the issues at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the issues at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the current problems or topics that are being discussed or dealt with. Example: "In our meeting today, we will focus on the issues at hand and develop a strategy to address them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Reading together focuses everyone's attention on the issues at hand.

Harvard Business Review

The council, which met intermittently until 1563, responded emphatically to the issues at hand.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the issues at hand were momentous: liberty, security and the American way.

The New York Times

"Parisians would wake up the following morning and see the issues at hand.

The New York Times - Books

Was this an attempt to distract from the issues at hand?

The Guardian - Tech

It also said that "initially the crew did not react to the issues at hand".

The New York Times

Taking swift and sudden offense rather than reflecting on the issues at hand is even easier.

The Washington Post

Team members must quickly learn about the issues at hand and find ways to work smarter.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The issue at hand is size.

The New York Times

That is the issue at hand.

The New York Times

The issue at hand is my groin".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before using "the issues at hand", consider whether a more specific term might provide greater clarity. For example, instead of saying 'We need to address the issues at hand', try specifying 'We need to address the budget shortfall and the staffing shortages'.

Common error

Avoid using "the issues at hand" as a generic placeholder. Always ensure the issues are clearly defined and relevant to the situation. If the issues are unclear, specify them or rephrase your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the issues at hand" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies the specific matters under consideration, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples where it's used to focus attention or address concerns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

1%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the issues at hand" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to the current problems or topics being discussed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business settings. To ensure clarity, avoid overuse in vague situations and, consider more specific language. Alternatives such as "the matters at stake" or "the present concerns" may be appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. With a high frequency of use and a clear purpose in directing attention, "the issues at hand" remains a valuable phrase in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the problems at hand

Directly refers to the difficulties or troubles that require immediate attention.

the matters in hand

Indicates the affairs or business that are presently being dealt with.

the matters at stake

Focuses on the risks or potential losses associated with the current situation.

the topics under consideration

Emphasizes the themes or subjects that are being actively evaluated.

the present concerns

Highlights the anxieties or worries that are currently relevant.

the current challenges

Stresses the difficulties or obstacles that need to be overcome now.

the questions being addressed

Highlights the specific queries or uncertainties being resolved.

the subjects in question

Refers to the topics that are being investigated or debated.

the points of discussion

Focuses on specific aspects that are being talked about and examined.

the prevailing circumstances

Emphasizes the existing conditions or facts that influence the current situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "the issues at hand" to refer to current problems or topics that are being discussed. For example: "Let's set aside our differences and focus on "the issues at hand"".

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

Similar phrases include "the matters at stake", "the present concerns", and "the current challenges".

Is "the issues at hand" formal or informal?

"The issues at hand" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication. See more on register below.

What is the difference between "the issues at hand" and "the problem at hand"?

"The issues at hand" can refer to multiple concerns or topics, while "the problem at hand" typically refers to a singular, specific problem.