a delicate balancing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delicate balancing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to maintain equilibrium or manage competing factors in a situation. Example: "In negotiations, achieving a delicate balancing of interests is crucial for a successful outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's a delicate balancing act".

The New York Times

Theirs is a delicate balancing act.

The Economist

Combination chemotherapy is a delicate balancing act.

The New Yorker

It is a delicate balancing act.

The Economist

It was a delicate balancing act.

The New York Times

Mr. Gates faces a delicate balancing act.

The New York Times

But a delicate balancing act is required.

The New York Times

Expect to perform a delicate balancing act.

The Guardian

This hypocrisy is a delicate balancing act.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That can be a delicate balancing act.

The New York Times

Mr. Stringer now faces a delicate balancing act.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a delicate balancing", ensure the context clearly indicates the competing forces or elements that require careful management. Providing specific examples of what needs to be balanced enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a delicate balancing" when the situation involves straightforward decision-making or lacks genuine competing factors. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate balancing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As supported by Ludwig AI, it describes a situation or process that requires careful judgment and management of opposing forces. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in contexts ranging from political negotiations to medical treatments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a delicate balancing" is a commonly used phrase that describes a situation requiring careful management of competing factors, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, it conveys complexity and potential instability. For effective use, ensure the context clearly presents the competing forces and avoid overuse in simplistic scenarios. Related phrases such as "a fine equilibrium" can offer nuanced alternatives. When writing, emphasize the need for careful judgment and consideration. To avoid overstatement, reserve its usage for scenarios that are indeed complex.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precarious balancing act

Highlights the risk and instability associated with the balancing effort.

a subtle balancing act

Focuses on the nuanced approach needed to maintain the balance.

a careful equilibrium

Underscores the importance of attentiveness and precision in maintaining the state of equilibrium.

a fine equilibrium

Focuses on the precision and skill required to maintain the balance.

a subtle equilibrium

Highlights the understated and nuanced nature of the balance.

a fragile equilibrium

Similar to "precarious equilibrium", it indicates the vulnerability of the balance.

a precarious equilibrium

Emphasizes the instability and potential for collapse if the balance is disrupted.

a difficult equilibrium

Emphasizes the effort and challenges associated with creating and maintaining the balance.

a tricky equilibrium

Implies that the balance is challenging to achieve and maintain.

a complicated equilibrium

Stresses the complex nature of the elements involved in achieving the equilibrium.

FAQs

How can I use "a delicate balancing" in a sentence?

The phrase "a delicate balancing" typically describes a situation where multiple factors must be carefully considered to achieve a desired outcome. For instance, "The diplomat faced "a delicate balancing" act between maintaining relations and asserting national interests."

What phrases can I use instead of "a delicate balancing"?

Alternatives include "a fine equilibrium", "a careful equilibrium", or "a precarious balancing act", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a delicate balance" or "a delicate balancing"?

Both "a delicate balance" and "a delicate balancing" are grammatically correct, but "a delicate balance" typically refers to a state of equilibrium, while "a delicate balancing" emphasizes the action or process of achieving that equilibrium.

What makes "a delicate balancing" different from "a simple choice"?

"A delicate balancing" implies multiple factors requiring careful consideration, whereas "a simple choice" suggests a straightforward decision with few or no conflicting factors. The former involves navigating complexity; the latter does not.