The Difference between ‘On the contrary’ and ‘On the other hand’
May 11, 2017
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11/05/17 The Difference between ‘On the contrary’ and ‘On the other hand’
These two phrases are very often confused.
In modern English, on the contrary is used to contradict – to say that what has been said is not true. If we want to give the other side of a question, we use on the other hand, not on the contrary.
Compare:
In modern English, on the contrary is used to contradict – to say that what has been said is not true. If we want to give the other side of a question, we use on the other hand, not on the contrary.
Compare:
- “I suppose the job wasn’t very interesting?” “On the contrary, it was fascinating. I loved it.”
- The job wasn’t very interesting, but on the other hand it was well paid. (NOT … on the contrary, it was well paid.)
