the case at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'the case at hand' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the current issue that is being discussed or dealt with. Example sentence: It is important to address the case at hand before moving on to other matters.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He will consider the case at hand.

The New York Times

The case at hand arose from a domestic dispute.

The New York Times

In the case at hand, give Maxine a same-age ally to kvetch to.

The New York Times - Arts

The case at hand involved a number of groups, including Western Tradition Partners.

The New Yorker

She has a habit of confining her vote to the case at hand.

The New York Times - Magazine

Both sides can then focus on the case at hand, rather than the bill.

The Economist

Doubt means you're looking carefully at the case at hand, that you're weighing the evidence on all sides.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The case at hand reflects the deep animosity between Hello! and OK!, which often pay huge sums to subjects.

The New York Times

The case at hand — and it's a whopper — involves a short sale on a condominium in Deltona, Fla.

The New York Times

His penchant for original research has also occasionally led him outside the record of the case at hand.

The New York Times

The limited nature of the request has helped the government portray this case as a one-time demand, without ramifications beyond the case at hand.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For persuasive writing, clearly defining "the case at hand" early on helps focus the reader's attention and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid broadly applying conclusions drawn from "the case at hand" to all similar situations without considering unique factors. Overgeneralization can weaken your analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the case at hand" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a particular situation or legal matter that is currently being considered or discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the case at hand" is a correct and frequently used phrase to direct focus on the current matter under consideration. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, this expression serves to specify and emphasize the importance of the present situation, aiding in clarity and focused discussion. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity, and remember that conclusions should not be overgeneralized without accounting for unique factors. Consider alternatives such as "the matter at hand" or "the issue at hand" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the matter at hand

Replaces "case" with "matter", emphasizing the issue being discussed.

the issue at hand

Substitutes "case" with "issue", focusing on a specific problem or point of contention.

the subject at hand

Uses "subject" instead of "case", highlighting the topic being addressed.

the topic at hand

Replaces "case" with "topic", underscoring the theme or matter being discussed.

the present matter

Emphasizes the immediacy of the matter under discussion, removing "at hand".

the current issue

Highlights the current nature of the issue, omitting "at hand".

the instant situation

Focuses on the immediate circumstances, changing "case" to "situation".

the particular case

Adds specificity to the type of case being referenced.

the specific instance

Changes "case" to "instance", pinpointing a distinct example.

this situation

Simplifies the phrase to a more general reference to the present circumstances.

FAQs

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

You can use "the case at hand" to refer to the current issue being discussed. For example, "Let's focus on "the case at hand" and avoid distractions".

What phrases are similar to "the case at hand"?

Similar phrases include "the matter at hand", "the issue at hand", or "the subject at hand". Each emphasizes the current focus of discussion.

Is "the case at hand" formal or informal?

"The case at hand" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in professional or academic settings.

When is it appropriate to use "the case at hand"?

Use "the case at hand" when you want to emphasize the importance of focusing on the present issue, especially when there are multiple related issues that could cause distraction. It helps to maintain clarity and direction in discussions or analyses.