonophysics

I find it particularly useful in exploring the answer to the question at hand.

The New York Times

2. On the economic question at hand, Rogoff seems to be playing bait and switch.

The New York Times

I thought nothing of it and continued talking to my group about the question at hand.

The New York Times

Niveen's lawyer tried to steer Adam closer to the question at hand.

The New Yorker

The question at hand: Is it a landmark, or a development site?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "question at hand" to refocus a conversation or writing piece that has strayed from its central topic. It helps to bring attention back to the main subject.

Common error

Avoid using "on hand" instead of "at hand". "On hand" means available or readily accessible, while "at hand" refers to the current topic or issue being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "question at hand" functions as a noun phrase used to identify the specific topic or issue that is currently being discussed or considered. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "question at hand" is a versatile phrase used to redirect focus to the current topic of discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears most frequently in news and media, science, and academic contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When aiming for variety, consider alternatives such as "matter at hand" or "topic at hand", but always ensure the chosen phrase fits the specific context. Remember that "question at hand" keeps discussions streamlined and prevents unnecessary deviations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matter at hand

Switches from 'question' to 'matter', focusing on the subject being addressed rather than specifically framing it as a question.

topic at hand

Replaces 'question' with 'topic', emphasizing the subject of conversation or analysis.

issue at hand

Substitutes 'question' with 'issue', highlighting a problem or point of contention that needs to be resolved.

subject at hand

Emphasizes the theme or subject being discussed, removing the explicit interrogative aspect.

point in question

Focuses on a specific point or detail that is under consideration or debate.

current question

Directly indicates the present question being discussed, without the idiomatic 'at hand'.

present topic

Highlights the topic currently being addressed, with a focus on its immediacy.

the problem being considered

More explicitly states the problem that's currently under examination or discussion.

the matter under discussion

Formally indicates the subject being actively discussed or debated.

the issue being addressed

Emphasizes the specific problem or issue that is currently being dealt with.

FAQs

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

You can use "question at hand" to refer back to the main subject under discussion. For example, "The budget is important, but let's return to the "question at hand": the marketing strategy."

What's the difference between "question at hand" and "matter at hand"?

While both phrases are similar, "question at hand" specifically frames the topic as a query or problem, whereas "matter at hand" refers more broadly to the subject or situation being dealt with.

Are there more formal alternatives to "question at hand"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "issue being addressed" or "the matter under discussion" for a more formal tone.

When is it appropriate to use "question at hand"?

"Question at hand" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts when you want to clearly indicate the current topic or issue being considered. It's suitable for discussions, debates, and written analyses.