On one hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on one hand" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to introduce a statement or viewpoint that contrasts with another statement or viewpoint. For example, "On one hand, I think school uniforms are a good idea because it reduces competition among students. On the other hand, I worry that uniforms can be too expensive for some families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"On one hand we're flattered.

The Guardian - Music

On one hand, I understood.

The New York Times - Books

On one hand, there is real concern.

The New York Times

On one hand it's not a joke.

The New York Times - Arts

"On one hand, this is terrifying.

The New York Times - Arts

On one hand it's a performance.

The New York Times - Arts

"On one hand we're flattered," he said.

The Guardian - Music

On one hand, they deserve it.

The New York Times

On one hand, you maintain control.

The New Yorker

On one hand, he was pointing fingers.

The New York Times - Sports

On one hand, conditions remain unsettled.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on one hand", always ensure you follow it with a contrasting statement introduced by "on the other hand" to present a balanced argument.

Common error

Avoid using "on one hand" without providing a corresponding "on the other hand". This can leave your argument incomplete and potentially confusing to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on one hand" functions as a discourse marker, specifically introducing one perspective or consideration in a multi-faceted discussion. Ludwig examples show its use in contrasting viewpoints. The phrase sets up a comparative or contrasting argument, often paired with "on the other hand".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on one hand" serves as a valuable tool for presenting balanced arguments and nuanced discussions. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. When employing "on one hand", remember to follow it with a contrasting "on the other hand" to maintain clarity and completeness. While alternatives exist, such as "from one perspective", they may subtly alter the emphasis. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used and considered correct, making it a reliable choice for expressing one side of a multifaceted issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

On the one side

A more literal and less common variation of the original phrase.

From one perspective

Focuses on a single viewpoint without explicitly implying a contrasting one.

From this viewpoint

Highlights a specific perspective or opinion.

In one respect

Highlights a single aspect or detail of a larger situation.

Looking at it one way

Emphasizes the subjective interpretation of a situation.

One way to see it is

Highlights a single perspective or opinion.

Considering one aspect

Emphasizes the act of considering a specific facet of an issue.

From a certain angle

Suggests a particular way of looking at something, implying subjectivity.

In one scenario

Implies the existence of other possible situations.

One possibility is

Introduces one potential outcome or explanation among others.

FAQs

How do I use "on one hand" in a sentence?

Use "on one hand" to introduce one side of an argument or one aspect of a situation. Typically, it's followed by "on the other hand" to present a contrasting viewpoint. For example: "On one hand, the project offers great opportunities; on the other hand, it requires significant investment.

What can I say instead of "on one hand"?

You can use alternatives such as "from one perspective", "considering one aspect", or "in one respect" depending on the specific context.

Is it necessary to always include "on the other hand" after using "on one hand"?

While not grammatically mandatory, it's best practice to follow "on one hand" with "on the other hand" to provide a balanced and complete view of the topic you're discussing. This helps avoid presenting a biased or incomplete argument.

What's the difference between "on one hand" and "however"?

"On one hand" is used to introduce one side of a balanced argument, while "however" is a general contrasting conjunction that can introduce a contrasting idea without necessarily being part of a structured two-sided argument.