a difficult balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult balance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the challenge of finding an equilibrium between two or more competing factors or interests. Example: "Finding a difficult balance between work and personal life can be challenging for many professionals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's a difficult balance.

The New Yorker

This is a difficult balance.

The New York Times

So it's a difficult balance.

The Guardian

It is a difficult balance.

The Washington Post

This is a difficult balance to strike.

Stanford University

Clearly, it is a difficult balance.

The Washington Post

"It's a difficult balance between melodrama and reality," he said.

The New York Times

"It is a difficult balance for the stewards.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It can be a difficult balancing act.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a difficult balancing act.

The New Yorker

Mr Cameron faces a difficult balancing act.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use this phrase to introduce a nuanced discussion, rather than as a concluding statement. It sets the stage for exploring the complexities of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficult balance" as a vague descriptor. Always provide context and explain why the balance is difficult. For instance, instead of saying "achieving success requires a difficult balance", specify which elements need balancing: "achieving success requires a difficult balance between innovation and fiscal responsibility".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult balance" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. As evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig, it encapsulates the abstract concept of needing to reconcile conflicting priorities or needs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a difficult balance" is a versatile phrase used to describe scenarios that require careful navigation between competing needs or interests. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous real-world examples demonstrates its prevalence across diverse contexts, from news and media to academia and science. The phrase is grammatically correct and functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to introduce nuanced discussions and highlight the complexities of strategic decision-making. To use it effectively, be specific about the factors contributing to the difficulty and avoid vague generalizations. Consider alternatives like "a challenging equilibrium" or "a tricky compromise" for subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging equilibrium

Emphasizes the demanding nature of achieving balance.

a tricky compromise

Highlights the need for concessions to reach a resolution.

a complex balancing act

Focuses on the intricate maneuvers required to maintain equilibrium.

a delicate equilibrium

Implies the need for gentle handling to avoid disruption.

a fine line to walk

Stresses the importance of precision in decision-making.

a tough decision

Highlights the difficulty in making a choice.

a precarious position

Focuses on the instability of the situation.

a demanding situation

Emphasizes the taxing nature of the circumstances.

an exacting task

Implies the need for precision and attention to detail.

a monumental effort

Stresses the amount of work required.

FAQs

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

You can use "a difficult balance" to describe situations where finding equilibrium between conflicting needs or desires is challenging. For example: "Maintaining customer satisfaction while reducing operational costs requires "a difficult balance"".

What are some alternatives to "a difficult balance"?

Some alternatives include "a challenging equilibrium", "a tricky compromise", or "a complex balancing act". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a difficult balance" or "a challenging balance"?

Both "a difficult balance" and "a challenging balance" are grammatically correct and widely used. "Difficult" emphasizes the effort required, while "challenging" emphasizes the complexity of the situation. Choose the term that best reflects the specific context.

What makes "a difficult balance" different from "a delicate balance"?

"A difficult balance" emphasizes the effort and complexity involved in finding equilibrium. "A delicate balance", on the other hand, suggests that the situation is easily disrupted and requires careful handling. So, "a delicate balance" is more about fragility, while "a difficult balance" is about complexity and effort.