task on hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"task on hand" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a project or task that needs to be completed. For example: "I need to focus on the task on hand and get this project done as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

At Paris, the task on hand was clear.

The Guardian

The honeymoon is soon over for new manager Fergie as he loses his first match: Bob Houston is at the Manor Ground for Manchester United's 2-0 defeat by Oxford United Such is Manchester United's plight that when Alex Ferguson chose to leave behind the Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen for the flickering flame of Old Trafford he was certainly under no illusions as to the magnitude of the task on hand.

The Guardian - Sport

Of course the judges have a hard task on hand, as Cerf says the quality of submissions from last year were extremely impressive.

TechCrunch

Our opposite numbers in the WAAF had a bigger task on hand; they had the Battle of Britain to cover and much other activity to monitor.

BBC

Installing a simple software like Time Doctor helps veer you back into the task on hand.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Managers — or surgeons in Estrada's case — are preoccupied with the task on-hand, like performing surgery.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Of course, multitasking is made easier when one is able to compartmentalize the various tasks on hand in small pockets of the brain which can communicate with each other quickly.

Huffington Post

When all is said and done, you can't dwell on customer complaints in order to move on and forward with your next tasks on hand.

Forbes

Having an inventory of two-minute tasks on hand whenever windows appear will increase productivity; cleaning out the inbox, checking voicemail, approving a request, builds our efficiency muscles and gets the ball rolling for bigger tasks.

HuffPost

Make a mental plan to finish tasks on hand and make it an internal priority so that each task is remembered distinctly.

WikiHow

What he does have is one big task on his hands.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "task on hand", ensure it's clear what the task is within the context. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details or clarifying the objective.

Common error

Avoid using "task on hand" when a more specific term would provide clarity. Overuse can lead to vague and less impactful writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "task on hand" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, typically indicating the specific job, duty, or assignment requiring immediate attention or focus. It points to the current activity or project needing completion, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "task on hand" is grammatically correct but considered rare in modern English usage. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, indicating it is a correct and usable phrase. While it appears in diverse contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources, alternatives like "current task" or "immediate objective" may offer more clarity or formality. To enhance writing, be specific about what the task entails and consider if a more common synonym would be more appropriate. Despite its infrequent usage, "task on hand" remains a valid way to refer to a current duty or responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

current task

Focuses more on the immediacy of the task.

present assignment

Emphasizes the assigned nature of the task.

immediate objective

Highlights the goal-oriented aspect of the task.

ongoing work

Stresses the active and continuous nature of the task.

duty at hand

Replaces "task" with "duty", highlighting the obligation.

work in progress

Implies the task is not yet completed.

matter in hand

Replaces "task" with "matter", shifting the focus slightly.

the business at hand

More formal and business-oriented.

current endeavor

More formal, emphasizing effort and ambition.

project on the table

Highlights that the task is an agreed and official project.

FAQs

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

You can use "task on hand" to refer to the current activity or project that requires attention. For example, "We must focus on the "task on hand" to meet the deadline."

What's a more formal way to say "task on hand"?

A more formal alternative to "task on hand" is "present assignment" or "immediate objective", especially in business or academic contexts.

Which is correct: "task on hand" or "task at hand"?

Both "task on hand" and "task at hand" are grammatically correct. However, "task at hand" is significantly more common and widely accepted. Using "task on hand" might sound slightly unusual, though understandable.

What can I say instead of "task on hand" to emphasize urgency?

To emphasize urgency, consider using phrases like "immediate objective" or highlighting the time-sensitive nature of the "current task".