task in hand vs task at hand

Both 'task in hand' and 'task at hand' are commonly used phrases in English, but 'task at hand' is the correct and more widely accepted version. 'Task in hand' is less common and may be considered a variation or a mistake. It is important to use 'task at hand' for clarity and correctness.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1692 views

'Task in hand' is not the standard or widely accepted phrase in English.

"task in hand"

The correct phrase is 'task at hand,' which means the task that is currently being dealt with or focused on.

Show examples from the web [+]

is also concerned about the use that will be made of this document by Member States, particularly if the financial perspectives are not equal to the task in hand;
We have to make sure nothing interferes with the task in hand.
But Thierry was still finding distractions from the task in hand.
Let us focus on the task in hand.
We must ask ourselves if in general terms, the European Union is capable at this historic juncture of dealing with the task in hand.
Let's hope he keeps his mind on the task in hand.
Only 25-26 advisors per country, a mere drop in the ocean, and in no way sufficient for the task in hand.
The compromise, as adopted, is not at all suitable to the task in hand.
Ladies and gentlemen, Messrs Cashman and Simpson have also requested the floor, but I would be grateful if we could concentrate on the task in hand.
The persons responsible for operating the installation must be provided with the appropriate material resources and must be qualified to carry out the task in hand.
Mr President, unfortunately the action plans of the High Level Working Group on Asylum and Migration hardly do justice to the task in hand.
My lord, when you went onward on this ended action I looked upon her with a soldier's eye, that liked but had a rougher task in hand than to drive liking to the name of love.
The Commission, I am glad to say, has that task in hand, although I fear that some of the measures proposed last month for eliminating illegal fishing will not go down too well with the Council.
The size of the task in hand means that every Member State will have to bear the cost of the investment which is allocated to it, seeing as the provision of information on Europe concerns all the authorities.
We will continue to choose partners on the basis of their efficiency and the availability of partners for the task in hand and bearing in mind, of course, their different comparative strengths and the roles they can play.
For once, you will devote yourself as a loving wife and settle down to the task in hand, providing him with an heir.
Rather, we must set aside superfluities and hindrances, devoting ourselves without further ado to the task in hand.
To achieve this, it is vital for the European ministerial presence at EU-LAC inter-ministerial fora, along the lines of the EU-Rio Group meetings, to be equal to the task in hand: bringing about a strategic bi-regional partnership.
When it comes to dealing with public money, thrift is always a virtue, and expenditure must be seen in the light of the task in hand.
These qualities ensure that the task in hand is clearly formulated and numerically measurable, which presupposes that the scales of measurement will be contractual obligations;

Alternatives:

task at hand

'Task at hand' is the correct and widely accepted phrase in English.

"task at hand"

'Task at hand' refers to the task that is currently being dealt with or focused on.

Show examples from the web [+]

The task at hand is to simply duplicate a sequence of lit pads that's presented to you.
She's on the other side, focused on the task at hand.
You need focus, precision, the ability to only think about the task at hand.
second, whether the available policy instruments are suited to the task at hand, are backed with the necessary resources, and present clear advantages;
Now would you focus on the task at hand?
Just as soon as we've finished the task at hand.
Kevin, I thought we were trying to stick to the task at hand.
I have a task at hand.
You would be wise to focus on the task at hand.
- Forget about my psychiatrist and concentrate on the task at hand.
Just stay focused on the task at hand.
Fortunately, for the task at hand, relative competence is probably sufficient.
Can't let anything distract them from the task at hand.
It seems all this chatter has veered me from the task at hand.
You would be wise to focus on the task at hand.
Maybe we should focus on the task at hand.
Nothing deterred us from the task at hand.
But to focus On the task at hand.
Sufficient for the task at hand.
They need the resolve to complete the task at hand.

Alternatives:

task in hand

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task in hand vs task at hand

"task in hand"

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