the argument at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the argument at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the specific argument or issue currently being discussed or considered. Example: "In evaluating the evidence, we must focus on the argument at hand to draw accurate conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It was a pointed and unnecessary addition, immaterial to the argument at hand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Independent institutions are more "prone" to (at least) engage in a discussion on new ideas in antitrust and (eventually) accept such ideas, if persuaded by the merits of the argument at hand.

Columbia University

When it comes to discussing basketball, Hinkie has a way of isolating the perfect analogy, anecdote, or statistic for the argument at hand, and reaching into a seemingly bottomless pool of research to find it.

The New Yorker

And for that tenderness to come across, no matter how knotty the argument at hand, I have to set myself into an attitude of tenderness when I'm making the work.

The Guardian - Books

But back to the argument at hand.

Huffington Post

How can you take a break in a way that ultimately helps resolve the conflict rather than further fuels the argument at hand?

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Despite having the arguments at hand to deflect the sense of any momentum for the Conservatives, the party failed to win the City of Durham, Newbury and Guildford, three target seats that its strategists had hoped to win.

The Guardian

But despite having the arguments at hand to deflect the sense of any momentum for the Conservatives, the party failed to win the City of Durham, Oxford East, Newbury and Guildford – four target seats that party strategists had said earlier in the day they hoped to win.

The Guardian

Forcefully in his oral presentations and seminars, Bunge gives particular attention to the evaluation of the arguments at hand, championing the use of logic as an expediter of clarity of thought.

SEP

Here, what Rieber says about the application of his account to Dretske's (1970) zoo case (1998, 196-197) is being extended to the sceptical argument at hand.

SEP

Very few continental feminists identify exclusively with one method or with one project, but find value in all three methods depending on the particular argument at hand.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the argument at hand" to maintain focus in your writing, ensuring readers understand the specific debate or point you are currently addressing. This helps prevent digressions and keeps the discussion clear and concise.

Common error

Avoid using "the argument at hand" when you intend to discuss a wider subject area. This phrase is best suited for narrowly defined disputes or debates, not general overviews.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the argument at hand" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., 'to the argument at hand') or as a subject complement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Examples show it directing focus within a broader discussion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the argument at hand" is a grammatically sound phrase used to pinpoint the specific issue being discussed. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and utility. While not overly common, it effectively focuses conversations across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and general discussions. When using it, ensure it accurately reflects a specific debate rather than a broad topic. Alternatives include phrases like "the issue at hand" or "the matter at hand".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the issue at hand

Replaces 'argument' with 'issue', broadening the scope from a specific debate to a more general problem or matter.

the matter at hand

Substitutes 'argument' with 'matter', indicating a focus on the subject or situation being dealt with.

the point in question

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression, emphasizing the specific point under consideration.

the subject under discussion

Replaces 'argument' with 'subject under discussion', highlighting the topic currently being talked about.

the present discussion

Focuses on the current conversation, omitting 'argument' for a broader sense of ongoing dialogue.

the topic at hand

Replaces 'argument' with 'topic', shifting the focus to the general theme or subject being addressed.

the debate in question

Highlights the aspect of 'debate', focusing on an ongoing dispute.

the immediate concern

Shifts the focus to the most pressing issue requiring attention, somewhat distancing it from a purely argumentative context.

the current problem

Replaces 'argument' with 'problem', framing the discussion as an attempt to resolve an issue.

the core of the dispute

Emphasizes the central, most important part of an argument or disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "the argument at hand" in a sentence?

You can use "the argument at hand" to refer to the specific point of contention being discussed, for example: "Let's return to "the argument at hand" before we get sidetracked."

What's a good alternative to "the argument at hand"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "the issue at hand", "the matter at hand", or "the point in question" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever incorrect to use "the argument at hand"?

While grammatically correct, using "the argument at hand" might be inappropriate if the situation isn't actually an argument or debate. In such cases, a more neutral phrase like "the topic at hand" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "the argument at hand" and "the overall debate"?

"The argument at hand" refers to a specific point or aspect within a larger discussion, whereas "the overall debate" encompasses the entire range of viewpoints and issues being considered.