What is a balanced view?
A balanced response involves more than the word but. The speaker shows awareness of at least two relevant sides of the same issue: an advantage and a drawback, two consequences, or another person's argument and their own conclusion.
Showing two sides does not mean being neutral. After an honest comparison, you can state a recommendation or preference. Do not hide an inconvenient fact or present a reason as a contrast.
On the one hand, flexible hours help parents. On the other hand, meetings are harder to arrange.
On the one hand, flexible hours help parents. On the other hand, meetings are harder to arrange.
Both parts address the same issue of flexible working hours and show different consequences.
While it's true that the flat is small, I still think it is a good choice.
While it's true that the flat is small, I still think it is a good choice.
The speaker acknowledges a drawback and then clearly states their final view.
The paired frame on the one hand ... on the other hand
The complete pattern is On the one hand, + first side. On the other hand, + second side. The fixed expression needs the preposition on, the article the and other, not another.
The two sides can appear in separate sentences or be joined in one, often with but. But itself is optional: the paired markers already show the relationship.
On the one hand, + side A. (But) on the other hand, + side B.
On the one hand, the train takes longer. On the other hand, it is cheaper and cleaner.
On the one hand, the train takes longer. On the other hand, it is cheaper and cleaner.
The first fact is a drawback; the second presents two related advantages of the same option.
On the one hand, the course is demanding, but on the other hand, it gives useful practice.
On the one hand, the course is demanding, but on the other hand, it gives useful practice.
But reinforces the transition, but the paired frame still works without it.
The frame While it's true that ...
While it's true that introduces a fact or argument the speaker acknowledges. After that, use a full clause with a subject and verb. The main point or contrasting fact follows.
Still often shows that the main position remains despite the acknowledged fact: While it's true that A, I still think B. Put a comma after the initial while-clause. Do not add but before the main clause: while already connects the two clauses.
While it's true that + subject + verb, (subject +) main point.
- subject / S —
- The grammatical subject: who or what the clause is about; the verb agrees with it. In The book was written, the book is the subject, although someone else does the action.
- verb / V —
- A word for an action or state, such as work or be. The pattern determines its form.
While it's true that flying is faster, I still prefer the train.
While it's true that flying is faster, I still prefer the train.
The first clause acknowledges an advantage of flying; the second does not deny that fact but states the speaker's choice.
While it's true that the app is easy to use, its privacy policy is unclear.
While it's true that the app is easy to use, its privacy policy is unclear.
After that comes the full clause the app is easy to use; the main clause adds a relevant contrast.
The contrast must make sense
Both sides should concern the same decision or assessment. The office is bright / it is expensive is a useful contrast when choosing an office. The office is bright / my sister studies French gives two facts without a shared basis for comparison.
Because and since explain a reason rather than present another side. If the second part answers why, it provides justification. If it changes the assessment of the same option, it is a contrast.
On the one hand, the area is quiet. On the other hand, the last bus leaves at nine.
On the one hand, the area is quiet. On the other hand, the last bus leaves at nine.
Both facts affect the decision about whether living there is convenient.
I support the plan because it saves money.
I support the plan because it saves money.
This is one position supported by a reason, not a balanced comparison of two sides.
Acknowledge the other side without losing your own view
In a discussion, a balanced frame shows that you have heard the other person's argument. Then state your conclusion directly: I still think ..., Overall, I'd choose ... or For now, I wouldn't recommend ....
You do not need to weaken every opinion. If a task asks only for a comparison, two honest facts are enough. If it asks for a recommendation, the conclusion should follow the contrast rather than replace it.
While it's true that online meetings save travel time, I still think difficult decisions are easier face to face.
While it's true that online meetings save travel time, I still think difficult decisions are easier face to face.
The other argument is acknowledged without mockery, and the speaker's own position remains clear.
On the one hand, the software is fast. On the other hand, we do not know how it stores our data. For now, I would wait.
On the one hand, the software is fast. On the other hand, we do not know how it stores our data. For now, I would wait.
The conclusion follows from the two sides and does not pretend to be neutral.
Context, register and punctuation
The paired frame is useful in structured conversation, discussion and written argument. A simple but is also natural in a short informal remark; it is not an error, although it does not meet the learning target of using an explicit two-sided frame.
Initial markers are usually followed by a comma: On the one hand, ...; On the other hand, .... In a longer sentence, a full stop or semicolon helps keep the two sides distinct.
The room is small, but it is comfortable.
The room is small, but it is comfortable.
A natural short contrast; an exercise targeting the paired frame would require both sides to be marked explicitly.
On the one hand, the new system is simpler; on the other hand, staff need time to learn it.
On the one hand, the new system is simpler; on the other hand, staff need time to learn it.
The semicolon clearly separates the two complete clauses in one comparison.
Boundaries and applying the pattern in speech
On the other hand can appear without on the one hand when the other speaker or the preceding sentence has already clearly given the first side. This is grammatical; the full paired frame simply makes the structure clearer in a self-contained answer.
While can also express simultaneous events, so context determines the meaning. This rule practises while for concession or contrast, not time clauses. Do not substitute a long list of random pros and cons for a balanced view: each side should help with a real decision.
A: Working from home gives me quiet time. B: On the other hand, it can feel lonely.
A: Working from home gives me quiet time. B: On the other hand, it can feel lonely.
A has already presented the first side, so B naturally starts with the second marker.
While I was travelling, I read three books.
While I was travelling, I read three books.
Here, while expresses time rather than a balanced position; it is a related but different use.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:In the one hand, the office is central. On the other hand, it is noisy.
Correct:On the one hand, the office is central. On the other hand, it is noisy.
The fixed expression requires on, not in.
Incorrect:On the one hand, the flat is cheap. On another hand, it needs repairs.
Correct:On the one hand, the flat is cheap. On the other hand, it needs repairs.
The paired frame contrasts one with the other; another breaks the fixed expression here.
Incorrect:While it's true that the course useful, it takes a lot of time.
Correct:While it's true that the course is useful, it takes a lot of time.
After that, use a full clause: the course is useful cannot omit the verb is.
Incorrect:While it's true that buses are cheap, but they are often crowded.
Correct:While it's true that buses are cheap, they are often crowded.
While already makes the first clause subordinate; adding but before the main clause duplicates the connection.