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Rovi297 Posted 18 years ago
Vocabulary
similar or not?
to hand, at hand, on hand, any slight differences? Thanks!
Top answer
Hello Rovi, "To hand" and "at hand" tend to be used of objects, and mean "easily accessible". "On hand" tends to be used of people, and means "waiting and ready to act". Best wishes, MrP
- Hello Rovi, "To hand" and "at hand" tend to be used of objects, and mean "easily accessible".
- "On hand" tends to be used of people, and means "waiting and ready to act".
- Best wishes, MrP
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8 Answers
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Hello Rovi,
"To hand" and "at hand" tend to be used of objects, and mean "easily accessible". "On hand" tends to be used of people, and means "waiting and ready to act".
Best wishes,
MrP
"To hand" and "at hand" tend to be used of objects, and mean "easily accessible". "On hand" tends to be used of people, and means "waiting and ready to act".
Best wishes,
MrP
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American English must be different. on hand is definitely for objects, particularly ingredients.
My wife wanted to make a cake, but she didn't have any [flour / eggs] on hand.
to hand sounds completely British. I don't ever use it. I'm not sure I ever use at hand either, except maybe as an occasional substitute for on hand.
CJ
My wife wanted to make a cake, but she didn't have any [flour / eggs] on hand.
to hand sounds completely British. I don't ever use it. I'm not sure I ever use at hand either, except maybe as an occasional substitute for on hand.
CJ
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CalifJimAmerican English must be different. on hand is definitely for objects, particularly ingredients.
My wife wanted to make a cake, but she didn't have any [flour / eggs] on hand.
to hand sounds completely British. I don't ever use it. I'm not sure I ever use at hand either, except maybe as an occasional substitute for
00
I agree that 'to hand' doesn't sound natural in AmE.
To me, the difference between 'on hand' and 'at hand' is this:
At hand = in close proximity and/or easily accessible.
On hand = available for use (e.g. supplies), or present (e.g. people)
To me, the difference between 'on hand' and 'at hand' is this:
At hand = in close proximity and/or easily accessible.
On hand = available for use (e.g. supplies), or present (e.g. people)
00
Hi,
I think at hand means nearby in terms of distance, while on hand means nearby in terms of time. Anyway, I have noticed their usages are interchangeable.
I think at hand means nearby in terms of distance, while on hand means nearby in terms of time. Anyway, I have noticed their usages are interchangeable.
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Hi Hoa Thai
I can't say I agree with that. Perhaps you are assuming interchangeability because 'at hand' can mean 'close proximity' or 'near' in terms of time or space:
The time is at hand.
I would never substitute 'on' for 'at' in the sentence above. The expression suggests imminence or immediacy -- i.e. extremely near in terms of time.
Imagine t
I can't say I agree with that. Perhaps you are assuming interchangeability because 'at hand' can mean 'close proximity' or 'near' in terms of time or space:
The time is at hand.
I would never substitute 'on' for 'at' in the sentence above. The expression suggests imminence or immediacy -- i.e. extremely near in terms of time.
Imagine t
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Thank you all for your input, which help me understand the difference among them.
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Hi Amy,
I agree with you that on hand and at hand hold their own meaning according to context. However, my statement 'I have noticed that their usages are interchangeable' reflects instances in which it is hard for me to discern a difference; for examples:
Help is at/on hand.
Paul's cash on hand vs. Giuliani's cash at hand
Change of administrat
I agree with you that on hand and at hand hold their own meaning according to context. However, my statement 'I have noticed that their usages are interchangeable' reflects instances in which it is hard for me to discern a difference; for examples:
Help is at/on hand.
Paul's cash on hand vs. Giuliani's cash at hand
Change of administrat
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