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on the other hand

on the other hand

357 2.8
Shows a different idea from what you said before
  • idiom
translation icon : por otro lado
  • She was well-prepared for the exam; on the other hand, her friend didn't study at all.
  • On the other hand,
  • On the other hand,
  • On the other hand,

Wayne Rooney on the other hand has got levels.

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Examples

  • Natural disasters, on the other hand, have been more of a threat to southern farmers.

    Academic text (1990)
  • In Europe, on the other hand, it was the subject of a fierce debate.

    Academic text (1999)
  • And this one, on the other hand, is green.

  • Purpose, on the other hand, is something you do.

  • These guys, on the other hand, are not doing so good.

  • Sleep, on the other hand, is very different.

  • The Dead Sea, on the other hand, has no exit.

  • The Italians, on the other hand, were much more cautious.

  • Ecuadorean exports to European countries, on the other hand, have been generally stable or increasing.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Jennifer, on the other hand, would steamroll over them with her energy and conviction.

    Fiction book (1992)

Synonyms

but
vson the other hand
1.0

Introducing a statement that contrasts with what came before

is a phrase used to introduce contrast rather than join clauses
however
vson the other hand
  • Formal
2.6

Shows a contrast with what was said before

is more conversational and less formal in everyday speech
still
vson the other hand
1.0

Shows that something is true despite what was said before

is used to introduce an alternative rather than coexistence
rather
vson the other hand
1.0

Instead of that, say or do something different

is used to present contrast more than offer a simple alternative
yet
vson the other hand
899 1.0

In spite of that

is a phrase that introduces a full contrasting statement instead
whereas
vson the other hand
  • Formal
359 3.5

To show that two things are different

is more flexible, usable for general opposing comments beyond comparison
at the same time
vson the other hand
233 3.4

Shows a contrast with what was just said

is used to introduce a clearer opposing idea without softening
even so
vson the other hand
149 3.5

Shows that something happens or is true despite what was said

is more neutral, used to balance two opposing ideas
all the same
vson the other hand
98 3.3

To say something is true despite what was just said

introduces contrast focused on different points rather than persistence
on the other side
vson the other hand
95 3.6

To show an opposite idea in a discussion

is more conversational, used to contrast rather than formally oppose
on the contrary
vson the other hand
68 3.2

To say the opposite to correct a wrong idea

is milder, introducing a contrasting view without outright contradiction
to the contrary
vson the other hand
56 4.3

In a way that shows the opposite is true

is softer, introducing contrast without claiming total opposition
then again
vson the other hand
  • Informal
46 3.2

To show a different idea or possibility

is used for direct contrasting statements rather than casual alternatives
conversely
vson the other hand
  • Formal
42 4.6

To introduce a statement that shows the opposite of what was just said

is more neutral, offering contrast without implying logical reversal
contrarily
vson the other hand
1 6.5

In a way that is the opposite of what was expected

is less forceful, simply offering a contrasting comment instead
contra
vson the other hand
  • Formal
7.4

A word showing disagreement with something, often in formal writing

is more common in everyday speech and less formal in tone
contrastingly
vson the other hand
6.1

In a way that shows a clear difference between two things

is broader, used for ordinary contrasts without sharpness

Antonyms

To introduce one of two contrasting points in a discussion

Surface Forms

Morphology

on + the + other + hand

The phrase combines 'on' + 'the' + 'other' + 'hand' where 'hand' is used metaphorically for a side or viewpoint and 'other' signals an alternative; together they straightforwardly indicate a contrasting perspective. This spatial/side-of-an-argument metaphor is common across languages and follows normal compositional patterns, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

The idiom on the other hand comes from a simple image: someone shows one idea with one hand, then points to the other hand to show a different side. So, it is used to introduce a 'different' or 'contrasting' point.