subjects at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subjects at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the topics or issues currently being discussed or considered. Example: "During the meeting, we will focus on the subjects at hand to ensure we address all relevant concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It's plausible that he might inject new life into the subjects at hand here.

The New York Times - Books

Not only does she live alone but the Dardennes show no one with whom she might work her way through the subjects at hand.

The New Yorker

They covered a particular time frame in his life, but ended inconclusively, though with a definite feeling that the subjects at hand had been fully explored.

The Guardian

At times, Mr. Bloomberg has embraced the carefree spotlight, even if the subjects at hand were not climate change or pension costs.

The New York Times

In these moments, NBC hadn't been evil, just clumsy — pursuing stories with an almost giddy intrusiveness that has come to seem heartless, given the real emotional and physical pain of the subjects at hand.

The New Yorker

As climate experts, Williams and Hoskins were excellent choices to discuss the subjects at hand – climate science, models, and the link between climate change and the extreme weather causing flooding in the UK.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

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

WikiHow

Despite the difficult subject matter at hand, Jenkins avoids drowning us in despair.

The Guardian - Film

But Bradvines ignored the subject at hand.

The Economist

Back to the subject at hand.

The Guardian - Money

Sometimes self-obsession is the subject at hand.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "subjects at hand" to clearly indicate the specific topics currently being addressed in a discussion, document, or presentation. This helps to focus the audience's attention and maintain relevance.

Common error

Avoid using "subjects at hand" when referring to general or hypothetical topics. This phrase implies immediate relevance and should only be used for topics that are currently being addressed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subjects at hand" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or a direct object in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it correctly identifies the topics or issues currently being considered, drawing from examples in news and media.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "subjects at hand" is a grammatically correct and relatively common noun phrase used to refer to the topics or issues currently being discussed or considered. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently found in news and media contexts. While alternatives such as "topics at hand" or "issues at hand" exist, "subjects at hand" provides a clear and direct way to focus attention on the immediate matters requiring attention. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the scope of the discussion and avoids ambiguity by specifying which subject is being talked about.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

topics at hand

Replaces "subjects" with "topics", a direct synonym, maintaining the same grammatical structure and meaning.

issues at hand

Substitutes "subjects" with "issues", emphasizing problems or points of discussion.

matters at hand

Uses "matters" instead of "subjects", providing a slightly more formal tone.

concerns at hand

Replaces "subjects" with "concerns", highlighting anxieties or points of worry.

questions at hand

Focuses on inquiries or uncertainties that are currently being addressed.

themes at hand

Emphasizes the underlying ideas or motifs being discussed.

points at issue

Highlights specific disagreements or contested areas.

topics under discussion

Rephrases the entire phrase to emphasize the act of discussing rather than the subjects themselves.

matters under consideration

A more formal alternative, focusing on the process of thinking about and evaluating the subjects.

current topics

A simplified version omitting "at hand" for brevity, suitable for less formal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "subjects at hand" to refer to the topics currently being discussed or considered. For example: "Let's focus on the "subjects at hand" during this meeting".

What are some alternatives to "subjects at hand"?

Alternatives include "topics at hand", "issues at hand", or "matters at hand". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "subjects at hand" formal or informal?

"Subjects at hand" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, alternatives like "matters under consideration" might be preferred in very formal settings.

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

"Subjects at hand" refers to multiple topics being discussed, while "topic at hand" refers to a single, specific subject. The choice depends on whether you're discussing one item or several.