Expressing Contrast: English Vocabulary List

used to describe a situation where something or someone succeeds despite facing very difficult or unlikely circumstances

"Against all odds he won the race."

"Against all odds he won the race even though everyone thought he would lose."

used to highlight the differences between two or more things or people

"In contrast, she likes tea."

"The city is very busy and noisy; in contrast, the countryside is peaceful and quiet, which makes it a perfect place to relax."

used to indicate that the opposite or a different viewpoint is true in response to a previous statement

"On the contrary I think you are wrong."

"On the contrary I think you are wrong and the evidence clearly supports my position on this matter."

used to introduce a contrasting aspect of a situation

"On the flip side it could rain."

"On the flip side it could rain tomorrow so bring an umbrella just in case."

used to introduce one aspect of a situation, often followed by a contrasting statement

"On the one hand it is cheap."

"On the one hand it is cheap but on the other hand it is not very good quality."

used to introduce a contrasting aspect of a situation, especially when comparing it to a previous point

"On the other hand this option is cheaper."

"On the other hand this option is cheaper and faster but it is also less reliable than the first one."

used to reconsider something after gaining more information or experience

"In retrospect I should have studied harder."

"In retrospect I should have studied harder for the exam because I barely passed."

used to indicate that the speaker is moving on to another point or topic

"At any rate, let's eat."

"The initial discussion was lengthy, but at any rate, we need to move on to the main agenda items now."