the topic at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"the topic at hand" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to refer to the current subject of discussion, whether in writing or a spoken conversation. For example, "Let's return to the topic at hand: what should our next steps be?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anyway, the topic at hand is apathy.

The New York Times

The topic at hand? Sigmund Freud.

The New Yorker

One room over, mangos were the topic at hand.

The New York Times

But back to the topic at hand: fashion.

The New Yorker

Keep it about facts, logic, and the topic at hand.

Harvard Business Review

Anyone trying to urge the conversation back to the topic at hand — or even something approximating the topic at hand — was shouted down and shamed.

The Washington Post

The topic at hand in this series of presentations concerns the design of total knee prostheses.

The Journal of Arthroplasty

Franklin did not seem especially concerned with the topic at hand.

The New Yorker

Each one is a fast-food, high-energy fix on the topic at hand.

The New York Times - Books

Help students make connections between the topic at hand and their own lives.

The New York Times

But the topic at hand in City Hall's Red Room on Thursday was New Jersey.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider replacing "the topic at hand" with more sophisticated vocabulary, such as "the subject under discussion".

Common error

Avoid using "the topic at hand" in overly casual conversations; simpler alternatives like "what we're talking about" are usually more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the topic at hand" functions as a discourse marker, guiding the audience back to the central subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and readily usable. Examples from Ludwig show how it's employed to refocus conversations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

28%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the topic at hand" is a frequently used phrase to bring focus back to the main subject, confirmed by Ludwig AI as grammatically correct and versatile. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, it serves to maintain clarity and direction in discussions. For more formal settings, alternatives like "the matter at hand" or "the subject under discussion" are more appropriate, while simpler phrasing works better in casual conversations. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to avoid sounding out of place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The matter at hand

Focuses more directly on a specific issue or problem requiring immediate attention.

The subject under discussion

More formal and explicitly refers to something being actively discussed.

The issue in question

Highlights a point of contention or uncertainty that needs resolving.

The point at issue

Similar to "the issue in question", but with a greater emphasis on disagreement or debate.

What we're talking about

More informal and conversational, suitable for spoken contexts.

The present subject

A more formal way to indicate the current topic, emphasizing its relevance to the current moment.

The current focus

Highlights the main area of interest or attention in a given situation.

The order of the day

An idiomatic expression that refers to what is most important or relevant at a particular time.

What's being discussed

Focuses on the act of discussion and its object, often used in a more dynamic context.

The business at hand

Emphasizes the task or activity that needs to be done or addressed.

FAQs

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

You can use "the topic at hand" to redirect a conversation or refocus attention. For example, "Before we get sidetracked, let's return to "the topic at hand": the budget."

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

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "the subject under discussion" or "the matter at hand" for a more sophisticated tone.

Is "the topic at hand" appropriate for academic writing?

"The topic at hand" is acceptable, but using alternatives such as "the issue in question" or "the present subject" might be preferable for academic writing, depending on the context.

When should I avoid using "the topic at hand"?

Avoid using "the topic at hand" in informal conversations where simpler phrasing like "what we're talking about" or "what we're discussing" would be more natural. Also, ensure that the context is appropriate; if the discussion hasn't strayed, a redirection might seem out of place.