a delicate equilibrium between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delicate equilibrium between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a balance or harmony between two or more contrasting elements or factors. Example: "In managing a successful team, there is often a delicate equilibrium between fostering creativity and maintaining structure."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

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

Complications of sepsis have been related to an intense host response based on a delicate equilibrium between various proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators [ 28].

Critical Care

This defense mechanism is called hemostasis and implies a delicate equilibrium between coagulation with formation of a fibrin-platelet mesh and fibrinolysis.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

The asymmetric distribution of lipids and proteins in the pollen tube plasma membrane modulates ion fluxes and actin dynamics and is maintained by a delicate equilibrium between exocytosis and endocytosis.

Biology Open

Under normal physiologic conditions, the integrity of bone tissues depends on maintaining a delicate equilibrium between bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts which promotes bone homeostasis [ 1, 2].

Disease Markers

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

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

It was already thrilling, striking a delicate equilibrium of sweetness and acidity, complexity and sheer refreshment.

The New York Times - Food

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 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

A delicate equilibrium of microglial-derived factors might determine the neurotrophic or neurotoxic effect of activated microglia.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a delicate equilibrium between" to describe situations where maintaining stability requires careful management and attention to potentially disruptive forces.

Common error

Avoid using "a delicate equilibrium between" when the balance is inherently robust. Overstating its fragility can undermine your credibility and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate equilibrium between" functions as a prepositional phrase, often introducing a description of two or more elements that are in a state of balance or interplay. As seen in Ludwig, it highlights the careful management required to maintain stability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a delicate equilibrium between" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a state of balance or interplay between two or more elements, where that balance is sensitive and requires careful management. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and is most frequently found in scientific and news contexts. When writing, it's important to ensure that the elements being balanced are clearly defined and that the fragility of the balance is appropriate to the situation. Alternatives include phrases like "a fine balance between" or "a fragile balance between", depending on the desired emphasis. Using this phrase effectively can add precision and sophistication to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fine balance between

Changes 'delicate equilibrium' to 'fine balance', implying a slightly less fragile state of equilibrium.

a fragile balance between

Substitutes 'delicate' with 'fragile', highlighting the vulnerability of the equilibrium.

a precarious balance between

Replaces 'delicate' with 'precarious', emphasizing the instability of the balance.

a careful balance between

Uses 'careful balance' instead of 'delicate equilibrium', focusing on the intentional effort to maintain the balance.

a sensitive balance between

Employs 'sensitive balance' to underscore the need for careful handling and awareness.

the interplay between

Replaces the entire phrase with 'the interplay', simplifying the expression to focus on interaction.

the tension between

Shifts from equilibrium to 'tension', highlighting the conflicting forces involved.

the relationship between

Generalizes the concept to a simple 'relationship', losing the sense of balance.

the connection between

Similar to 'relationship', but emphasizing the link or bond between elements.

the correlation between

Focuses on the statistical association between elements, departing from the idea of equilibrium.

FAQs

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

Use "a delicate equilibrium between" to highlight the need for careful management of opposing forces or elements. Ensure that the context clearly identifies the factors in balance and the potential consequences of disrupting that balance.

What phrases can I use instead of "a delicate equilibrium between"?

Consider alternatives like "a fine balance between", "a fragile balance between", or "a precarious balance between", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a delicate equilibrium between" and "a delicate balance between"?

While similar, "equilibrium" suggests a state of rest or stability achieved through the balance, whereas "balance" simply implies a distribution of weight or force. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the resulting stability or just the act of balancing.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "a delicate equilibrium between"?

This phrase is suitable in contexts where maintaining stability or harmony is crucial, such as political negotiations, ecological systems, or personal relationships. It's especially fitting when the balance is easily disrupted by external factors.