on one hand
From one perspective
On one hand introduces one side of a contrast, typically followed by on the other hand to present an opposing consideration: On one hand, the job pays well; on the other hand, the commute is brutal.
The phrase signals that competing factors are being weighed.
Sometimes appears as on the one hand.
Using it without the balancing phrase sounds incomplete.
- pros and consFavorable and unfavorable points
- weighing optionsConsidering alternatives carefully
- in contrastShowing difference between things
- reasoningDrawing logical conclusions
- juxtapositionAdjacent contrasting placement
trade-offs · argument · dialectic · counterpoint · dichotomy · as opposed to · two sides · differentiation · compromise · by the same token · evaluation · analysis · contradiction · deliberation · polarity · cost-benefit analysis · prioritization · conclusion
on one handon the other hand
Phrase introducing contrast
on the flip side · but then again · then again · conversely · contrarily
on one handin conclusion
Signals the ending
ultimately · all things considered · on balance · in the final analysis · at the end of the day
one, hand, once, alone, lone, lonely, oneness, hands, handed