An on the other hand synonym needs to do the same job: set one side of a comparison against another. In contrast, conversely, then again, however and that said all turn the reader toward the second side, but they differ in tone and in the sharpness of the turn.
The phrase is four words long, so swapping it once or twice in a long essay can tighten the rhythm. Below, the replacements are sorted by job, followed by a short punctuation guide and some tempting swaps to skip. Its whole family of linking phrases sits on the transition words hub.
Swatch at a glance
Best swaps
in contrast, conversely, then again, howeverPart of speech
Adverbial phrase used as a transitionMost formal
conversely, by contrast, nonethelessMost casual
on the flip side, mind you, but thenShortest
yet, but, stillUsual partner
on the one hand (optional, earlier in the passage)Watch out
Alternatively offers another option. It does not show contrast, so it cannot replace this phrase.
Pick by purpose
| Purpose | Phrases | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Two things side by side | in contrast, by contrast, in comparison | Cats sleep most of the day. Dogs, by contrast, want constant company. |
| A reverse relationship | conversely | Higher prices cut demand. Conversely, discounts raise it. |
| A point against your own | that said, even so, however | The flat is small. That said, the light is lovely. |
| Thinking aloud | then again, but then, mind you | I could take the bus. Then again, it is a nice day to walk. |
| Inside one sentence | whereas, while | Ana likes mornings, whereas Leo comes alive at night. |
Each on the other hand synonym, from loose to stiff
Left to right, the chips move from talk to formal prose. On the flip side is light and conversational. But then and then again sound like someone weighing things out loud, so they suit blogs and personal essays. In contrast is the neutral workhorse for school and work writing. Conversely is the most formal and carries a precise meaning: the second statement reverses the first.
If your teacher likes formal transitions, rotate between in contrast and by contrast. Use conversely only when the logic truly flips, as in the price example above.
Commas and semicolons
Like the original phrase, most of these swaps are followed by a comma when they open a sentence: In contrast, the north stayed dry. To link two complete clauses with this kind of phrase, put a semicolon before the transition: The north stayed dry; in contrast, the south flooded.
Whereas and while are different. They are conjunctions, so they join clauses with only a comma: The north stayed dry, whereas the south flooded. Yet and but work the same way. See the while and but pages for more conjunctions.
Old line, new line
- On the other hand, the city is expensive becomes that said, the city is expensive.
- Tea has less caffeine. On the other hand, coffee wakes me up becomes Tea has less caffeine. Coffee, in contrast, wakes me up.
- On the other hand, I might stay home becomes then again, I might stay home.
- Sales rose in spring. On the other hand, they fell in autumn becomes Sales rose in spring but fell in autumn.
- Exercise lowers stress; on the other hand, inactivity raises it becomes exercise lowers stress; conversely, inactivity raises it.
A student essay reads: "Online classes are flexible. On the other hand, they are lonely. On the other hand, they save money." The third turn sends the reader back to the first side, which is confusing. A fix: "Online classes are flexible and cheap. However, many students find them lonely." One clear turn, not two.
Swaps that do not quite fit
Alternatively suggests another choice, not a contrast: you can take the train or, alternatively, drive. On the contrary is stronger than it looks. It rejects the previous statement outright: I am not bored; on the contrary, I love it. Do not use it for two sides that can both be true. Besides and moreover add a point on the same side, so they move the argument in the wrong direction.
For the most common single word swap, the however synonyms page has a full list, and conversely has its own guide.
Do you need on the one hand first?
No. Many writers use on the other hand alone, and readers follow it without trouble. The pair on the one hand ... on the other hand is useful when you want to set up a balanced comparison clearly in advance, such as in a debate essay. Keep the two halves close together, ideally within the same paragraph, so the reader can still remember the first side when the second one arrives.
Frequently asked questions
Which contrast phrase is best for formal essays?
By contrast and in contrast are the safest formal picks. Conversely is also formal but only fits when the second idea reverses the first.
Can I use however instead of on the other hand?
Usually, yes. However is shorter and slightly broader, since it can introduce any surprise or limit, not only a second side of a comparison.
Is whereas the same as on the other hand?
They share the meaning, but whereas links a pair of clauses within a single sentence. On the other hand normally starts a new sentence or follows a semicolon.
Which version sounds natural in a text message?
Then again, but then and on the flip side all sound relaxed. Mind you is heard mostly in British speech, for a small extra point against the first.
How many times can I use on the other hand in an essay?
Once or twice is plenty in a short essay. Mix in in contrast, however and that said so each turn feels fresh.
Does on the other hand have an antonym?
Not exactly, since it is a linking phrase. If you want to add a point on the same side instead, use similarly, likewise or in the same way.