the documents at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the documents at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the documents that are currently available or being considered in a particular context. Example: "After reviewing the documents at hand, we can proceed with the decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A careful and complete reading of the documents at hand – which goes beyond the sensationalised headlines and spin – will reveal this to be true.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

SAUCKEL: I have not the document at hand-oh yes, I think I have it.

Yale University

In 1970, she completed her doctoral dissertation on the struggle between Gnostic and orthodox Christianity, and in 1975 she went to Cairo to study the documents at first hand.

The New Yorker

It is possible that he can then answer a number of questions merely by saying "yes" or "no". Another reason why I consider this procedure to be the most expedient is because a proper examination of the defendant is only possible if I have the document books at hand at the same time.

Yale University

The major impact of the law has been to prevent many non-Latino citizens -- most likely the elderly, the young, and others less likely to have the requisite documents readily at hand -- from registering.

Huffington Post

Campaigners arrived to deliver the petition wearing stylised monkey masks, which they were forced to leave at the gates of Downing Street before handing in the document at No 10.

The Guardian

The documents she was handed at her loan closing, two months after Hubbard's, also showed a 401(k) account -- totaling, once again, $25,456.53.

Los Angeles Times

Having relevant documents readily at hand can save time and money potentially a great deal of each not to mention the unpleasantness of trying to obtain them later, if your husband is less than cooperative (or even deliberately undermining the process).

Forbes

Andrea Leadsom said the documents would be handed over at 11.30am after MPs passed a historic motion finding the government in contempt of parliament for failing to previously publish.

The Guardian

Not that stories of social riot were news to Wilson (he had, after all, seen the Fitzgeralds and other twenty-four-hour party people at play throughout the Roaring Twenties), nor were displays of Hollywood vulgarity, which he documents at first hand and in friends' anecdotes throughout the book.

The New Yorker

To save time, that's why, and to put the documents into the hands of exhibitors at about the same time regardless of where they live.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the documents at hand", ensure the context clearly defines which specific documents you are referring to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the documents at hand" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler phrases like "the documents we have" or "these papers" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the documents at hand" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying which documents are being referred to. It acts to limit the scope of the noun phrase to a particular set of documents that are immediately relevant or accessible. Ludwig confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the documents at hand" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to refer to specific documents that are immediately relevant or accessible. As per Ludwig, it is most appropriate in formal, academic, scientific, or professional contexts. While interchangeable with phrases like "the available documents" or "the relevant documents", it's best to avoid using it in informal conversations. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context makes clear which documents are being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the available documents

Focuses on availability, implying the documents are accessible for review.

the relevant documents

Emphasizes the pertinence of the documents to the current situation.

the pertinent documents

Similar to 'relevant documents', highlighting the significance to the matter being discussed.

the documents in question

Highlights that the documents are under consideration or discussion.

the subject documents

Indicates that the documents are the main topic or subject of concern.

the present documents

Implies the documents are currently being examined or considered.

the implicated documents

Suggests the documents are involved or connected to a specific matter.

the documents under review

Emphasizes that the documents are being actively examined.

the materials at hand

A broader term that could include non-document materials, but serves a similar function.

the accessible records

Focuses on the accessibility of the records, similar to "available documents."

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the documents at hand"?

You can use alternatives such as "the available documents", "the relevant documents", or "the pertinent documents depending on the context.

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

This phrase is suitable for formal settings, legal contexts, or professional discussions where you need to refer to specific documents currently being considered.

What is the difference between "the documents at hand" and "the available documents"?

"The documents at hand" refers to documents that are not only available but also currently under consideration, while "the available documents" simply means those that are accessible.

Is "the documents at hand" formal or informal?

It is considered a formal phrase suitable for academic, professional, or legal contexts. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives are preferable.