the task at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"the task at hand" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the current task that needs to be done. For example, "I need to focus on the task at hand and finish this essay before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now the task at hand.

The Guardian - Tech

The task at hand is imposing.

Stanford University

Not because of the task at hand.

The New York Times - Sports

The task at hand is huge.

The New York Times

Back to the task at hand.

The New York Times

Talk about the task at hand.

The Guardian

But that wasn't the task at hand.

The New Yorker

Chip Beck returns to the task at hand.

The New York Times - Sports

Their sternness matches the gravity of the task at hand.

The Guardian

The task at hand is to rebuild this country.

The Guardian - Books

He could concentrate exclusively on the task at hand.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the task at hand" to clearly define the central focus of your communication, ensuring the audience understands the current priority.

Common error

Avoid abruptly switching topics or introducing irrelevant details when discussing "the task at hand". Maintain a clear and consistent focus to ensure effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the task at hand" functions as a noun phrase identifying the specific job, duty, or objective requiring immediate attention. It serves to focus attention and emphasize the current priority, as indicated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Sports

13%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the task at hand" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the importance of focusing on the current objective. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts, especially in news, sports, and academic writing. Its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian highlights its reliability and versatility. When using "the task at hand", remember that it can be substituted by similar terms like "the present task" or "the immediate duty", according to the specific nuance you aim to convey. Ultimately, using this phrase correctly involves maintaining a clear focus and preventing distractions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the present task

Focuses on the immediacy of the task.

the current objective

Emphasizes the goal-oriented aspect.

the immediate duty

Highlights the obligation associated with the task.

the matter in hand

Uses 'matter' to denote the task, slightly more formal.

the work in progress

Highlights the ongoing nature of the work.

the item on the agenda

Positions the task within a structured plan.

the project underway

Emphasizes that the project is already started.

the undertaking at present

More formal, using 'undertaking' to describe the task.

the challenge before us

Framing the task as a challenge.

the assignment we're facing

Highlights the obligatory character of the assignment.

FAQs

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

You can use "the task at hand" to emphasize the importance of focusing on the current objective. For example: "Let's put aside our differences and concentrate on "the task at hand".".

What's a more formal alternative to "the task at hand"?

A more formal alternative to "the task at hand" could be "the matter in hand". This phrase maintains a professional tone, suitable for business or academic settings.

Is it correct to say 'the task in hand' instead of "the task at hand"?

While "the task at hand" is the more common and widely accepted phrasing, "the matter in hand" is also grammatically correct, although it carries a slightly different connotation, implying a more formal or serious tone.

How does "the task at hand" differ from "the goal at hand"?

"The task at hand" refers to the specific action or activity currently being undertaken. In contrast, "the goal at hand" describes the ultimate objective or desired outcome that the task is meant to achieve.