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Chan-Seung Lee
Joined: 03 Dec 2005
Posts: 1032
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 Posted: Thu Dec 28, 2006 6:34 am Post subject: in hand vs on hand |
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1.Lisa seemed to have things in hand by the time he returned.
2.Lisa seemed to have things on hand by the time he returned.
3.Plans are in hand to perform 'O2' next semester.
4.Plans are on hand to perform 'O2' next semester.
5.Our staff are always on hand to help.
6.Our staff are always in hand to help.
7.She saw a beautiful jacket but she had no money on hand.
8.She saw a beautiful jacket but she had no money in hand. |
Which one is correct? I cannot tell 'in hand' from 'on hand'.
Please let me know.
Thanks. |
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Mister Micawber
Joined: 23 Mar 2006
Posts: 774
Location: Yokohama
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| Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 11:35 pm Post subject: |
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The meanings are quite different.
In hand = under control, well-organized and according to plan.
From Dict.com:
in hand,
a. under control: He kept the situation well in hand.
b. in one's possession: cash in hand.
c. in the process of consideration or settlement: regarding the matter in hand.
On hand = readily available nearby, conveniently present.
From Dict.com:
on hand,
a. in one's possession; at one's disposal: cash on hand.
b. about to occur; imminent: A change of government may be on hand.
c. present: There were not enough members on hand to constitute a quorum.
Now which of your sentences do you think are right?
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_________________
"I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences." � Gertrude Stein
...............
Canadian-American who teaches English for a living at Mr Micawber's |
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