Learn English – The correct use of conversely

word-choice

I think perhaps I'm using the wrong word in this sentence. Is this the correct use of conversely and if not what is the correct word to use and what is the correct use of conversely.

If we decide not to plant a garden then we will not have to find a
place to buy seed, conversely if we can't find a place to buy seed we
won't be able to plant a garden.

In this question: Is the use of "conversely" to mean "on the other hand" correct? the answer mentions the word Obversely which when I look it up seems like perhaps it would be the better word. However as the answer also mentions that word isn't used often. It would sound rather odd in casual conversation.

Best Answer

Conversely here would do just fine. However, technically speaking, conversely is used to express an opposite idea.

In your case, the strictly correct usage would be: "If we decide not to plant a garden, then we will not have to find a place to buy seed; conversely, if we decide to plant a garden, then we will have to find a place to buy seed."

However, unless you're writing an English thesis for your PhD in English Literature, you should be fine.