Quick answer: “On the other hand” is a transitional phrase used to introduce a contrasting point or an alternative perspective. It is almost always paired with “on the one hand” to present two sides of an argument, though it can stand alone in informal contexts to signal a shift in viewpoint.
We often stumble over this phrase because it feels conversational, yet it carries specific logical weight in writing. Many writers drop the first half of the pair (“on the one hand”) and jump straight to “on the other hand,” leaving readers waiting for the initial premise that never arrived. Others use it when they simply mean “however” or “conversely,” diluting its specific function of balancing two distinct options. As an editor who has spent years refining manuscripts, I see this misuse constantly in cover letters and academic essays where precision matters most. Understanding exactly how this phrase functions will sharpen your argumentation and prevent your prose from feeling disjointed.
| Term | Meaning / When to use | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| On the one hand | Introduces the first of two contrasting points or options. | On the one hand, the job offers a high salary. |
| On the other hand | Introduces the second, contrasting point or option. | On the other hand, the commute is three hours long. |
| However / Conversely | Used to contrast ideas without implying a balanced two-part structure. | The salary is high; however, the commute is long. |
When to use “on the one hand”
This phrase sets the stage. It signals to your reader that you are about to present a specific viewpoint, fact, or option that will be directly weighed against another. It creates an expectation of balance. You should use it when you have two distinct, often opposing, considerations that are equally important to your argument.
Think of it as placing the first weight on a scale. Without this initial placement, the second weight has nothing to counterbalance. In formal writing, omitting this part can make your logic feel lopsided or incomplete.
- In a business proposal: “On the one hand, upgrading our software will require significant upfront investment.”
- In a personal decision: “On the one hand, moving to the city would give me access to better career opportunities.”
- In academic analysis: “On the one hand, the data suggests a correlation between sleep and productivity.”
Notice how each example leaves the reader hanging slightly, anticipating the counterpoint. That anticipation is the rhetorical power of this phrase. It forces the reader to hold two ideas in their mind simultaneously.
When to use “on the other hand”
This is the payoff. It introduces the contrasting point, the drawback, or the alternative option. According to Wikipedia, this phrase is idiomatic and serves specifically to mark a contrast or an alternative view. It is the linguistic equivalent of flipping the coin to show the other side.
You use this when you need to pivot from the first point to its opposite or complementary counterpart. It softens the blow of a contradiction, making the transition feel more like a balanced consideration than a harsh rebuttal.
- Completing the business proposal: “On the other hand, it will reduce long-term maintenance costs by forty percent.”
- Completing the personal decision: “On the other hand, the cost of living is double what I pay now.”
- Completing the academic analysis: “On the other hand, recent studies indicate that individual genetic factors play a larger role.”
I often see writers use “on the other hand” to introduce a third point or a completely unrelated idea. This is incorrect. If you are listing three benefits, do not use “on the other hand” for the second one. Use “furthermore” or “additionally.” Reserve “on the other hand” strictly for contrasts.
Consider this real-world edit from a resume I recently reviewed. The candidate wrote: “I managed a team of ten. On the other hand, I increased sales by 15%.” This makes no sense. Increasing sales is not a contrast to managing a team; it is a result or an additional achievement. The fix was simple: “I managed a team of ten and increased sales by 15%.” Or, if there was a contrast, such as a challenge: “I managed a team of ten during a budget cut. On the other hand, I still managed to increase sales by 15%.” Now the contrast is clear: difficulty vs. success.
Another common error appears in email communication. A colleague once wrote: “Thanks for sending the report. On the other hand, I will review it tomorrow.” This is jarring. There is no contrast between gratitude and a timeline. The correct transition would be “Additionally” or simply starting a new sentence. Using “on the other hand” here confuses the reader, making them look for a hidden contradiction that isn’t there.
How to remember the difference
The best mnemonic is visual: imagine a physical scale or a pair of hands. You cannot have an “other” hand without acknowledging the first one. If you find yourself typing “on the other hand,” pause and ask: “Did I just present the first hand?”
