the data at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the data at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the information or data that is currently available or being considered in a particular context. Example: "Based on the data at hand, we can conclude that the project is on track for completion by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Humankind never ceases to express itself in new terms, and the data at hand are inevitably flawed and partial.

The Guardian - Books

With the data at hand, investigators were unable to determine if the jet's pings were north or south of its last known primary radar sighting.

The Guardian

I'll try to minimize my own subjective bias in what follows by sticking as closely as possible to the data at hand.

The Guardian

In the world of Big Data, however, truth tends to be contingent, based on the needs of the moment and the data at hand.

The New York Times

They may fit the data at hand well in practical applications.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

Importantly, the Wiener filters can be calibrated with the data at hand, without the need for auxiliary data.

Remote Sensing of Environment

This means, first and foremost, that the outcome of the colligation must be sufficient to explain the data at hand.

SEP

Identifying outliers is essential to the data analyst in order to make reliable inferences on the data at hand.

Journal of Statistical Distributions and Applications

These tools are based solely on the data at hand and do not need any additional parametric or statistical assumptions.

SERIEs

In the absence of instrumental designs and considering the data at hand, the second best strategy is employed.

Comparative Migration Studies

We were unable, with the data at hand, to determine the nature of these inclusions and their content.

AMB Express

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the data at hand", ensure that the data you are referring to is clearly defined and accessible to your audience. For instance, specify the source or context from which the data is derived to enhance clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "the data at hand" without providing specific context. Ensure readers can easily identify the data being discussed. For example, instead of saying "the data at hand suggests", specify "the data from the customer survey suggests."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the data at hand" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the specific set of data being considered in a particular context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the data at hand" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as supported by Ludwig AI, across diverse fields like science, news, and business. It serves to denote a specific set of information readily available for analysis or decision-making. While versatile, clarity is paramount; always ensure that the referenced data is well-defined. Related phrases include "the available data" and "the current data". A key writing practice is to avoid vague references, specifying the data source for enhanced clarity. In conclusion, "the data at hand" is a valuable tool when used precisely and thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the available data

Emphasizes the accessibility of the information.

the current data

Highlights the timeliness of the information.

the existing data

Focuses on the data's presence or existence.

the relevant data

Stresses the pertinence of the information to a specific situation.

the present data

Similar to current data, emphasizes the data being currently under consideration.

the data on deck

Informal way to indicate the data ready for use.

the information available

Focuses on the accessibility of the information, rather than specifically calling it "data".

the facts at our disposal

Highlights the control and access to the factual information.

the evidence before us

Emphasizes data serving as proof or support for a claim.

the intelligence on file

Highlights the existence and organization of data.

FAQs

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

You can use "the data at hand" to refer to the information currently available for analysis or decision-making. For example: "Based on "the data at hand", we can conclude that the project is on track." You could also say "Given "the data at hand", we need to adjust our strategy."

What is a more formal alternative to "the data at hand"?

More formal alternatives include "the available data", "the existing data", or "the "pertinent data"". These alternatives maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

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

"The data at hand" is appropriate when you want to refer to a specific set of information that is currently being considered or analyzed. It's suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts. It is also appropriate to say "the available data".

How does "the data at hand" differ from "all available data"?

"The data at hand" typically refers to a specific subset of data that is currently under consideration, while "all available data" implies a broader scope of information that may or may not be directly relevant to the current task. If all data is relevant, then "all available data" is interchangeable with "the data at hand".