the one at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the one at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the current issue, situation, or object being discussed or considered. Example: "In addressing the challenges we face, we must focus on the one at hand rather than getting distracted by unrelated matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The uncomfortable reality is that outside the basics -- more CO2 = warming world = many climate shifts + less ice + rising seas -- more research on complex scientific questions often leads to more questions rather than resolving the one at hand.

The New York Times

Some questions drew the vaguest of replies or digressions into topics far from the one at hand.

The Washington Post

The first necessity for a blank slate is an omnipotent eraser, and the guillotine was the one at hand.

The New Yorker

It's not just generals who make a habit of fighting the last war rather than the one at hand; artists do it, too.

The Guardian - Books

They are also naturally better suited to systems that display a linear dynamic behaviour and require extra modifications to function adequately in the case of nonlinear systems, such as the one at hand (see the 'Methods' section).

Nature

"I'm not aware of a case similar to the one at hand," said Mr. Wright, a senior analyst with the Threat Assessment Group, a company involved in preventing workplace violence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Schedule less urgent priorities a few months out and then focus your daily efforts on the ones at hand.

Forbes

Consultants are exposed to a wide variety of experiences and are taught how to apply lessons learned in other situations to the ones at hand.

Forbes

Yet Ireland twisted the knife, haunted perhaps by memories of past play-off nightmares, especially the one at the hand of Thierry Henry's France in the World Cup campaign two years ago.

The Guardian - Sport

Republicans — by far the biggest beneficiaries of agribusiness largess — are using the advantage of being a bare minority to try to attach a flurry of amendments on immigration, taxes and any other issue but the desperate one at hand.

The New York Times

By the time we hung up, we were part of the millions of other American families who were newly unemployed and in a personal financial crisis, brought on by the larger societal one at hand.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the one at hand" to clearly direct focus to the immediate subject of discussion or action. This ensures clarity and prevents digression.

Common error

Avoid using "the one at hand" when you intend to discuss multiple related issues simultaneously. This phrase is best suited for singular, immediate concerns, not general overviews.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the one at hand" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a particular issue, task, or situation. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable. It helps to narrow the focus of discussion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the one at hand" is a grammatically correct phrase used to focus attention on a specific issue, task, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability across various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and Nature. To ensure clarity in writing, use "the one at hand" when referring to a singular, immediate concern, and consider alternatives like "the matter at hand" or "the task at hand" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the matter at hand

Replaces 'one' with 'matter', emphasizing the issue or subject being discussed.

the issue at stake

Focuses on what could be gained or lost, highlighting the importance of the situation.

the task at hand

Emphasizes the specific work or activity that needs to be done.

the present concern

Highlights the current worry or problem that needs attention.

the current problem

Directly refers to the existing difficulty or challenge.

the immediate issue

Stresses the urgency and need for prompt action.

the topic in question

Highlights the specific subject being discussed or investigated.

the subject under discussion

Formal way to indicate the topic being talked about.

the thing we're dealing with

Informal way to address the situation.

the challenge before us

Highlights the difficulty and need to overcome it.

FAQs

What does "the one at hand" mean?

The phrase "the one at hand" refers to the current issue, situation, or task that is being discussed or dealt with.

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

You can use "the one at hand" to focus attention on the immediate subject. For example, "Let's concentrate on "the matter at hand" and avoid distractions."

What are some alternatives to "the one at hand"?

Alternatives include "the issue at stake", "the task at hand", or "the present concern". Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the situation.

Is it appropriate to use "the one at hand" in formal writing?

Yes, "the one at hand" is suitable for formal writing, though phrases like "the matter at hand" might be preferred in highly formal contexts.