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in hand vs on hand

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

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 2104 views

in hand

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

Use 'in hand' when referring to something that is physically held or available at the moment.

Examples:

I have the documents in hand.
The keys are in hand.
He had the money in hand.

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:

in possession
in one's possession
in one's hands
at hand
available

on hand

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

Use 'on hand' when referring to something that is available or easily accessible, but not necessarily physically held.

Examples:

We have extra chairs on hand.
There are snacks on hand for the meeting.
The doctor always keeps medication on hand.

Show examples from the web [+]

The client wanted him on hand.
I always keep these on hand.
So he doesn't want into the vault, just what's on hand.
Said you had a lot of narcotics on hand.
Besides, I shall be on hand.
And he's rejected all the AB we have on hand.
I want them to have plenty more on hand.
Cassidy would need at least 5,000 gallons of formula on hand.
We have business on hand, gentlemen.
They always keep keys on hand.
That construction site, those trucks - they always keep keys on hand.
Keep a few of these on hand.
Addoncs often keep a small stock on hand, for emergencies.
Four different kinds of chili pepper on hand.
They made stuff happen with what they had on hand.
Besides, I shall be on hand.
Also, there'll be Farmer Frank, Angel Slapski, and Buffalo Bill Baker will be on hand.
Ma always kept it on hand, in case I got sick.
I will personally be on hand to provide support, make sure everything runs smoothly.
What kind of companies would have these materials on hand?

Alternatives:

available
readily available
accessible
close by
at hand

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