If you did not, you have two choices:
- Go back and add “On the one hand…” to the previous sentence.
- Delete “on the other hand” and replace it with a simpler transition like “however,” “but,” or “conversely.”
Here is an editor-level insight: In modern, less formal writing, it is acceptable to drop “on the one hand” and use only “on the other hand” if the contrast is obvious from the context. For example: “The movie had stunning visuals. On the other hand, the plot was nonsensical.” Most readers will understand the contrast without the explicit first marker. However, in formal academic or legal writing, always keep the pair together to ensure logical rigor.
Think of the phrase as a bridge. “On the one hand” is the anchor on the left bank. “On the other hand” is the anchor on the right bank. If you only drop the right anchor, the bridge collapses.
Common mistakes and exceptions
One frequent mistake is using “on the other hand” when you mean “on the contrary.” These are not interchangeable. “On the contrary” is used to deny a previous statement and assert the opposite. “On the other hand” is used to present an alternative or additional consideration that may not directly negate the first point.
- Incorrect: “He is not lazy. On the other hand, he works very hard.”
- Correct: “He is not lazy. On the contrary, he works very hard.”
- Correct usage of ‘other hand’: “He is very creative. On the other hand, he struggles with deadlines.”
Here, creativity and deadline management are two different traits. One does not deny the other; they coexist. This is the perfect scenario for “on the other hand.”
Another exception involves the word “other” itself. The concept of “otherness” is deeply rooted in language, as explored in philosophical and linguistic contexts regarding the Other. While this deep dive into identity is beyond the scope of grammar, it highlights why “other” implies a distinct separation. When you say “the other hand,” you are invoking a distinct, separate entity from the first. Do not use it for things that are similar or cumulative.
US vs. UK English differences are minimal here. Both varieties use the phrase identically. However, British writers may be slightly more inclined to retain the full “on the one hand… on the other hand” structure in formal correspondence, whereas American business writing often favors brevity, dropping the first half more frequently. Regardless of region, clarity is the ultimate goal.
A subtle exception is when “on the other hand” is used ironically or humorously. In casual text messages or social media posts, you might see: “I love pizza. On the other hand, I also love salad.” Here, the humor comes from the false equivalence. Pizza and salad are not true opposites, so the formal weight of the phrase creates a comedic effect. This is fine in casual contexts but should be avoided in professional writing where precision is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start a sentence with “On the other hand”? Yes, it is perfectly grammatical to start a sentence with this phrase. It acts as a transitional adverbial phrase, linking the new sentence to the previous one. Just ensure it is followed by a comma.
Is “on the other hand” too informal for academic writing? No, it is acceptable in academic writing, provided you use the full pair (“on the one hand… on the other hand”) to maintain logical balance. It is considered a standard transitional device in argumentative essays.
What is the difference between “on the other hand” and “in contrast”? “In contrast” is more direct and often highlights a sharper difference. “On the other hand” suggests a weighing of options or a more nuanced consideration. Use “in contrast” for stark differences and “on the other hand” for balanced deliberations.
Do I always need a comma after “on the other hand”? Yes, when it begins a sentence or clause, it should be followed by a comma to separate the transitional phrase from the main subject. For example: “On the other hand, we could wait until next year.”
Brian Garcia has always been fascinated by the intricacies of the English language. With a Master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Chicago and over 15 years of experience in the field, Brian has dedicated his career to unraveling the complexities of word usage, comparisons, and spelling. His expertise lies in breaking down commonly confused words, helping readers gain clarity and confidence in their language skills. What drew Brian to this field was his passion for storytelling and his love for the art of communication. As a content creator for WordCompareHub, he focuses on engaging readers with insightful articles that demystify tricky word pairs and offer practical spelling tips. In his free time, Brian enjoys delving into etymology and exploring the evolution of words through history.