In your writing, it’s important to connect the ideas you’re presenting. Disconnected ideas are confusing.
One way to connect ideas is by using transitional words and phrases. They help organize information, so your readers can easily move from one thought to the next. If they struggle to navigate your text, they’ll probably stop reading.
But it’s important to use transitional words and phrases correctly.
A phrase I often see used incorrectly is on the other hand. It’s used to express contrast. It’s another way of saying from another point of view.
But this phrase is often used without the first part: on the one hand. This makes it incomplete and unbalanced. (This post explains why unbalanced sentences are problematic.) Readers may know what you mean by on the other hand. But it’s best not to make assumptions about what your readers may or may not know.
If the original point of view has not been directly introduced by on the one hand, on the other hand is out of place.
Also, because on the other hand is an idiom, its meaning may not be understood by all readers, especially if it’s used without the first part. Readers will have questions: What hand? Why are we talking about hands? Where’s the other hand? (This post explains the dangers of overusing idioms.)
Use on the other hand sparingly. And be sure to use it correctly so you don’t confuse your readers.
Even when used correctly, on the one hand . . . on the other hand is wordy. Consider using a more concise alternative. There are many, but these are the ones I often suggest to writers:
in contrast
however
conversely
instead
Some writers might argue that those who insist on using on the one hand with on the other hand are being overly consistent. But because it’s always best not to assume what your readers will understand, there’s nothing wrong with consistency.
Remember, your goal is to communicate your ideas clearly and effectively. Correctly used transition words and phrases help make this happen.
Depending on the tone and style of your text, on the one hand . . . on the other hand might work well, but try not to isolate one part of the phrase from the other.
