in hand vs at hand

Both 'in hand' and 'at hand' are correct phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. 'In hand' is used to indicate that something is physically held or under control, while 'at hand' is used to mean something is nearby or readily available.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1504 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is physically held or under control.

"in hand"

Use 'in hand' when referring to something that is physically held or under control. For example, 'I have the documents in hand.'

Examples:

He had the keys in hand as he approached the door.
She kept the situation in hand by remaining calm.
The teacher had the students' attention in hand during the lesson.
The chef had the recipe book in hand while cooking.
The manager had the project in hand and was overseeing its progress.

Show examples from the web [+]

Nothing in hand but this whiskey bottle.
And I have exactly 3,954.30 cash in hand.
Doctors usually up before the sun, whip in hand.
Purse in hand, she closed the door.
The Sanctuary has everything in hand.
Nurse Crane has the practicalities in hand.
Please have boarding pass in hand!
Doctores usually up before the sun, whip in hand.
I sprung from my mother with sword in hand.
You're always with a glass in hand.
They have the Indians pretty well in hand.
We must catch him cheese in hand.
That's it. Exit singing, bags in hand.
It's all in hand, Miss Quinn.
Doctores usually up before the sun, whip in hand.
I would see you with a sword in hand soon.
I sprung from my mother with sword in hand.
Operative Collins has his cover documentation in hand?
We were not found knife in hand, kneeling beside body.
When could you Sin a brush in hand.

Alternatives:

physically held
under control
in possession

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to mean something is nearby or readily available.

"at hand"

Use 'at hand' when referring to something that is nearby or readily available. For example, 'I have the information at hand.'

Examples:

The tools needed for the job are at hand.
She always keeps a first aid kit at hand in case of emergencies.
The solution to the problem was at hand the whole time.
Having a dictionary at hand is useful when reading in a foreign language.
He likes to have snacks at hand while watching movies.

Show examples from the web [+]

Fortunately, help was at hand.
The 3M Architectural Market at hand.
The day of redemption is at hand.
The day of reckoning is at hand.
Over the recess, I've had the opportunity to contemplate the issues at hand.
But if we could get back to the crisis at hand...
Salvation and justice are indeed at hand.
The robot revolution is at hand.
It's victory is at hand.
But never fear, redemption is at hand.
And the technology is at hand.
It's a wonder that humankind has constructed any kind of this monumental distraction at hand.
It's his way of using the objects at hand.
Now, retribution is at hand.
Urgent matters of state are at hand.
Not when there's a far more humane remedy at hand.
Repent ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
We've got to focus on the task at hand.
Surely some revelation is at hand; Surely the Second Coming is at hand.
Seems there are fairly important matters at hand.

Alternatives:

nearby
readily available
close by

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in hand vs at hand

"in hand"

"at hand"

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