a countervailing force

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a countervailing force" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a force or influence that counteracts or opposes another force or influence, often in discussions of balance or conflict. Example: "The new regulations serve as a countervailing force against the monopolistic practices of large corporations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Democracy can be a countervailing force.

The New York Times

It meets a countervailing force or splits in two.

The New Yorker

Mr Dean is the first to identify a countervailing force among liberals and moderates.

The Guardian

But in the Dixit-Stiglitz model, this monopolising logic is offset by a countervailing force: consumers' taste for variety.

The Economist

"But we're confident that we have the resources we need to be a countervailing force to the right wing".

The New York Times

It is the Labour party's task and vocation to provide a "countervailing force" protecting communities against wealthy, powerful interests.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

They have been absolutely essential in the libertarian project to create a set of institutions that together constitute a mild countervailing force against both progressive and conservative statism in America's economy of political influence.

The Economist

Mr Manuel argues that "without a powerful countervailing force, the shadow of history will dictate opportunities, entitlements and outcomes".Close to 12m of South Africa's 47m people already receive some government grant or another.

The Economist

So, too, did Hal, perhaps the story's only real villain, but who, like Augie and Chili, never emerges as a serious countervailing force to Jasmine as Stanley is to Blanche.

The New York Times

Mounted raiding parties from the steppes became difficult indeed for sedentary peoples to combat, since horsemen could move far faster than foot soldiers and were therefore able to concentrate greater numbers at will and then flee before a superior countervailing force manifested itself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One brilliant mind in charge, even one ceding to more domestic oversight, isn't enough; in matters of life and death, a broad countervailing force is required.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a countervailing force" when you want to emphasize a balancing or opposing influence that is acting to restrain or neutralize another force. It's particularly useful in discussions of power dynamics, economics, and politics.

Common error

Avoid using "a countervailing force" when a simpler term like "opposing force" or "resistance" would suffice. The phrase carries a nuance of balance and moderation that might be lost if the opposition is absolute or straightforward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a countervailing force" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies an entity or influence that opposes or balances another, often stronger, force. As Ludwig AI highlights, it suggests a deliberate act to restrain or neutralize an effect. The term's use implies an existing power dynamic that requires mitigation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a countervailing force" is a noun phrase used to describe an entity that opposes or balances another, often stronger, influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in formal writing, particularly in news and media, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "opposing force" exist, "countervailing force" emphasizes a nuanced balance, making it particularly useful in discussions of power dynamics and economics. Remember to use the phrase when this sense of balance is crucial to your meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a counterbalance

Directly expresses the idea of opposing something with equal weight

an opposing force

Emphasizes direct opposition, lacking the nuance of balance.

an offsetting influence

Similar to a balancing influence, but with a more direct causal relationship.

a balancing influence

Highlights the balancing aspect, downplaying the confrontational element.

a corrective measure

Focuses on rectifying an imbalance or error.

a mitigating factor

Implies reducing the negative impact of something.

a deterrent

Stresses preventing something from happening.

a check

Indicates a means of control or limitation.

an obstacle

Highlights a hindrance or barrier.

a resistance

Emphasizes active opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "a countervailing force" in a sentence?

Use "a countervailing force" to describe an entity or factor that lessens the impact of another, often more dominant, influence. For example, "The union acted as a countervailing force against the company's policies".

What's a good substitute for "a countervailing force"?

Depending on the context, consider using phrases like "an opposing force", "a balancing influence", or "a corrective measure".

Is it always necessary to use the article "a" with "countervailing force"?

In most cases, yes. Since "countervailing force" is a countable noun, it typically requires an article ("a" or "the"). However, in some contexts, it might be used as a general concept without an article.

What is the difference between "a countervailing force" and "a counterbalancing force"?

While similar, "a countervailing force" implies a response to an existing force, whereas "a counterbalancing force" may suggest a more proactive or preventative measure to maintain equilibrium.