works on hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"works on hand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to tasks that need to be completed, for example "I've got a lot of works on hand that I need to finish by the end of the week".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Great works on hand — by which I mean ones that, like them or not, lastingly transcend the types of their form and style — range from an anonymous German's "Nellingen Crucifix" (1430-35) anDonatellolo's "Bust of Niccolò da Uzzano" (from the fourteen-thirties) to Jeff Koons's "Michael Jackson and Bubbles" (1988) and Charles Ray's "Aluminum Girl" (2003).

The New Yorker

Except for an installation by one strongly original veteran artist, Franz West, the works on hand amount to new wine in old bottles.

The New Yorker

The works on hand back this up, ranging between figuration and abstraction, by various routes.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, the thirty-eight works on hand amount to Johnsian exercises in kit form.

The New Yorker

This being an art fair, however, there are enough cheerful works on hand to take the edge off.

The New York Times - Arts

That is what happens in this show, anyway, which might also have been titled "Further Adventures in Appropriation and/or Collage," since the works on hand almost invariably rearrange bits of reality.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It is of interest that these works on one hand refer to decades ago [ 89], whilst on the other have been only recently conducted [ 47].

BMC Psychiatry

I wanted to work, on one hand to supplement the family income, on the other hand to get out of the family to liberate myself.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

They would spend hours working on hand motions and facial expressions.

The New York Times - Sports

The business has so much work on hand that your correspondent will be lucky to get his refurbished Rollei complete with a new Maxwell screen back before Christmas.

The Economist

Theater executives working on "Hand to God" said on Tuesday that among the producers considering the show were Kevin McCollum and Roy Miller, who have produced open-ended runs of new works, including the Broadway musicals "[title of show]" and "The Drowsy Chaperone".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "works on hand", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to tasks needing completion or physical items available. For instance, clarify with additional details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "works on hand" when you mean "work at hand". "Works on hand" refers to specific projects or items, while "work at hand" is a more general reference to the task needing completion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "works on hand" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies specific tasks, projects, or items that are currently in progress or available, as evidenced by the examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "works on hand" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that refers to tasks, projects, or items currently being addressed or available. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and provides examples demonstrating its use in diverse contexts such as News & Media and Science. Although "works on hand" is not exceedingly common, understanding its specific meaning—distinct from "work at hand"—is crucial for precise communication. Using this expression accurately can enhance clarity in both writing and speech, especially when detailing current projects or available resources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tasks at hand

Replaces "works" with "tasks", focusing on the work aspect rather than physical objects.

projects underway

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the work, using "underway" instead of "on hand".

items available

Focuses on availability, suitable when referring to physical items or resources.

matters in progress

More formal alternative, suitable for business or official contexts, replacing "works" with "matters".

assignments being tackled

Highlights the active process of addressing tasks, using "assignments" instead of "works".

duties to be performed

Formal, emphasizes obligation or requirement, replacing "works" with "duties".

responsibilities in progress

Similar to "matters in progress" but emphasizes personal accountability.

available resources

Focuses on tangible assets or support materials that are readily accessible.

current endeavors

A more sophisticated term indicating ongoing efforts or pursuits, moving beyond simple "works".

existing inventory

Primarily applicable to physical goods or products, less about tasks or projects.

FAQs

What does "works on hand" mean?

"Works on hand" refers to tasks, projects, or items that are currently being addressed or are readily available. It generally implies that something is in progress or ready for use.

How can I use "works on hand" in a sentence?

You can use "works on hand" to describe the projects you're currently managing or the items you have available. For example, "The business has so much "work on hand" that your correspondent will be lucky to get his refurbished Rollei back before Christmas."

What's the difference between "work on hand" and "works on hand"?

While both phrases are related, "work on hand" typically refers to a general task or effort, whereas "works on hand" suggests multiple specific projects or items. The former is more commonly used to talk about general tasks and the latter is usually used to refer to art projects or things like that.

Are there alternatives to "works on hand"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "tasks at hand", "projects underway", or "items available" depending on the specific context.