the match at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the match at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the current situation or event being discussed, particularly in contexts like sports or competitions. Example: "In analyzing the strategies of both teams, we must focus on the match at hand to understand their strengths and weaknesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"It is the match at hand.

The New York Times - Sports

Focusing on the match at hand sounds like a wise move for Lisicki against Sharapova.

The New York Times - Sports

Coming to the match at hand, good to see Marsh getting a century.

The Guardian - Sport

It is always difficult to get the balance right between trying to win the match at hand and offer new players a chance.

Independent

Mr. Puckett, grinning at the camera, made a comment that applied not just to the match at hand, but also to M.L.G.'s future.

The New York Times

WIMBLEDON DRAW ANNOUNCED: When Wimbledon opens its two-week hold on British consciousness on Monday, the top-seeded players will have one eye on the match at hand and the other on the near future.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

With the matching at hand, the difference in the outcome variable is calculated to estimate the average treatment effect of the treated.

IZA Journal of Development and Migration

That it should be Mike Gatting's ill-timed reverse sweep that handed them the match at a time when England should have won was merely apposite, for it was the England captain who earlier in that year had gone to Australia and retained the Ashes.

The Guardian - Sport

When Ward moved a break up at 4-3 in the second with a rasping backhand he looked unstoppable, but nerves finally took hold when he served for the match at 5-4 and a poor game handed Mannarino a lifeline.

BBC

However, the Yorkshireman stumbled while serving for the match at 5-3, blasting a forehand long to hand Propoggia the break back and prompting some exuberant celebrations from the Australian.

BBC

The match finished 5 2 to Argentina, ensuring their qualification for the 2014 World Cup with two matches at hand.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the match at hand" to emphasize immediate focus and concentration, especially in sports writing or competitive scenarios. It highlights the importance of the present moment over past or future concerns.

Common error

Avoid using "the match at hand" when discussing the entire tournament or season. This phrase is best reserved for highlighting a specific game or contest, not the overall competitive landscape.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the match at hand" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or verb. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, particularly in sports and competitive settings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the match at hand" is a grammatically sound and contextually relevant phrase used to highlight the importance of focusing on the present game or competition. Ludwig AI indicates it is commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific and wiki sources. While it might not be as prevalent as other similar phrases, its distinct emphasis on immediacy makes it a valuable tool for effective communication. Its neutral register allows for broad applicability, ensuring clarity and impact in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the current match

Replaces "at hand" with "current", emphasizing the present time.

the ongoing game

Substitutes "match" with "game" and "at hand" with "ongoing", focusing on the continuous nature of the event.

the present contest

Uses "contest" instead of "match" and "present" instead of "at hand", highlighting the immediate competition.

the immediate game

Emphasizes the urgency of the game by using "immediate".

the day's match

Specifies the match is happening on the current day.

the featured match

Highlights the importance of a specific match.

this particular match

Adds specificity and focus on the match.

today's game

Similar to "the day's match", but uses "game".

the specific match

Highlights the singularity of the match.

the actual match

Focuses on the reality of the ongoing match.

FAQs

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

You can use "the match at hand" to emphasize the importance of focusing on the current game or competition. For example, "The coach urged the team to concentrate on "the match at hand" and not worry about future games".

What are some alternatives to saying "the match at hand"?

Alternatives include "the current match", "the ongoing game", or "the present contest", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to use "the match at hand" in a business context?

While "the match at hand" is typically used in sports contexts, it can be adapted to business scenarios to emphasize focusing on the immediate task or challenge. However, consider whether a more formal phrase might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "the task at hand" and "the match at hand"?

"The task at hand" refers to any immediate job or duty requiring attention, whereas "the match at hand" specifically refers to a current game or competition. The former is more general, while the latter is specific to competitive scenarios.