These phrases are all used to introduce contradictory alternatives, using the following pattern(s):
On (the) one hand, X, (but) on the other hand Y.
This makes sense as people have two hands, which are opposite in shape. And we use our hands to present or give things.
We can uses these phrases to offer choices:
Person 1: What should we do for dinner?
Person 2: Well, on the one hand, there is a great Chinese restaurant near here. But on the other hand, we could eat at home and save money.
Or we can describe opposing ideas that are both true:
On the one hand, it is important to prepare for the future. On the other hand, it is important to enjoy your life now.
These phrases can be used when two things seem contradictory but are both possible or true:
On the one hand, human beings are the most intelligent creatures on Earth. On the other hand, they are also the most violent.
We cannot use these two phrases together when only one thing can be true:
*On the one hand, he is alive, or on the other hand, he is dead. (not possible)
But if both choices are still possible, we could say:
On the one hand, he might be alive, but on the other hand, he could be dead.
Additionally, it is not always necessary to use both phrases “on the one hand” and “on the other hand”:
Person 1: Let’s go see a movie!
Person 2: On the other hand, we could go to a concert.
And sometimes people may even consider more than two hands:
Person 1: On the one hand, we could go to a movie, and on the other hand we could go to a concert.
Person 2: And on the other other hand, we could just stay home.
Saying “On the other other hand” is considered funny and is not standard usage. In a way, it makes fun of this English phrase for only giving us two choices (two hands). After all, there are usually more than two choices.
More Examples of “On (the) one hand” Used in a Sentence
- On one hand the fashion industry continues to stand firm against forced labor.
- On one hand, they deserve it.
- On one hand we want more privacy on our computers.
- On one hand, it would be hard to give up working at home.
- On the one hand, this provides Tesla with a windfall stream of income.
- On the one hand, GM has seen sales of some profitable vehicles rise.
- On the one hand, we don’t want business to take over our politics.
- On the one hand, things look promising, but on the other hand, ….
More Examples of “On the other hand” Used in a Sentence
- An LLP, on the other hand, can only be taxed as a partnership.
- On the other hand, over centralization can lead to quick and effective decision making.
- Harden, on the other hand, was too passive for a game without Durant.
- We on the other hand had to create all of that from scratch.
- On the other hand, I might not like it as much as I think.