a complicated balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complicated balance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation that requires careful consideration of multiple factors or elements that may conflict with each other. Example: "In managing a successful business, achieving a complicated balance between innovation and cost-effectiveness is essential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It's a complicated balance: the souls of the piano and of the pianist hang in it.

The New Yorker

Defence is a big organisation with unique characteristics - our operational considerations must come first and it's a complicated balance against our civilian/business space responsibilities.

The Guardian

The fragrances smelled organic but not thick or weighty, a complicated balance best exemplified by the full-bodied but floral tones of Iris 39 and Jasmin 17.

The New York Times

Wrath and pain, desire and self-loathing, ferocity and meditation all find a complicated balance in Tool, which played a two-night stand at Madison Square Garden this week.

The New York Times - Arts

According to historian George Voicu, he stood for "a complicated balance in dealing with the 'Jewish question'", one between "antisemitic intransigence" and "concessions".

Wikipedia

These results suggest that alternative splicing is not achieved by a complicated balance of multiple regulators, but is defined by a simple switch-like mechanism in which only one appropriate exon can be selected and switched by key regulators such as ESRPs.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Choosing a cabinet in Nigeria is a complicated balancing act.

The Guardian

But it has been a complicated balancing act.

The New York Times

American copyright law has always performed a complicated balancing act involving both commerce and culture.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a complicated balancing act based on mutual respect, compromise, a clear-eyed assessment of both parties' strengths and weaknesses and a whole lot of trust.

The New York Times - Food

"It's a complicated balancing act to persuade people of the necessity to act, while also having the necessity to prove that it will be limited," said Benjamin J. Rhodes, a deputy national security adviser.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complicated balance", ensure you clearly define the elements that need to be balanced to provide context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a complicated balance" when the situation is only moderately complex. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complicated balance" functions as a noun phrase, where "complicated" modifies the noun "balance". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and is often used to describe scenarios requiring careful consideration of multiple factors.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complicated balance" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe situations requiring careful consideration of multiple interacting factors. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English. While not the most frequently used expression, it appears across diverse sources, including news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. The phrase suggests a need for nuanced understanding and skillful management to achieve a desired outcome. When using it, ensure that you clearly define the elements being balanced and avoid overstating the complexity of the situation. Consider alternatives like "a complex equilibrium" or "a tricky compromise" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complex equilibrium

Replaces "balance" with "equilibrium", highlighting the state of equilibrium in a complex system.

a delicate equilibrium

Similar to above, but adds the idea of fragility, emphasizing the care needed to maintain the balance.

a tricky compromise

Focuses on the need to make concessions to achieve balance, emphasizing the difficulty.

a challenging trade-off

Highlights the need to weigh different options and accept losses in some areas to achieve overall balance.

a difficult reconciliation

Emphasizes the act of bringing opposing forces into agreement, but underscores the complexity involved.

a sophisticated interplay

Highlights the interaction of different components and the refined approach needed to manage them.

a nuanced coordination

Emphasizes the subtlety and precision required to bring different elements into harmony.

a sensitive negotiation

Focuses on the bargaining and diplomacy involved in achieving balance.

an intricate arrangement

Highlights the detailed and elaborate nature of the balance, focusing on the structural aspect.

a convoluted resolution

Implies that the balance involves disentangling something complex, suggesting a winding path to agreement.

FAQs

How can I use "a complicated balance" in a sentence?

Use "a complicated balance" to describe situations where multiple factors must be carefully considered and weighed against each other. For example: "Achieving a complicated balance between economic growth and environmental protection is a major challenge for policymakers."

What are some alternatives to "a complicated balance"?

You can use alternatives like "a complex equilibrium", "a delicate equilibrium", or "a tricky compromise" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a complicated balance" or "a complex balance"?

Both "a complicated balance" and "a complex balance" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference, although "complicated" might subtly emphasize the difficulty in understanding or managing the balance, while "complex" emphasizes the inherent structure or nature of the balance.

What makes maintaining "a complicated balance" so difficult?

Maintaining "a complicated balance" is difficult because it requires constant adjustments, trade-offs, and a deep understanding of the interacting factors. External changes and unforeseen events can easily disrupt the balance, requiring further intervention and adaptation.