How to use "on the other hand"

What Does "on the other hand" Mean?

• Grammatical function: contrast
• Typical sentence position: initial / medial
• Register: neutral

How to Use It

• Syntactic patterns: It is followed by a clause that presents a contrasting idea. It can be preceded by a statement of one side of an argument or situation.
• Punctuation rules: Typically, "on the other hand" is set off by commas, especially when it appears mid-sentence. When it begins a sentence, a comma follows it. A semicolon can precede it when it connects two independent clauses.
• Grammatical flexibility: It can start a sentence or be embedded within a clause. It cannot be negated directly.
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using it to introduce the first point in a discussion sounds unnatural. Omitting the comma after the phrase when it begins a sentence can also seem incorrect.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from on the other hand on Ludwig.guru.

"On the other hand, no one cares." — Forbes

"On the other hand, there is ambivalence." — The New York Times

"Sharapova, on the other hand, was embarrassed." — The New York Times

"I, on the other hand, cannot." — The New York Times

"A bad number, on the other hand?" — The New Yorker

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/on+the+other+hand

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
conversely	More formal and concise; emphasizes a direct opposite.
in contrast	Similar in formality; highlights the differences between two things.
however	A common and versatile alternative; can be slightly less formal.
by contrast	Emphasizes the differences, often used in comparisons.
on the contrary	Used to strongly deny a previous statement and introduce the opposite.
that being said	Introduces a contrasting or qualifying point after acknowledging a previous one.
then again	Introduces a slightly weaker or more tentative contrasting point.
yet	More concise and can indicate a surprising contrast.

Common Mistakes

• A common mistake is using it incorrectly to introduce the first point in an argument instead of a contrasting one, or confusing it with similar phrases like 'on one hand'.
• Forgetting the comma after the phrase when it begins a sentence is another frequent error.
• Using "on the other hand" when a simpler connective like "but" or "however" would be more appropriate can also make writing sound stilted.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
on the other hand	Introduces a contrasting point or alternative	Neutral	Initial, medial

FAQs

Where can "on the other hand" be placed in a sentence?

"On the other hand" is quite flexible. It most commonly appears at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma, but it can also be placed mid-sentence, usually set off by commas: "My preference is A; B, on the other hand, is also a viable option."

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How does "on the other hand" differ from "on the contrary"?

While both introduce contrast, "on the other hand" presents an alternative perspective, whereas "on the contrary" directly contradicts a previous statement. "The initial assessment was positive; on the contrary, subsequent findings revealed significant flaws" shows direct opposition, unlike simply presenting a different viewpoint.

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How can I avoid misusing "on the other hand"?

Avoid using "on the other hand" to introduce the first point in an argument; it's for the second point, offering a contrast. Remember that it follows a prior statement or consideration. A similar but separate phrase, "on one hand", is often used in conjunction with "on the other hand" to introduce both sides of an argument.