The phrase “on the other hand” is commonly used to show contrast or present an opposing idea. While it’s clear and correct, using it repeatedly can make your writing sound boring, repetitive, or overly formal.
Whether you’re writing an essay, email, report, or speaking in everyday conversation, knowing alternative expressions helps you sound more fluent, confident, and natural.
In this guide, you’ll discover 33+ other ways to say “on the other hand”, explained with meanings, usage tips, and real examples—perfect for students, professionals, and ESL learners.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use alternatives to “on the other hand” when:
- You want to avoid repetition in writing or speech
- You are presenting a contrast or opposite idea
- You want to sound more natural or advanced
- You are writing for academic, professional, or SEO content
- You want your tone to be formal, neutral, or conversational
⚠️ Avoid overly casual alternatives in legal, academic, or formal documents unless appropriate.
33+ Other Ways to Say “On the Other Hand”
1. However
Meaning: Introduces a contrasting idea
Usage: Formal or neutral writing
Tip: Great for essays and reports
Example: The plan is affordable. However, it may take longer to complete.
2. In contrast
Meaning: Highlights a clear difference
Usage: Academic or analytical contexts
Tip: Works well with comparisons
Example: City life is fast-paced. In contrast, rural life is calmer.
3. Conversely
Meaning: Indicates the opposite viewpoint
Usage: Formal writing
Tip: Best for logical opposites
Example: Some people enjoy crowds. Conversely, others prefer solitude.
4. That said
Meaning: Softens a contrasting point
Usage: Professional or conversational
Tip: Sounds polite and balanced
Example: The job pays well. That said, the hours are long.
5. Nevertheless
Meaning: Shows contrast despite a fact
Usage: Formal tone
Tip: Strong transition word
Example: The task was difficult. Nevertheless, she succeeded.
6. Even so
Meaning: Despite what was mentioned
Usage: Casual to neutral
Tip: Good for speech
Example: He was tired. Even so, he finished the work.
7. On the flip side
Meaning: Casual alternative for contrast
Usage: Informal conversations
Tip: Avoid in formal writing
Example: The house is small. On the flip side, it’s affordable.
8. At the same time
Meaning: Introduces a balancing idea
Usage: Neutral tone
Tip: Useful for mixed opinions
Example: I like the idea. At the same time, I’m concerned about the cost.
9. Alternatively
Meaning: Presents another option
Usage: Professional or academic
Tip: Not always direct contrast
Example: You can email us. Alternatively, call our office.
10. By comparison
Meaning: Shows difference through comparison
Usage: Analytical writing
Tip: Use when comparing two things
Example: This model is expensive. By comparison, the older one is cheaper.
11. Still
Meaning: Maintains contrast
Usage: Casual or written English
Tip: Short and effective
Example: It’s risky. Still, it might be worth trying.
12. Yet
Meaning: Introduces an unexpected contrast
Usage: Formal or informal
Tip: Keep sentences short
Example: He is young, yet very experienced.
13. Despite that
Meaning: Opposes a previous statement
Usage: Neutral
Tip: Similar to “nevertheless”
Example: The weather was bad. Despite that, we traveled.
14. On the contrary
Meaning: Strongly disagrees
Usage: Formal or debate
Tip: Use carefully—it’s assertive
Example: He didn’t fail. On the contrary, he excelled.
15. In comparison
Meaning: Highlights difference
Usage: Academic or business
Tip: Similar to “by comparison”
Example: This phone is heavy. In comparison, the newer one is lighter.
16. On another note
Meaning: Shifts perspective slightly
Usage: Informal or email writing
Tip: Not always a strict contrast
Example: The meeting went well. On another note, we need better planning.
17. While that’s true
Meaning: Acknowledges then contrasts
Usage: Polite discussions
Tip: Great for balanced arguments
Example: While that’s true, there are other factors to consider.
18. Having said that
Meaning: Soft transition to contrast
Usage: Professional tone
Tip: Sounds thoughtful
Example: The idea is risky. Having said that, it could work.
19. Still, though
Meaning: Light contrast
Usage: Conversational
Tip: Avoid formal writing
Example: It’s expensive. Still, though, I want it.
20. In opposition
Meaning: Direct contrast
Usage: Academic or formal
Tip: Use in structured writing
Example: One theory supports it. In opposition, another rejects it.
21. By contrast
Meaning: Highlights difference clearly
Usage: Academic writing
Tip: Very similar to “in contrast”
Example: Cats are independent. By contrast, dogs are social.
22. From another perspective
Meaning: Shows different viewpoint
Usage: Essays or discussions
Tip: Neutral and thoughtful
Example: From another perspective, the plan is efficient.
23. Still, on balance
Meaning: Weighs both sides
Usage: Professional analysis
Tip: Good for conclusions
Example: The risks are high. Still, on balance, it’s acceptable.
24. On the downside
Meaning: Shows negative contrast
Usage: Casual to neutral
Tip: Focuses on disadvantages
Example: The salary is good. On the downside, the commute is long.
25. On the positive side
Meaning: Opposite of downside
Usage: Friendly tone
Tip: Use for balance
Example: The work is hard. On the positive side, it’s rewarding.
26. From a different angle
Meaning: Introduces alternative thinking
Usage: Professional or creative
Tip: Good for discussions
Example: From a different angle, the delay helped us improve quality.
27. In contrast to that
Meaning: Direct comparison
Usage: Formal writing
Tip: Clear and structured
Example: The old system failed. In contrast to that, the new one succeeded.
28. Meanwhile
Meaning: Shifts focus slightly
Usage: Narrative or reports
Tip: Not always full contrast
Example: Sales dropped. Meanwhile, costs increased.
29. Instead
Meaning: Offers alternative idea
Usage: Neutral tone
Tip: Use for replacement ideas
Example: Don’t complain. Instead, suggest a solution.
30. Still, there’s another side
Meaning: Balanced contrast
Usage: Conversational
Tip: Sounds human and natural
Example: It’s stressful. Still, there’s another side to consider.
31. In a different sense
Meaning: Changes meaning or context
Usage: Academic or explanatory
Tip: Clarifies nuance
Example: He failed academically. In a different sense, he learned discipline.
32. All the same
Meaning: Despite differences
Usage: Casual to neutral
Tip: British English friendly
Example: It’s risky. All the same, I’ll try.
33. Taking the opposite view
Meaning: Directly introduces contrast
Usage: Essays or debates
Tip: Best for arguments
Example: Taking the opposite view, some believe the policy works.
Bonus: Professional Alternatives for Writing
- However
- Nevertheless
- Conversely
- By contrast
- That said
- While that’s true
These work best in essays, reports, emails, and SEO content.
Final Writing Tips
- Choose formal alternatives for academic or business writing
- Use casual phrases only in conversations or blogs
- Avoid repeating the same transition too often
- Match the phrase with the strength of contrast
- Read your sentence aloud to check flow
- Keep transitions clear, not confusing
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