subject at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subject at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to the topic that is being discussed. For example, "Let's turn our attention to the subject at hand - how do we improve our customer service?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But Bradvines ignored the subject at hand.

The Economist

Back to the subject at hand.

The Guardian - Money

The focus is on the subject at hand.

The New York Times

Now back to the subject at hand; reporting.

Harvard Business Review

Sometimes self-obsession is the subject at hand.

The New York Times - Tech

The subject at hand: Lenin and the Soviets.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The subject at hand is "history's biggest political blunders".

The New Yorker

But to the subject at hand, first romance.

The New York Times

Its spirit and its substance admirably suited the subject at hand.

The New York Times - Arts

It offers evening workshops bringing together teachers, parents and others interested in the subject at hand.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Do your research to find facts that relate to the subject at-hand.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "subject at hand" to smoothly transition back to the main topic after a digression to maintain focus and clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid overuse in overly simplistic contexts. While generally appropriate, relying too heavily on "subject at hand" can sometimes make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or verbose, especially in casual settings. Consider simpler alternatives like "topic" or "what we're talking about".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subject at hand" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the current topic, issue, or matter being discussed or considered. It directs attention to the central focus of the conversation or writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

14%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "subject at hand" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to refer to the current topic of discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for diverse writing contexts, ranging from news articles to academic papers. While generally neutral in tone, it can sometimes lean toward formal. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing. Consider using alternatives like "topic in question" or "matter under discussion" if you're aiming for more formal language, or simply using "current topic" for a more informal setting. The phrase is very common, especially within news and media sources, as well as academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

topic in question

Replaces "subject" with "topic" and uses "in question" to specify the current matter.

matter under discussion

Replaces "subject" with "matter" and uses "under discussion" to emphasize active conversation.

issue being addressed

Focuses on the problem or question being dealt with, using "issue" instead of "subject".

point at issue

Highlights the specific point or problem that is important.

current topic

Simplifies the phrase by focusing on the present matter without additional emphasis.

present subject

Similar to "current topic" but uses "subject" to maintain some of the original phrasing.

theme at stake

Highlights the importance of the subject.

agenda item

Focuses on items scheduled in formal meetings.

the business at hand

More formal and emphasizes the task that needs to be completed.

the focus of attention

Emphasizes what is currently being given primary focus.

FAQs

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

You can use "subject at hand" to refer to the current topic of discussion. For example, "Now that we've addressed the initial concerns, let's return to the "subject at hand": the budget proposal".

What is a more formal way to say "subject at hand"?

A more formal alternative to "subject at hand" could be "matter under discussion". This phrase is suitable for professional or academic settings.

What's the difference between "topic at hand" and "subject at hand"?

While both phrases are similar, "topic at hand" and "subject at hand" are largely interchangeable. "topic at hand" might sound slightly more informal, but the difference is minimal.

When is it appropriate to use "subject at hand" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "subject at hand" in writing when you want to clearly indicate the current topic being discussed, especially after a detour or digression. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.