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Coachpotato Posted 21 years ago
Vocabulary

HANDY / AT HAND

I've heard someone saying : I didn't have a pen handy.

Is it correct? Is it possible to say at hand?

Thanks in advance
  

Top answer

Hi, I didn't have a pen at hand. This means my pen is not conveniently placed, not close to me. You also hear 'to hand' in this sense'.

— Clive

  • Hi, I didn't have a pen at hand.
  • This means my pen is not conveniently placed, not close to me.
  • You also hear 'to hand' in this sense'.
  • I didn't have a pen handy .
  • The meaning is the same as the above.
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1 Answers
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Hi,

I didn't have a pen at hand. This means my pen is not conveniently placed, not close to me. You also hear 'to hand' in this sense'.

I didn't have a pen handy. The meaning is the same as the above. 'Handy' also has the meaning of 'useful', but not in this context.

Best wishes, Clive
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