🎁 A holiday package to celebrate the season! Click here and shop now!

TextRanch

The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

Our experts

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 • 1807 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

Related Comparisons

What Our Customers Are Saying

Our customers love us! We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283,125 votes.
Also check out our 2,100+ reviews on TrustPilot (4.9TextRanch on TrustPilot).

Why choose TextRanch?

Lowest prices
Up to 50% lower than other online editing sites.

Fastest Times
Our team of editors is working for you 24/7.

Qualified Editors
Native English experts for UK or US English.

Top Customer Service
We are here to help. Satisfaction guaranteed!

×

💝 TextRanch Holidays Offer! 💝️

25% special discount
Stock up on credits for the entire year!

Grab this offer now!