How can we use these useful expressions in English?
These idiomatic expressions are frequently used in both speaking and writing when comparing two different facts or opposite ways of thinking.
Use "on (the) one hand" when describing the first of two contrasting ideas or options, and use "on the other hand" before describing the second idea.
In writing, this is an appropriate way to begin a new paragraph!
Examples:
"On one hand, I enjoy making extra income on weekends, but on the other hand, I miss having Saturdays off!"
"On one hand, social media is a great way to stay connected, but on the other hand, it's a huge waste of time."
"On one hand, the body requires salt to maintain normal cell function. On the other hand, high salt intake can cause health issues."
Other words that show contradiction:
- but (informal)
- however (formal)
- conversely (formal)
- nevertheless (formal)
- unlike (informal / formal)
- on the contrary (formal)