a tricky balance between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tricky balance between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to find a compromise or equilibrium between two or more competing factors or ideas. Example: "Finding a tricky balance between work and personal life is essential for maintaining overall well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Buoyed by the lilting guitar, she seamlessly carries off a tricky balance between fluid jazz singing and acting.

The New York Times - Arts

To keep it that way requires a tricky balance between the growing trends of tourism and nature conservation.

Independent

They are defending 10 seats in states Trump won, forcing many of their candidates to strike a tricky balance between placating conservative voters and appealing to party loyalists.

The Washington Post

This has been particularly true with how I view money, but it can be a tricky balance between being just positive enough and too positive.

The New York Times

Finance ministers struck a tricky balance between the European Central Bank and national supervisors, and between countries and out of the euro (details are here).

The Economist

When setting team goals, many managers feel that they must maintain a tricky balance between setting targets high enough to achieve impressive results and setting them low enough to keep the troops happy.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Progress has been slow, but he says there is a tricky balance to be struck between opening the underworld and protecting the "single most important volcanic cave in the world".

The Guardian - Travel

Nintendo seems to have nailed a very tricky balance between size and weight, as well they should considering how critical the controller is to the new experiences they hope to deliver.

TechCrunch

And so, she says with a sigh: "It's a tricky balance to strike, the line between protecting kids and policing them.

The New York Times - Books

This is a tricky balance.

The New York Times

There is a tricky balance, however.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a tricky balance between", ensure that the elements being balanced are clearly defined to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "a tricky balance between innovation and tradition" is more effective than simply "a tricky balance".

Common error

Avoid presenting "a tricky balance between" as a simple choice. Acknowledge the complexities and nuances involved in finding the right equilibrium. Overlooking these can weaken your argument or analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tricky balance between" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a complement to a verb. It highlights the need to carefully manage and reconcile competing elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a tricky balance between" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the need for careful management and compromise in situations involving competing factors. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is versatile and applicable across various contexts, especially in news, business, and academic writing. To use it effectively, ensure that the elements being balanced are clearly defined. While perfect equilibrium isn't always achievable, the goal is to find a workable solution that minimizes negative impacts and maximizes overall benefits. Related phrases such as ""a delicate equilibrium between"" and ""a careful compromise between"" can offer alternative ways to express this nuanced concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a delicate equilibrium between

Replaces "tricky" with "delicate" and "balance" with "equilibrium", suggesting a more fragile and sensitive need for equilibrium.

a fine line between

Emphasizes the narrow margin or subtle difference that must be maintained, focusing on avoiding extremes.

a careful compromise between

Highlights the need for concessions and negotiation to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

a nuanced approach to

Focuses on the need for subtlety and attentiveness to detail when dealing with complex issues.

a strategic trade-off between

Implies a deliberate decision to prioritize one element over another, balancing benefits and drawbacks.

a measured consideration of

Stresses the importance of thoughtful and deliberate evaluation of different factors.

a calculated negotiation between

Suggests a planned and strategic approach to reconciling opposing interests.

a sensitive reconciliation of

Highlights the need for empathy and understanding when resolving conflicting viewpoints.

a judicious harmonization of

Emphasizes the importance of wisdom and sound judgment in creating a cohesive blend of disparate elements.

navigating the tension between

Focuses on the process of managing or steering through the inherent conflict between different aspects.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a tricky balance between" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a tricky balance between", clearly identify the two or more elements you are trying to reconcile and highlight the challenges involved in finding the optimal point. For instance, "Maintaining "a tricky balance between security and privacy" is a constant challenge in the digital age".

What phrases are similar to "a tricky balance between"?

Similar phrases include "a delicate equilibrium between", "a fine line between", or "a careful compromise between", which all convey the need for careful management of opposing elements.

What makes finding "a tricky balance between" so challenging?

Finding "a tricky balance between" is often challenging due to conflicting priorities, limited resources, and the potential for unintended consequences. Success requires a deep understanding of all factors involved and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.

Is it always necessary to achieve a perfect balance when using "a tricky balance between"?

No, achieving a perfect balance isn't always feasible or necessary. The goal is often to find a workable compromise that minimizes negative impacts and maximizes overall benefits, even if it means making trade-offs or accepting less-than-ideal outcomes.