“On the other hand” introduces a point that contrasts with the previous one or balances it: a plus and a minus, for and against. It often works in a pair with “on the one hand”.
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on the one hand, + point; on the other hand, + opposite point; sentence. On the other hand, + contrasting sentence
- Living in the city centre is convenient. On the other hand, the rent is very high.
- On the one hand, online courses are cheap; on the other hand, it's hard to stay motivated.
- Flying is faster, but on the other hand, the train lets you enjoy the countryside.
What changed
First versionThe job pays well. From the other hand, the working hours are very long.
RevisionThe job pays well. On the other hand, the working hours are very long.
“From the other hand” and “from the other side” are not used in this meaning. This is a fixed expression with the preposition “on”: “on the other hand”.
“On the contrary” means “the opposite is true”: it rejects what was just said. To the question “Was the test easy?” you can answer “On the contrary, it was really hard.” “On the other hand” doesn't reject anything; it shows another side: “The test was hard. On the other hand, it was short.”
Your turn
The flat is small and far from the metro. ___, it's very cheap, so I'm going to rent it.
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On the other hand — First the flat's disadvantages are listed, then an advantage, the opposite side: “On the other hand”. “In addition” adds a point of the same kind, for example another disadvantage, and breaks the meaning here.
Think about how you get to work or to your place of study. Name one advantage and, after “on the other hand”, one disadvantage.
Cycling to the office saves me a lot of money. On the other hand, I arrive tired and sweaty on hot days.
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