the verb at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the verb at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific verb that is currently being discussed or analyzed in a particular context. Example: "In this sentence, the verb at hand is 'run,' which indicates an action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Verb at Free Thinking Festival 2019.

BBC

Always put the verb at the end of the sentence.

WikiHow

You don't need to change the verb at all - just use the base form!

WikiHow

The task at hand.

WikiHow

Tackle the issue at hand.

WikiHow

Explain the problem at hand.

WikiHow

The time is at hand!

The Economist

The verb comes at the end of the clause, with a typical word order of subject object verb (SOV).

Wikipedia

Look at the verb after 'wish'wish

BBC

You want to shout, 'Get to the verb!' " Odette, on the other hand, is perfectly at ease in the novel's underworld.

The New Yorker

It does not explicitly give the verb sense used at 1 Down (in the OED).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a specific grammatical concept, use "the verb at hand" to clearly indicate the particular verb you are referencing. This helps avoid ambiguity and keeps the focus on the relevant element of the sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "the verb at hand" when you simply mean "the verb available" or "the verb nearby". "At hand" implies current focus or discussion, not mere physical or abstract proximity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the verb at hand" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a particular verb that is currently being considered or analyzed. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the verb at hand" is a phrase used to direct attention to a specific verb currently being discussed or analyzed. While Ludwig indicates that the phrase is correct and usable, the frequency of its occurrence is rare, according to the example counts. It appears in various contexts such as news, media, and academic discussions related to grammar and language. Though it lacks direct examples in the search data, the analysis suggests a neutral to formal register. Consider alternatives like "the verb in question" or "the verb under discussion" for similar meanings. Remember to use it when you are focusing the attention on a specific element to make a good writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the verb in question

Replaces "at hand" with "in question", focusing on the verb currently under consideration.

the verb under discussion

Substitutes "at hand" with "under discussion", highlighting the verb being talked about.

the verb being analyzed

Replaces "at hand" with "being analyzed", emphasizing the verb's analysis.

the verb we're considering

Changes "at hand" to "we're considering", involving the speaker and listener in the consideration of the verb.

the verb of interest

Replaces "at hand" with "of interest", suggesting the verb is notable or relevant to the discussion.

the present verb

Substitutes "at hand" with "present", indicating the verb currently being examined.

the relevant verb

Replaces "at hand" with "relevant", highlighting the verb's pertinence to the context.

the particular verb

Changes "at hand" to "particular", specifying the verb being focused on.

the verb in this context

Replaces "at hand" with "in this context", grounding the verb within the specific situation.

the verb now

Substitutes "at hand" with "now", emphasizing the immediacy of the verb's consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "the verb at hand" to refer to the specific verb being discussed or analyzed in a given context. For example: "In the sentence 'She sings beautifully', "the verb at hand" is 'sings'".

What can I say instead of "the verb at hand"?

You can use alternatives like "the verb in question", "the verb under discussion", or "the verb being analyzed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the noun at hand" instead of "the verb at hand"?

Yes, you can substitute "verb" with "noun" (or any other part of speech) when referring to that specific part of speech being discussed. "The noun at hand" would refer to the specific noun currently under consideration.

What's the difference between "the verb at hand" and "the verb in question"?

While similar, ""the verb at hand"" implies immediacy or current focus, whereas "the verb in question" simply indicates the verb that is being investigated or considered, without necessarily implying the same level of immediate attention.