on the second hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the second hand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies a previous statement or idea. For example, "I don't think I should buy a new car; on the second hand, I don't want to keep my older one forever."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

This can be attributed to short chain formation, which are hard to precipitate on one hand and to incorporate on the formed particles, on the second hand.

Colloid and Polymer Science

On the second hand, I have mah-jongg.

The New York Times - Arts

It costs as little as 100-200 USD on the second hand," Breivik noted).

The New Yorker

Mr. Cohen kept his eye on the second hand of his wristwatch along the sideline.

The New York Times - Sports

On the second hand, we put in evidence that low Mw copolymer-based micelles were able to favor the cytosolic release of micelle-entrapped small interfering RNAs, dampening the DCs immunogenicity.

European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics

"This will have a direct impact on the second hand market and contribute to the overall health of the housing market with increasing transaction volumes and an increase in housebuilding for the industry and Taylor Wimpey".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

If they had three hands, it would be on the one hand, the second hand and the third hand".

The New York Times

Wait until the second hand on the clock is at the 6 or 12 marker.

WikiHow

I don't want to win on the seventh hand because I get lucky.

The New York Times - Sports

"What do you got?" the president taunts them when the questioning session opens, and then calls on the first hand.

The Washington Post

The bio-based n-butanol has major potential to replace fossil-based products due to, on the first hand, the decline of crude oil and, on the other hand, since the butanol has high potential as fuel.

Biochemical Engineering Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the second hand" to introduce a contrasting or qualifying point after presenting an initial idea. It signals a shift in perspective or consideration of another angle.

Common error

Avoid using "on the second hand" when presenting more than two points. It's designed for a binary contrast. For multiple points, use "furthermore", "moreover", or numbered lists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the second hand" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to introduce a contrasting or alternative viewpoint. It sets up a contrasting element following a previous statement or idea, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"On the second hand" is a useful adverbial phrase to introduce contrasting viewpoints, with Ludwig AI confirming its correctness and providing helpful examples. While suitable for various contexts, primarily in news, science and wiki sources, it's best used when presenting a clear binary contrast and not as a general listing point. Consider alternatives like ""on the other hand"" or ""conversely"" for subtle variations in meaning or formality. Avoiding its misuse in lists of more than two points will enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the other hand

Directly contrasts with a previous statement, similar to the original phrase.

on the flip side

More informal way to introduce a contrasting viewpoint.

alternatively

Single word conveys the meaning of presenting a different option or perspective.

in contrast

Similar to "by contrast", but slightly more formal.

conversely

Introduces a statement that reverses the direction of the previous one.

by contrast

Highlights the difference between two things being compared.

taking a different view

Expresses a different opinion or perspective.

as an alternative

Presents something as a different option or possibility.

from a different angle

Suggests looking at the issue from another point of view.

in another respect

Shifts the focus to a different aspect of the topic.

FAQs

How can I use "on the second hand" in a sentence?

Use "on the second hand" to introduce a contrasting point. For example, "I want to buy a new laptop; "on the second hand", it's a big expense".

What can I say instead of "on the second hand"?

You can use alternatives like "on the other hand", "conversely", or "alternatively" depending on the context.

Is "on the second hand" formal or informal?

"On the second hand" is generally considered neutral in formality, suitable for both casual and professional contexts, although "on the other hand" might be slightly more formal.

What is the difference between "on the one hand" and "on the second hand"?

"On the one hand" introduces an initial point, while "on the second hand" introduces a contrasting or qualifying point. They are used together to present two sides of an issue; it's more common to use "on the other hand" instead of on the second.