readily to hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"readily to hand" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to describe something that is available and easy to get or find. For example, "All the necessary tools were readily to hand, so the job got done quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

We need to study more carefully paintings that are readily to hand.

The Guardian - Arts

Earth construction evolved because it was cheap and easy, using materials that came readily to hand.

The Guardian

They're readily to hand when he needs to challenge Onegin to a duel.

Independent

You can use the food as sensual pleasure for your lover to enjoy, and have all the conveniences of home, including a bed, readily to hand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As for when we'll have to absorb the full bill, given it's a PFI effort, that information didn't seem to be so readily to hand.

The Guardian

In contemporary poetry such questions are readily to hand, but they are perhaps less often raised than taken for granted, commonplaces of postmodernity, with concomitant risks of complacency and sentimentality.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

And Whitman reported in volume 7, issue 4 (2009) of the Journal of Water and Health that bacteria and viruses from sand transferred readily to hands but that rinsing hands with water removed a large percentage of them.

Environmental Health Perspectives

"The judge should have feared for the loss of trust in those hitherto believed to be neutral observers if such observers maybe too readily compelled to hand over their material.

The Guardian

The history of how Libya became a bunker state reduces readily to short-hand.

The New York Times

Presumably that's why ATOS has chosen to start with its own brand clothing as returning customers will be more likely to own a comparable garment, and the company has the size and fit data more readily at hand to apply to Virtusize's technology.

TechCrunch

And, if the prosecutor has the means readily at hand to discourage such appeals—by 'upping the ante' through a felony indictment whenever a convicted misdemeant pursues his statutory appellate remedy—the State can insure that only the most hardy defendants will brave the hazards of a de novo trial.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "readily to hand" to emphasize the convenience and ease with which something can be obtained or accessed. This phrase is particularly effective when describing resources, tools, or information that are immediately available for use.

Common error

While "readily to hand" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in very formal or technical writing. In such contexts, more precise and contemporary alternatives like "easily accessible" or "immediately available" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "readily to hand" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how easily or conveniently something is available. Ludwig AI confirms this is a standard and accepted English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "readily to hand" is a versatile and commonly used expression in the English language. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It functions as an adverbial phrase, emphasizing the ease of access and availability of something. While suitable for various contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media sources. When aiming for a more modern tone, consider using alternatives like "easily accessible" or "immediately available". Overall, "readily to hand" remains a reliable and clear way to convey convenience and preparedness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close at hand

Indicates nearness and convenience, suggesting something is nearby and accessible.

within easy reach

Highlights proximity and the effortlessness of obtaining something.

easily accessible

Focuses on the ease of reaching or obtaining something, removing the direct reference to "hand".

immediately available

Emphasizes the promptness of availability rather than the convenience of physical access.

at one's fingertips

Implies ease of access to information or resources, as if they are right there ready to be used.

at the ready

Focuses on the state of preparedness and immediate usability of something.

on hand

A shorter, more direct way of saying something is available or present.

in close proximity

Highlights the nearness of an object or resource, focusing on its location.

conveniently located

Emphasizes the advantageous placement of something for ease of use or access.

present and available

Stresses both the presence and usability of something.

FAQs

How can I use "readily to hand" in a sentence?

You can use "readily to hand" to describe something that is easily accessible or available. For example, "Having all the necessary tools "readily to hand" made the repair job much faster".

What can I say instead of "readily to hand"?

You can use alternatives such as "easily accessible", "within easy reach", or "immediately available", depending on the specific context.

Is "readily to hand" formal or informal?

"Readily to hand" is generally considered neutral in tone. While it can be used in various contexts, it may sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned than alternatives like "easily accessible" or "immediately available".

Which is correct, "readily to hand" or "readily available"?

Both "readily to hand" and "readily available" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Readily to hand" implies physical proximity and ease of access, while "readily available" suggests something is easily obtainable, whether physically present or not.