The balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "The balance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing financial matters, equilibrium, or a state of stability. Example: "At the end of the month, we need to check the balance in our account to ensure we have enough funds for our expenses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The balance.

Independent

The balance is good.

Independent

The balance wasn't kept".

The New Yorker

The balance is delicate.

The New Yorker

The balance is ridiculous.

Independent

The balance has been good.

The New York Times

The balance sheet was weak.

The New York Times - Tech

The balance is changing again.

The New York Times - Arts

The balance is divided betw.

The New Yorker

The balance is upset.

The New York Times - Books

"The balance has tilted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing opposing forces, ensure you clarify what elements contribute to "the balance". For example, "The balance between work and leisure is crucial for well-being".

Common error

Avoid using "the balance" vaguely when referring to finances. Be specific: "Check the account balance" instead of just "check the balance" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the balance" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a state of equilibrium, a remaining amount, or a financial record. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and versatile.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the balance" is a grammatically sound and versatile noun phrase widely used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples. It commonly refers to equilibrium, remaining amounts, or financial status, and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity, particularly in financial discussions. Alternatives like "the equilibrium" or "the harmony" can add nuance depending on the desired meaning. Overall, "the balance" is a reliable and effective phrase when used with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The equilibrium

Replaces "balance" with a synonym emphasizing a state of even distribution or stability.

The account balance

A more explicit term for the money available in an account.

The harmony

Similar to "balance", but implies a more pleasant or aesthetically pleasing state of equilibrium.

The stability

Focuses on the aspect of being steady and not easily disturbed, a key component of balance.

The equipoise

A more formal synonym for "balance", suggesting a state of perfect equilibrium.

The state of equilibrium

Emphasizes the condition rather than just the existence of balance.

The funds

When "balance" refers to a financial account, this alternative is specific to monetary resources.

The remainder

This alternative refers to the outstanding amount after a part has been used or paid.

The level

Implies an equal standing of two elements.

The status

Used to indicate the existing state of affairs.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "the balance"?

You can use alternatives like "the equilibrium", "the harmony", or "the stability" depending on the context.

How is "the balance" used in financial contexts?

"The balance" often refers to the amount of money in an account. For more clarity, specify "account balance" or "outstanding balance".

Which is correct, "the balance is" or "the balance are"?

Use "the balance is" because "balance" is a singular noun in most contexts. However, if referring to multiple balances, "the balances are" would be appropriate.

What does it mean when something is "in the balance"?

When something is "in the balance", it means the outcome is uncertain and could go either way. It implies that the situation is not yet decided.