to have something at hand vs to have something to hand

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'To have something at hand' means to have something readily available or nearby, while 'to have something to hand' means to have something available for immediate use or assistance.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 1115 views

to have something at hand

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase means to have something readily available or nearby, making it easy to access when needed.

Examples:

I always keep a pen at hand in case I need to take notes.
Having a first aid kit at hand is essential in case of emergencies.

Show examples from the web [+]

Well, then... it seems we've both lost something at the hands of a Pendragon.
You'd have something in that hand and this hand you'd forget about.
I guess when you work in a world of uncertainty, it's great to have something at home you can count on.
We need to have something at the end that we can be proud of, to allow people to participate in society.
There's something about hand cuffs and a truncheon.
I'm going to teach you two a little something about hands-on parenting.
You get something in hand, we'll discuss it.
We've got something on hand now that's as much your business as ours.
You remember something about his hands?
There's something in his hand.
I need something in my hand.
She has something in her hand.
You dropped something in her hand.
She said something about second-hand smoke, and then she doubled over.
He always said you'd end up doing something with your hands.
Sometimes I smoke just to give my hands something to do.
The doctor has something in his hands.
I was thinking I would like to do something with my hands.
There's something in her hand.
So just calm down, do something with your hands.

Alternatives:

to have something close by
to have something nearby
to have something within reach
to have something at the ready

to have something to hand

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

This phrase means to have something available for immediate use or assistance, often implying that someone is handing it to you.

Examples:

She always has a tissue to hand when someone needs it.
He had the documents to hand during the meeting.

Show examples from the web [+]

If there's money to be had, I want to hand something to his next-of.
You were supposed to hand something to Paul, but he couldn't do it, so you handed it to me.
Sometimes I smoke just to give my hands something to do.
There's something to wrap your hands around other than your todger.
I need something to wipe my hand.
You'd have something in that hand and this hand you'd forget about.
I understand you suspect Bromeus to have something to do with the treachery.
You hallucinate conversations with me to have something to do.
I'm not calling because I want to have something to do with you.
Feels good to have something to do.
I'm not trawling for men to have something to write.
I want to have something to present to them...
I've got to have something to eat. Anything.
The man has to have something to do.
I wanted you to have something to hold when I'm not here.
South Africa also has to have something to show its citizens.
I think it's nice to have something to unwrap.
Bring in anyone who seems to have something to hide.
I have to have something to show them.
I'd like to have something to tell them first... anything.

Alternatives:

to have something ready
to have something available
to have something on hand
to have something within easy reach

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to have something at hand vs to have something to hand