a positive balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a positive balance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in financial contexts to indicate that an account has more credits than debits, resulting in a surplus. Example: "After reviewing my bank statement, I was pleased to see that I had a positive balance in my checking account."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The CBI reported that 57% of retailers reported higher sales than a year ago, while only 13% reported lower sales, giving a positive balance of 44, sharply higher from last month's reading of +30.

The Economist

There has to be a positive balance".

The New Yorker

Italy began showing a positive balance again in the mid-1990s.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The country generally has maintained a positive balance in annual trade.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Similarly, some store cards charge a "credit balance fee" for holding a positive balance.

Independent

At the end of the month, I'm always surprised to find a positive balance in my checking account it's nice.

The New Yorker

Papua New Guinea generally has a positive balance of trade, and foreign reserves have grown since 2005.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At retirement, any outstanding TERA debt would be forgiven, while anyone who had a positive balance could withdraw it.

The Economist

At the end of the month, I'm always surprised to find a positive balance in my checking account — it's nice.

The New Yorker

Britain not only has a positive balance of trade in cars, for example; it buys and sells the right ones.

The Economist

However, from 1992 France experienced a trade surplus, combined with a positive balance from invisible (nonmerchandise) transactions, especially tourism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to financial accounts, ensure clarity by specifying the type of account (e.g., checking account, trade balance) when using "a positive balance".

Common error

Avoid using "a positive balance" in contexts where a neutral or zero balance is expected or desired. For example, in scientific experiments, an uncontrolled "positive balance" of certain variables could indicate an error or bias.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a positive balance" functions primarily as a descriptor or qualifier, typically modifying a noun (e.g., account, trade, sheet) to indicate a favorable or surplus state. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable structure in English. The examples show usage across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

8%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a positive balance" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression, primarily functioning as a descriptor to indicate a favorable or surplus state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly employed in various contexts, ranging from finance and economics to science and general reporting. While its register leans toward neutral and formal, it's crucial to consider the specific context to prevent misinterpretations. Related terms such as "surplus" or "favorable balance" can serve as alternatives, depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a net positive

Emphasizes the overall positive effect after considering both positive and negative aspects.

a good surplus

Emphasizes a satisfactory excess amount in a certain situation.

a surplus

Focuses specifically on the excess amount rather than the overall state of being balanced in a positive direction.

a balance in one's favor

Changes the point of view in the direction of someone's benefit.

a credit

Indicates an addition to an account, resulting in a positive amount.

a profit

Relates to earnings exceeding expenses, implying a positive financial outcome.

a favorable outcome

Shifts the focus from a quantitative balance to the qualitative result of a situation.

a successful trade

It's focusing more on the success that came with the balance.

a trade surplus

Specifically refers to a positive balance in international trade.

a surplus in value

Shifts the perspective to a concept more related to economy and value.

FAQs

What does "a positive balance" mean in a financial context?

In finance, "a positive balance" indicates that an account has more credits than debits, meaning there is money available. It is the opposite of an overdraft or negative balance.

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

You might say, "After several months of saving, I finally have "a positive balance" in my savings account", indicating that you have more money saved than spent.

What are some alternatives to saying "a positive balance"?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "surplus", "favorable balance", or "net positive" to convey a similar meaning.

In economics, what does "a positive balance of trade" mean?

A "positive balance of trade" means that a country's exports exceed its imports. This is also referred to as a trade surplus and indicates that the country is selling more goods and services than it is buying from other countries.