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'By contrast' signals an objective difference; 'on the other hand' introduces an alternative viewpoint or consideration.
Side-by-side comparison
Use it to highlight an objective difference between two things you are directly comparing. The two items must be clearly opposed in data or facts.
The north got heavy rain all week. By contrast, the south stayed dry and sunny.
My dad is very outgoing. My mum, by contrast, is quite shy and reserved.
Last year sales grew by 20%. In contrast, this year they have barely moved.
"On the other hand" introduces another point of view or consideration about the same topic. The data does not need to be opposite; it just adds another angle.
Living in the city has great career opportunities. On the other hand, it is very expensive.
Working from home saves you time. On the other hand, it can feel quite lonely.
The car is faster. On the other hand, the train is cheaper and more relaxing.
Common mistake
- •Using "on the other hand" to compare objectively different data sounds strained: "Revenue was up 20%.
- •On the other hand, costs fell 5%" works, but "By contrast, costs fell 5%" is more natural.
- •"On the other hand" implies you're presenting two perspectives of the same debate, not just two distinct facts.
Trick to remember it
- •"By contrast / In contrast" = objective difference between two distinct elements (data, groups, trends).
- •"On the other hand" = the other angle of the same topic (pros vs cons, advantage vs risk).
Quick rule
- •"By/In contrast" = distinct data or facts being compared.
- •"On the other hand" = second perspective on the same topic.
- •Both always take a comma after them.
Did you know?
Native speakers vary their contrast connectors much more frequently. English has over a dozen with distinct nuances: however, nevertheless, nonetheless, yet, still, even so, that said, all the same, then again, conversely. Learning their differences is a sign of advanced English mastery.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
Dogs need a lot of exercise. _____, cats are quite independent and need much less.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
This job pays really well. _____, the hours are very long and the stress is high.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Related word pairs
'Although' introduces a surprising concession; 'whereas' introduces a direct contrast between two opposing facts.
'Despite' and 'in spite of' are synonyms meaning 'in spite of', but 'despite' is more concise.
'Rather than' can take a gerund or bare infinitive; 'instead of' always takes a gerund.
'A' is used before consonant sounds; 'an' is used before vowel sounds.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy