a sensible balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sensible balance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the need for moderation or equilibrium in various contexts, such as decision-making, lifestyle choices, or resource allocation. Example: "In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it's important to find a sensible balance between work and leisure activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The court decision maintains a sensible balance.

The New York Times

If the administration will not restore a sensible balance to foreign aid, the new Congress should.

The New York Times

In most cases, "In the Black" strikes a sensible balance between the general and the particular.

The New York Times

There needs to be a sensible balance between formative assessment (coursework) and summative assessment (final examinations).

The Guardian

"There needs to be a sensible balance between being elevated and being accessible".

The New York Times

The Kyoto framework still fails to offer America anything approaching a sensible balance of cost and benefit.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

This contest means a sensible balancing between the benefits of uniformly thriving grass or continued leafy shade.

The New York Times

While that ratio, reflecting a sensible balanced-growth policy, is maintained, the problem is not how much the Government spends, though that's what the budget deal primarily addressed.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, it creates what Wilson calls "a huge amount of latency in the system". So even though the industry has been moving toward a more sensible balance between money under management and potential returns, it takes a long time to push underperformers out.

MIT Technology Review

The couple set about achieving a more sensible balance, re-opening partitioned rooms and switching back the bedrooms and bathrooms.

Independent

The Coalition has launched a review of the vast network of marine reserves set out by the previous Labor government, to deliver what it calls a more "sensible balance" between fishing and environmental concerns.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance persuasiveness, use specific examples or data to illustrate why the proposed "a sensible balance" is beneficial and avoids negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "a sensible balance" as a generic solution without acknowledging the complexities and trade-offs involved. Acknowledge counterarguments and demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sensible balance" functions as a noun phrase, with "sensible" modifying "balance". According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and commonly used to describe a state of equilibrium achieved through sound judgment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sensible balance" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to advocate for moderation and reasoned decision-making. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase emphasizes fairness and sustainability across various domains. The usage is prevalent in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts, implying a neutral to formal register. When using "a sensible balance", remember to clearly define the opposing forces and demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the issue to avoid oversimplification. Alternatives such as "a reasonable equilibrium" or "a judicious compromise" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable balance

Emphasizes the rationality and acceptability of the balance achieved.

a practical equilibrium

Focuses on the workability and usefulness of the state of balance.

a judicious compromise

Highlights the element of careful judgment and mutual concession.

a fair equilibrium

Stresses the impartiality and justness of the balanced state.

a sound equilibrium

Implies that the balance is reliable and well-founded.

a rational compromise

Emphasizes the logical and reasoned nature of the agreement.

a workable compromise

Focuses on the practicality and feasibility of the agreement.

a realistic balance

Suggests that the balance reflects a grounded and pragmatic approach.

a well-considered balance

Highlights that the balance was achieved through careful deliberation.

an equitable distribution

Shifts focus to fairness in how something is divided or allocated.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sensible balance" to describe a state of equilibrium or fairness between two or more things. For example, "The company strives for "a sensible balance" between profit and social responsibility".

What phrases are similar to "a sensible balance"?

Alternatives to "a sensible balance" include "a reasonable equilibrium", "a judicious compromise", or "a fair equilibrium", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of equilibrium and fairness.

What is the difference between "a sensible balance" and "a perfect balance"?

"A sensible balance" implies a practical and reasonable equilibrium, while "a perfect balance" suggests an ideal state that may be unrealistic or unattainable. "A sensible balance" acknowledges trade-offs and real-world constraints.

Is "a sensible balance" always the best approach?

While aiming for "a sensible balance" is often desirable, there may be situations where prioritizing one element over others is necessary. The context and specific goals should guide the decision.