situation at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "situation at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the present circumstances or current problem that must be dealt with. For example: We must confront the situation at hand and decide the best course of action.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But we're really just responding to the situation at hand.

The New York Times

"I'm worried about the situation at hand," he said.

The New York Times

Smart, uncluttered musical arrangements help reposition the songs to address the situation at hand.

The New York Times

Regardless of the situation at hand, baseball is not stressful for me.

The New York Times - Sports

Back then I don't think I was fully conscious of the resonance of Robin Hood with the situation at hand.

The New Yorker

They definitely understood the situation at hand, and they've always been supportive of me and my career.

The New York Times

No reasonable identification of a red flag can be made outside the context of the situation at hand.

The New York Times

MERCE CUNNINGHAM and his lithe and personable dancers are famous for adapting unassumingly to the situation at hand.

The New York Times

It wasn't until the morning before the first game that Hardy would start to realize the situation at hand.

The Guardian - Sport

Disaster response efforts are based on relevant facts concerning the situation at hand.

Safety Science

We present an approach to customize traceability to the situation at hand.

Journal of Systems and Software

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "situation at hand" to focus on the immediate and practical aspects of a problem, encouraging a direct and solution-oriented approach.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal documents. Consider synonyms like "present circumstances" or "current state of affairs" for a more elevated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "situation at hand" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a preposition or verb. It identifies the current circumstances or problem that requires attention. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "situation at hand" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that refers to the current circumstances or problem needing attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of your writing and choose synonyms like "present circumstances" when a more elevated tone is needed. The phrase's communicative purpose is to focus on the immediate reality and prompt action, making it a valuable tool for clear and direct communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current situation

Highlights the up-to-date nature of the circumstances.

present circumstances

Focuses on the immediacy and actuality of the situation.

immediate problem

Emphasizes the urgency and need for resolution.

existing conditions

Stresses the state of affairs that are presently in effect.

prevailing situation

Highlights the dominance or widespread nature of the circumstances.

the matter in question

Refers specifically to the issue being discussed or considered.

the issue at stake

Focuses on what could be gained or lost in the current situation.

the present state of affairs

More formal way to refer the current situation.

the reality we face

Highlights the element of truth and unavoidability of the current situation.

the challenge before us

Focuses on obstacles needed to overcome

FAQs

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

The phrase "situation at hand" is used to refer to the current set of circumstances or the immediate problem that needs to be addressed. For example, "We need to assess the "situation at hand" before making any decisions".

What are some alternatives to "situation at hand"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "present circumstances", "current situation", or "immediate problem".

Is it appropriate to use "situation at hand" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "situation at hand" might be too informal for highly formal contexts. Consider using phrases like "present state of affairs" for a more formal tone.

What is the difference between "situation at hand" and "the big picture"?

"Situation at hand" refers to the immediate circumstances or problem, while "the big picture" refers to a broader, more comprehensive view of a situation.