Formed from par, “by”, and contre, “against”; the expression marks a contrast.
Formed from par, “by”, and contre, “against”; the expression marks a contrast.
What does par contre mean?
It introduces a contrasting point.
Is par contre correct French?
Yes. It is accepted in everyday French.
How does it differ from pourtant?
Pourtant suggests a surprising contradiction; par contre sets two facts against each other.
Can it introduce a drawback?
Yes. That is a common use.
Is en revanche a formal alternative?
Yes. En revanche is often preferred in careful writing.