Sentence Connectors 201: More Contrastive Sentence Connectors

In my last post, we learned about how to use however and nevertheless in your writing. We discussed contrastive sentence connectors and explained their place in crafting arguments. While these two words are the most common (and most misused)

contrastive sentence connectors, they are far from the only ones. Developing a vocabulary of sentence connectors and learning their nuances will allow you to craft more focused and specific work and avoid repetition in your writing. Here, we will review several additional contrastive sentence connectors and explain how to use them.

Conversely

This word is used to contrast the relationship between two related concepts in the same area of focus and indicates opposite points of view between the two. These contrasting events are often expressed in opposite pairs such as hot-cold, increased-decreased, and large-small. Conversely shows that two situations are related and that the opposites are both true, describing the same event. It can be easily illustrated through the following format:

If A is true, then B is not true. Conversely, if A is not true, then B is true.

Let’s look at an example of this in context:

• During the last ice age, much of the ocean’s water was frozen in glaciers, and the sea level was more than 100 meters below its current level. Conversely, during the last interglacial period, that ice melted, and the sea level was about 6 meters higher.

It is easy to confuse conversely with on the other hand or inversely, so make sure when using this connector to make sure it follows the formula shown above.

On the Other Hand

Like conversely, the phrase on the other hand is used to contrast two different views on the same situation. However, it does not establish a logical opposing connection between the two views. As a result, on the other hand can indicate two views that are opposites, but does necessarily mean that those views must exist independently of each other, or that one is correct. Here’s an example:

• Some believe that the use of CRISPR-Cas9 to enhance children genetically is the next phase of humanity. On the other hand, many bioethicists oppose this viewpoint, claiming it will only exacerbate existing inequalities.

Due to the loose connection established by on the other hand, it is possible to use it in place of conversely, in contrast, or alternatively. However, each sentence connector has its nuances, so always try and select the best word for your situation.

Alternatively

Alternatively is used when a choice is being established, and you need to suggest a course of action. This would be used after a previous sentence to offer an additional option, potentially one that contradicts the first. Here’s an example of the usage in

context:

• Patients with early-stage breast cancer may elect to undergo a mastectomy to remove the diseased cells. Alternatively, radiotherapy can be chosen as a less invasive procedure, though it comes with its risks and side-effects.

On the other hand will always work in place of alternatively, but it does not refer specifically to a choice. The same is not true of the opposite, however, so be careful what swaps you make.

By Contrast / in Contrast

This is an interesting one because it functions differently from other contrastive sentence connectors. By contrast / in contrast is used to compare a single feature in two different scenarios. Though it is not a requirement of usage, the behavior of that one feature is usually opposed between the two scenarios. Here’s an example in context:

• Nuclear fusion takes place at 150 million degrees Celsius. By contrast, the sun’s center is roughly 27 million degrees Celsius, more than five times cooler.

By contrast / in contrast is an adversative sentence connector, which refers to a logical connector where there is an opposing or unexpected situation. Sentences that use adversative sentence connectors like this one or conversely can be reworded to be written with adversative subordinators (i.e., while, or whereas) and adversative prepositions (i.e., unlike).

Instead

Instead is very similar to alternatively but has slightly different usage. Rather than merely being an alternate choice, instead replaces or substitutes a new condition as a replacement for the old. It is typically used at the beginning of a sentence, where the previous sentence has described an undesirable situation. Here’s an example:

• Psilocybin was once deemed a dangerous schedule I drug; however, the consensus has changed. Instead, it is now being investigated as a treatment for various mental illnesses and has been downgraded to schedule IV.

Instead can also serve the same function when two sentences are combined into one using a comma.

• While psilocybin was once deemed a dangerous schedule I drug, the consensus has changed, and instead, it is now being investigated as a treatment for a variety of mental illnesses.

Finding the perfect word for a given situation takes lots of practice, but hopefully, this article gives you the tools and confidence you need to start. To learn more about to learn the usage and nuances of sentence connectors, contact me.