to be at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be at hand" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate that something is nearby and readily available. Example: "The tools needed for the project are always at hand in the workshop." In this sentence, "at hand" means that the tools are easily accessible and ready to use, possibly implying that the workshop is located close to the project site.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They proclaim victory to be at hand.

The Economist

At the time, a resolution seemed to be at hand.

The Guardian

Officially, a race might seem to be at hand.

The New York Times

The "bad ending" that Schwarzman predicted in 2006 seemed to be at hand.

The New Yorker

Reading material has to be at hand for such desperate emergencies.

The New York Times - Books

"But I'm glad a resolution now appears to be at hand".

The New York Times

Furious supporters vented their anger on journalists who had the misfortune to be at hand.

The Economist

Engines for propelling a craft through the air seemed to be at hand.

The New York Times

The flag looks like static, and a collective ruin seems to be at hand.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

So it is too soon to say the complete defeat and eradication of the Islamic State is close to being at hand.

HuffPost

Tackling the child obesity epidemic requires accurate, up-to-date information be at hand.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be at hand" to indicate that something is readily available or easily accessible when needed. This emphasizes convenience and preparedness.

Common error

Avoid using "to be at hand" when simply describing an object's location. It's better suited for describing readiness or availability rather than just stating where something is. For example, say "The book is on the table" instead of "The book is at hand" if you only mean to state its location.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to be at hand" is to act as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a noun or situation. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase suggests readiness, availability, or proximity. Examples show it modifying nouns like 'resolution', 'reading material', or abstract concepts like 'help'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be at hand" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies readiness, availability, or imminence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct. Its frequent presence in news and media outlets, as well as academic and scientific sources, showcases its broad applicability. The examples analyzed highlight that the phrase is most often used to describe resources, solutions, or events that are easily accessible or about to occur. While versatile and common it's important to consider other phrase options such as "to be available" or "to be within reach" depending on the specific nuances of the intended meaning. The key takeaway is to use "to be at hand" when emphasizing the convenience and preparedness associated with the availability of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be available

Focuses on the accessibility of something.

to be within reach

Emphasizes the ease of obtaining something.

to be imminent

Highlights the closeness in time of an event.

to be close by

Indicates physical proximity.

to be accessible

Highlights the ability to obtain or use something.

to be in close proximity

Similar to 'close by' but more formal.

to be on the horizon

Refers to something that is likely to happen soon.

to be coming soon

Emphasizes the short time until something appears.

to be just around the corner

An idiomatic expression indicating something is very near.

to be nearby

Focuses on physical closeness.

FAQs

How can I use "to be at hand" in a sentence?

Use "to be at hand" to express that something is readily available or easily accessible. For example, "Having the necessary tools "to be at hand" makes the task much easier".

What is the difference between "to be at hand" and "to be available"?

"To be at hand" suggests that something is not only available but also conveniently located or easily accessible when needed. "To be available" simply means that something is accessible or obtainable, without necessarily implying immediate accessibility.

What can I say instead of "to be at hand"?

You can use alternatives like "to be available", "to be within reach", or "to be nearby" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "to be at hand" a formal or informal expression?

"To be at hand" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for a wide range of writing and speaking situations.