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on hand vs in hand

Both 'on hand' and 'in hand' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'On hand' is used to indicate that something is available or accessible, while 'in hand' is used to indicate that something is physically held or possessed.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 1390 views

on hand

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

Use 'on hand' when referring to something that is readily available or accessible for use or assistance.

Examples:

I always keep a first aid kit on hand in case of emergencies.
Do you have any extra copies of the report on hand?
The manager always has a solution on hand for any problem that arises.
Having a dictionary on hand can be helpful when learning a new language.
It's good to have some cash on hand in case of unexpected expenses.

Show examples from the web [+]

immediately available in hand Ms. Sharp will be on hand to answer questions later about the film. The two cosmonauts have seven hours of oxygen on hand, but ...
Jan 17, 2012 ... What's the difference between at hand, on hand and in hand? At hand seems to me as if you have something in reach. On hand is if you have ...
6 days ago ... Definition of "on hand" - American English Dictionary ... ready and available: He always kept a supply of firewood on hand for cold nights.
see definition of on hand. Font size. X. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. show. all, adjective, adverb ... Synonyms for on hand. adj ready for use. accessible star · usable star ...

Alternatives:

available
accessible
readily available
at hand
within reach

in hand

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

Use 'in hand' when referring to something that is physically held or possessed by someone.

Examples:

She walked into the meeting with a cup of coffee in hand.
He always keeps his phone in hand in case of important calls.
The player had the ball in hand when the referee blew the whistle.
I prefer to have my passport in hand when going through airport security.
She entered the room with a bouquet of flowers 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:

held
possessed
carried
grasped
clutched

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