have something in hand vs have something to hand

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Have something in hand' is used to indicate that you physically possess something or have it available for immediate use. 'Have something to hand' is used to mean that something is readily available or easily accessible.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1545 views

have something in hand

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate that you physically possess something or have it available for immediate use.

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize that you have something ready for use or action. It can refer to having a physical object in your possession or having a plan or solution prepared.

Examples:

I always make sure to have a backup plan in hand.
Do you have the report in hand for the meeting?
She had the keys in hand and was ready to leave.
Having the necessary tools in hand, he started the repair work.
It's important to have all the information in hand before making a decision.

Alternatives:

have something ready
have something available
have something prepared
have something at hand
have something on hand

have something to hand

This phrase is correct and commonly used to mean that something is readily available or easily accessible.

This phrase is used when you want to convey that something is within reach or easily obtainable. It can refer to having an object nearby or having access to information or resources.

Examples:

I always keep a pen to hand in case I need to write something down.
Do you have the documents to hand for the presentation?
She had the necessary tools to hand for the job.
Having the information to hand made the decision easier.
It's useful to have the contact details to hand in case of an emergency.

Show examples from the web [+]

If there's money to be had, I want to hand something to his next-of.
You were supposed to hand something to Paul, but he couldn't do it, so you handed it to me.
Sometimes I smoke just to give my hands something to do.
There's something to wrap your hands around other than your todger.
I need something to wipe my hand.
You'd have something in that hand and this hand you'd forget about.
When he hands me something to sign and it's about money and papers, I sign it.
May I have a towel or something to wipe my hands?
There's something about hand cuffs and a truncheon.
I'm going to teach you two a little something about hands-on parenting.
We've got something on hand now that's as much your business as ours.
So just calm down, do something with your hands.
There's something in her hand.
She has something in her hand.
You dropped something in her hand.
The doctor has something in his hands.
He always said you'd end up doing something with your hands.
You remember something about his hands?
I was thinking I would like to do something with my hands.
She said something about second-hand smoke, and then she doubled over.

Alternatives:

have something within reach
have something easily accessible
have something close by
have something nearby
have something at your fingertips

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have something in hand vs have something to hand