on either hand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on either hand" is not correct in standard English; the correct expression is "on the other hand." You can use "on the other hand" to present an alternative perspective or contrasting point of view in a discussion or argument.
Example: "The new policy could improve efficiency; on the other hand, it may also lead to increased employee dissatisfaction."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I watched until I saw the last thing, the thing I saw before they finished: beyond the couch, up three steps to the doorway of the kitchen, the wall there covered with pictures of us, straw hats, sunburns, sand, our father lifting us both above a wave, one on either hand -- there our father stood".

The New York Times - Books

Walking down a crowded street he saw walking towards him his Latvian wife, alive, with a child on either hand.

The Guardian

He would take his post amidships with and starboard batteries on either hand, guns loaded with blan & crew in readiness.

The New Yorker

A nameplate on her necklace read "Gorgeous," and on either hand were rings that wrapped over several fingers.

The New York Times

Frustrated by the MPs' persistent questioning, he told them: "I walked through vaults which were thrown open to me alone, piled on either hand with gold and jewels.

The Guardian

Immediately before it was a high platform, with a red-covered pedestal and a steep stairway leading up to the rails on either hand.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

You're betting blind, essentially, deciding to put a sum of money on either the Banker hand or the Player hand before the cards have been dealt.

WikiHow

On the one hand, either neutral or negatively charged surfaces can be formed by formation/disruption of host guest complexes.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

On the bench side, subjects were free to place their hand on either the bench or the grab bar.

BioMed Research International

The player who returns the serve can whack the ball with either hand on the fly or on one bounce.

The New York Times - Arts

You may count the fingers on either the left or right hand.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When intending to present contrasting arguments, use "on the one hand" followed by "on the other hand" for clarity. "On either side of" can be used when talking about placement of objects.

Common error

Avoid using "on either hand" when you mean to introduce a contrasting point. Use "on the other hand" instead to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on either hand" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically intended to indicate position or to introduce contrasting arguments. However, Ludwig AI notes it's often misused in place of the correct idiom "on the other hand".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

30%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "on either hand" appears in various contexts, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in modern English. As Ludwig AI reports, the correct phrase for contrasting viewpoints is "on the other hand", while "on either side" is appropriate for spatial relationships. Although it can be found in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it's best to avoid "on either hand" in formal writing to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy. Opt for clearer alternatives to convey your intended meaning effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on either side of

Specifies a location or position flanking something else.

on the one hand

Expresses one side of an argument or consideration, setting up a contrast with another viewpoint.

on both sides

Indicates something present or occurring on two sides of a central point or object.

on each side

Similar to "on both sides", but emphasizes the individual nature of each side.

to the left and right

Describes positions relative to a central observer or object.

from both perspectives

Highlights the consideration of multiple viewpoints on a matter.

alternatively

Introduces a different option or possibility.

conversely

Indicates an opposite or contrasting viewpoint.

in contrast

Signals a difference or opposition between two things.

from different angles

Suggests looking at a situation from multiple points of view.

FAQs

What's the correct way to express contrasting viewpoints?

Use "on the one hand" to introduce one perspective, and "on the other hand" to present a contrasting viewpoint. For example: "On the one hand, the project could increase revenue; "on the other hand", it carries significant risks."

Can "on either side" be used instead of "on either hand"?

Yes, "on either side" is appropriate when referring to physical locations or positions. For example: "There were trees "on either side of" the road."

What can I say instead of "on either hand" to show an alternative?

Consider using alternatives such as "alternatively", "conversely", or "in contrast" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "on either hand" ever correct in modern English?

While historically present, "on either hand" is now considered largely incorrect. Stick to "on the other hand" for contrasting points or "on either side" for spatial relationships.