records on hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "records on hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to documents or data that are currently available or accessible for review or reference. Example: "Before making any decisions, please check the records on hand to ensure we have the most accurate information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Most said they would keep two years' worth of records on hand.

The New York Times - Tech

The F.B.I. may find it convenient to have a very large pool of phone records on hand, to which it can apply whatever complex algorithms it uses to determine terror networks.

The New Yorker

Ivanov, the investigator, has since passed away, and unless more military records are discovered and unsealed which some advocates still call for the records on hand aren't enough to prove otherwise, and the mystery of what's now known as the Dyatlov Pass is likely to endure.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It might not be a bad idea to have a little backup Sweet Hearts record on hand on Valentine's Day in case a make-out session ensues," he says.

Huffington Post

Keep this record on hand, as you will need it to conduct certain business transactions, such as opening a bank account.

WikiHow

By the late 5th century the gap between Japanese and Korean records, on the one hand, and Japanese and Chinese, on the other hand, disappears.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Wisconsin, officials from the Guinness Book of World Records were on hand to certify the result of the search.

The New Yorker

Adjudicators from Guinness World Records were on hand to check proceedings, but it was not clear immediately whether the attempt was successful.

BBC

Guinness World Records was on hand to verify the mosaic, which used some 20,000 cupcakes to create an image of Singapore's national flag.

Huffington Post

A hardware joystick controller on the back lets you activate one of eight customizable sounds, so that you can use a different bell tone for cars and for pedestrians, or even play a pre-recorded message of your own creation — useful for keeping some recorded swears on hand for easy blasting when you get cut off by a taxi in the bike lane.

TechCrunch

A crowd of 32,913, an opening-day record, was on hand.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "records on hand", ensure the context clearly indicates what type of records are being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "financial records on hand" or "medical records on hand".

Common error

Avoid using "records on hand" in very informal conversations; it can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler phrases like "available information" or "what we have here" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "records on hand" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It specifies the availability of certain documented information for immediate use or reference. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "records on hand" is grammatically sound and serves to indicate the availability of specific documentation or data. As per Ludwig, this expression is valid in English writing. Though it is not frequently used, its primary contexts are in news, wiki and science publications. When employing "records on hand", it is essential to clarify the type of "records" being referred to. While suitable for formal and professional settings, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accessible records

Highlights the ease with which the records can be accessed.

readily available records

Emphasizes the ease and speed of accessing the records.

immediately accessible records

Similar to "readily available", but with a stronger emphasis on immediacy.

available documentation

Focuses on the availability of documents rather than their immediate presence.

data at hand

Uses "data" instead of "records", implying a broader range of information.

existing documentation

Emphasizes that the documentation already exists.

information available

Replaces "records" with "information", focusing on the informational content.

current records

Stresses the up-to-dateness of the records.

documents in possession

Highlights the ownership or control of the documents.

on-site records

Indicates that the records are physically present at a specific location.

FAQs

How can I use "records on hand" in a sentence?

You can use "records on hand" to refer to documents or data that are currently available for review. For example, "Before making any decisions, please check the "records on hand" to ensure we have the most accurate information."

What are some alternatives to "records on hand"?

Some alternatives include "available documentation", "accessible records", or "data at hand" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "records on hand" in formal writing?

Yes, "records on hand" is suitable for formal writing, especially when referring to official or important documents and data. However, be mindful of the specific audience and context.

What's the difference between "records on hand" and "information at hand"?

"Records on hand" typically refers to structured or documented data, whereas "information at hand" can encompass a broader range of knowledge, whether documented or not. The best choice depends on the specific type of information being referenced.