topic at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "topic at hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the current subject or issue being discussed or considered. Example: "During the meeting, we focused on the topic at hand, which was the upcoming project deadline."

✓ 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

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

The topic at hand is the burning issue of pants versus dresses, which assumes genuine urgency.

The New York Times

It's as if the topic at hand were too important to be dressed up with the distractions of style.

The New York Times

Some humorists say that it's not a good idea to know too much about the topic at hand.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "topic at hand" to clearly signal a return to the main subject after a digression or interruption.

Common error

Avoid using "topic at hand" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "subject in question" or "matter under discussion" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "topic at hand" functions as a noun phrase used to identify the subject currently being discussed or considered. It helps to maintain focus and coherence in communication. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "topic at hand" is a versatile phrase used to clearly identify the current subject under discussion. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki articles. While highly frequent and suitable for formal and informal communication, remember to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "matter at hand" or "subject at hand" to maintain writing quality and audience engagement. The phrase functions to emphasize relevance and direct attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

matter at hand

This alternative uses "matter" instead of "topic", emphasizing the substance of the discussion.

subject at hand

Replaces "topic" with "subject", offering a synonymous term for the focus of discussion.

question at hand

Substitutes "topic" with "question", highlighting that the discussion centers on a specific inquiry.

issue at hand

Replaces "topic" with "issue", underscoring the problem or concern being discussed.

point at issue

Uses "point at issue" to specify the key disagreement or question under discussion.

matter under discussion

Emphasizes that the "matter" is currently being actively discussed.

subject under consideration

Highlights that the "subject" is being thoughtfully evaluated.

theme at hand

Focuses on the underlying "theme" as the current subject.

the present subject

Uses "present" to indicate the current or immediate subject.

the current focus

Uses "current focus" to denote the main point of attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "topic at hand" to refocus a conversation or piece of writing back to the main subject. For instance, "Let's get back to the "topic at hand", which is the budget for next year."

What are some alternatives to "topic at hand"?

Alternatives include "matter at hand", "subject at hand", or "issue at hand". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "topic at hand" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to refer to the current subject of discussion. However, consider the "audience" and the specific context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "topic at hand" and "the point"?

"Topic at hand" refers to the general subject being discussed, while "the point" refers to a specific argument or idea within that topic. For example, the "topic at hand" might be climate change, and "the point" could be the need for international cooperation.