work in hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"work in hand" is correct and usable in written English.
You use it when referring to a task or project that is currently in progress. For example: "I'm really busy this week because I have a lot of work in hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

He has extraordinary concentration on the work in hand.

The Guardian - Music

And then it's back to the work in hand.

The Guardian - Books

On the other hand, the company takes a very reductionist view of the work in hand.

The Times

But the deeply religious patriarch Huw has more important work in hand.

The Guardian

Often, I lift my head from the work in hand and gaze out at the garden.

The Guardian - Books

The work in hand presents the design process of Strain Hardening Cement-based Composite reinforced with natural curauá fiber.

Cement and Concrete Composites

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The group also has a strong work-in-hand position, representing 90% of 2010 revenues.

The Guardian - Business

Both Mr. Lasseter and Mr. Bird had the opportunity to work in hand-drawn animation (probably doomed to be known as 2-D animation) and clearly profited from the experience.

The New York Times

Last year, DoubleClick launched its own Ad Exchange, which will work now work hand-in-hand with Invite Media's technology.

TechCrunch

Looking to buy or sell Tools for working in hand, non-electric motor nes?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tools for working in hand, non-electric motor nes are a 6 digit HS92 product.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work in hand" to clearly communicate the focus of effort on a specific, current task. This phrase helps to set priorities and manage expectations in both professional and personal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "work in hand" when referring to future projects or hypothetical tasks. This phrase is best suited for describing tasks that are actively being worked on, not those that are planned or potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work in hand" functions as a noun phrase that typically modifies a verb, acting as the direct object or complement. It describes the task or project that is currently being actively worked on. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work in hand" is a useful phrase for referring to a task or project currently in progress. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in English writing. It is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. To enhance clarity and avoid scope errors, remember to use it when referring to current activities, not future or hypothetical tasks. Alternatives like "current task" or "task at hand" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in tone and emphasis. Using "work in hand" effectively helps to set priorities and manage expectations in various communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

task at hand

Similar to the original phrase, but slightly more concise and direct.

current task

Focuses on the immediacy of the task at hand, emphasizing the present moment.

the job on hand

Refers to a specific piece of work needing completion.

present undertaking

Suggests a more formal and serious commitment to the task.

ongoing project

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the work, highlighting its progress over time.

the project underway

Emphasizes that the project has already started and is in progress.

current assignment

Implies a task given by someone else, such as a superior or instructor.

matter in hand

Shifts the focus to the issue or problem being addressed.

existing workload

Focuses on the amount of work currently being managed.

in progress

A shorter and more general way to indicate that something is currently being worked on.

FAQs

How can I use "work in hand" in a sentence?

You can use "work in hand" to describe a task or project that is currently in progress. For example, "I need to focus on the "work in hand" before starting anything new".

What's a more formal alternative to "work in hand"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "present undertaking" or "ongoing project". These options convey a similar meaning with a more professional register.

Is "work in hand" interchangeable with "task at hand"?

While similar, "work in hand" generally refers to the broader project or tasks currently being actively managed, whereas "task at hand" often refers to the immediate, specific action needed.

Can "work in hand" be used for both individual and team projects?

Yes, "work in hand" can be used to describe both individual and team projects. For example, "The team is diligently addressing the "work in hand" to meet the deadline".