test in hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "test in hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has a test or examination ready to be taken or is currently holding it. Example: "With the test in hand, she felt a mix of anxiety and excitement as she prepared to begin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We were assured we would have the results of the air quality test in hand and now we are not getting them," she said.

The New York Times

The generality of the KS-test comes at the cost of being less accurate than others if the specific data meets all the assumptions of the other test in hand.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

With the data from the pilot testing in hand, the sausage makers hunker down to make the last and most important decision: which sausages will be pushed into production.

The New Yorker

Nanomaterial synthesis scaleup is often beyond the scope of an academic lab, yet established companies are typically unwilling to invest in making large quantities of nanomaterials without sufficient applications testing in hand.

Science Magazine

Tests in hand thanks to a donation from OraSure Technologies, who recently supported our HUMAN INTONATION presents... Fashion Meets Music to Raise Awareness event in honor of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, I planned to raffle off two in-home HIV tests at the event when it occurred to me that it made sense to take the test first so I would know what it is like.

Huffington Post

With the test report in hand, a simple telephone call to the doctor will facilitate everyone concerned focusing on what the test revealed, good or bad.

The New York Times

But we now have the parts and test equipment in hand.

TechCrunch

My man friend and I go skipping out of Planned Parenthood, test results in hand.

Vice

With their bucket test results in hand, the fledgling activists requested meetings with J.D. Crane, hoping the Tonawanda Coke owner and CEO would agree to clean up his plant.

Huffington Post

On the other side of the city, we find Anika, the Boo Boo Kitty, shook, clenching a pregnancy test in one hand and a knife disguised as a box cutter in the other, overwhelmed by the reality that the worse thing in the modern world is to discover she is pregnant without options.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Come back and tell him you need help reading the thermometer and place the positive pregnancy test in his hand.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "test in hand" to emphasize that someone is not just aware of a test, but has it physically or conceptually ready for use or consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "test in hand" when you simply mean a test is scheduled or generally known about. The phrase implies a more immediate sense of possession or readiness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "test in hand" functions as a descriptive phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun. It signifies the state of having a test, or the results thereof, immediately available for use or consideration. This is supported by Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "test in hand" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating the possession of test results or the readiness to perform a test. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly common, it finds application across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, with a neutral level of formality. To enhance clarity, use it to denote a situation in which data or test results are immediately available. Related phrases, such as "test at the ready" or "exam in possession", offer alternative ways to express similar meanings. When writing, remember to avoid overusing the phrase in contexts where the concept of test availability is merely implied rather than explicitly present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

test at the ready

Emphasizes preparedness and immediate availability of the test.

with test on hand

A slightly less common variation of the original phrase, emphasizing immediate access.

exam in possession

More formal, highlighting ownership and control of the exam.

possessing the test

Formal, indicating ownership or control of the test material.

with the test available

Focuses on the availability of the test rather than the act of holding it.

with the test secured

Suggests the test is safely in one's possession and protected.

holding the test

Describes the physical act of having the test.

having the test ready

Highlights the state of readiness regarding the test.

test readily available

Stresses the ease of access to the test.

test in one's grasp

More metaphorical, suggesting control and understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "test in hand" in a sentence?

You can use "test in hand" to indicate that someone is holding or possesses a test result, or data from a test. For example: "With the air quality "test in hand", they could make informed decisions."

What does "test in hand" mean?

"Test in hand" generally means that someone possesses the results of a test or has the means to perform one and is ready to act upon the information provided.

Is it correct to say "tests in hand"?

Yes, "tests in hand" is the plural form and is grammatically correct when referring to multiple tests. For example: "The "tests in hand" allowed for a comprehensive analysis."

What's a more formal way to say "test in hand"?

A more formal alternative would be "exam in possession" or "having the test ready". These options convey a similar meaning with a slightly more professional tone.