a delicate equilibrium

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delicate equilibrium" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or state that requires careful balance or harmony, often in contexts like nature, relationships, or systems. Example: "The ecosystem relies on a delicate equilibrium between predators and prey to maintain biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

A delicate equilibrium keeps order in the vast majority of our prisons, where the slightest misunderstanding can lead to tension and all sorts of trouble.

The Guardian

The numbers were unambiguous: 50-50, an even split in the Senate between Republicans and Democrats, a delicate equilibrium that mandated a careful vigil by the Bush administration over the subtlest mood shifts and tiniest movements in the Republican caucus.

The New York Times

To do so, she will have to navigate a delicate equilibrium between the coup-prone army and the elite establishment on one side, and on the other the so-called Red Shirt movement that helped vote her into office and wants to see justice meted out for the bloody military crackdown that ended its protests in Bangkok last year.

The Guardian

The adaptation phase is a fine place to be, but it's a delicate equilibrium.

Science Magazine

Buie thinks Pluto's darker appearance is due to evaporation and redistribution of ice on the surface, which is in a delicate equilibrium with the thin atmosphere.

Science Magazine

Extracellular matrix remolding (ECMR) is a delicate equilibrium and a prerequisite for maintenance of a healthy tissue, in which old proteins continuously are degraded and new proteins are formed (Karsdal et al., 2013).

Protein & Cell

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The resulting pattern is at a delicate balance: cells that reach the high equilibrium suppress virus growth in neighboring cells, and the silenced cells cause a low enough siRNA influx into the cell to stay at the high state.

BMC Systems Biology

"This is a very delicate equilibrium".

The New York Times

"It's a very delicate equilibrium," said Judith Saltzman of Li/Saltzman Architects, designers of the project with DMCD, which specializes in museums, exhibitions and learning centers.

The New York Times - Arts

It was found that in solvent-cast thick films the formation of equilibrium free surface depends on a delicate balance of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters.

Polymer

In light of this, reduced levels of SIRT1 in the heart of aged mice may be part of a fine tuning mechanism in an attempt to reach and/or maintain an extremely delicate equilibrium.

Human Molecular Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a delicate equilibrium", ensure the context clearly establishes the elements being balanced and the potential consequences of disruption.

Common error

Avoid using "a delicate equilibrium" in situations where the balance is naturally robust or self-correcting, as this can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate equilibrium" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of balance that is sensitive and easily disrupted, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a delicate equilibrium" is a phrase used to describe a state of balance that is easily disrupted, often requiring careful management. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in scientific and news contexts. While alternatives like "a fragile harmony" exist, the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. When employing this phrase, ensure the potential for disruption and the elements being balanced are clearly established. The usage of this phrase is considered very common due to its widespread presence in diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a precarious balance

Emphasizes the instability and potential for collapse within the balanced state.

a fragile harmony

Highlights the ease with which the harmonious state can be disrupted.

a sensitive balance

Stresses the susceptibility of the balance to even minor disturbances.

a fine balance

Implies that the balance is carefully calibrated and requires precision.

a critical balance

Underlines the importance of maintaining the balance for avoiding negative consequences.

a tenuous equilibrium

Highlights the weak or uncertain nature of the equilibrium.

a carefully maintained balance

Focuses on the active effort required to sustain the balanced state.

a finely tuned balance

Suggests the balance has been precisely adjusted and optimized.

a subtle equilibrium

Indicates the equilibrium is not easily apparent or is maintained through subtle interactions.

a knife-edge balance

Emphasizes the precariousness and potential for sudden shift in the balance.

FAQs

What does "a delicate equilibrium" mean?

The phrase "a delicate equilibrium" describes a state of balance that is easily disrupted or upset. It implies that the situation requires careful management and attention to maintain stability.

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

You can use "a delicate equilibrium" to describe systems in nature, political situations, or even personal relationships. For example: "The ecosystem relies on "a delicate equilibrium" between predators and prey."

What are some alternatives to "a delicate equilibrium"?

Some alternatives to "a delicate equilibrium" include "a precarious balance", "a fragile harmony", or "a sensitive balance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "a delicate equilibrium" and "a delicate balance" are correct and largely interchangeable. "Equilibrium" might be slightly more formal or scientific in tone, while "balance" is more common in general usage.