balance out

USAGE SUMMARY

"balance out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that two or more opposing forces, ideas, or elements are in equilibrium. For example: "The two sides agreed to balance out their differences and reach an agreement".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We try to balance out the situation".

The New York Times - Science

But I bet it will balance out".

The New York Times

"It's an art and a science to balance out everybody".

The New York Times

Jeans to balance out the makeup and the appliqué bird.

The New York Times

Just balance out those neurochemicals, and I'll be fine.

The New York Times

The equation seems to balance out by meal's end.

The New York Times - Food

You have to make sure you balance out your analysis.

The Guardian - Sport

"They say things balance out in the end," Jarvis said.

The New York Times - Sports

To balance out the brow, you'll need a thickening mascara.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, the mistakes balance out for both parties.

The New York Times

"Over time, parenting responsibilities should balance out".

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "balance out" when you want to indicate that two or more things are brought into equilibrium, either literally or figuratively. For example, "The benefits balance out the risks".

Common error

Avoid using "balance out" when you simply mean to increase or decrease something without the concept of achieving equilibrium. For instance, don't say "I need to balance out my studying" if you just mean "I need to study more".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "balance out" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the act of bringing opposing forces or elements into equilibrium. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used. Examples show its application across diverse contexts, from offsetting risks to harmonizing life aspects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

13%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "balance out" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the process of achieving equilibrium or offsetting opposing forces. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across diverse contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific discussions. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, indicating its relevance in describing various situations requiring compensation or neutralization. Remember to use "balance out" when you want to convey a sense of parity or offsetting effects, and avoid using it when you simply mean to increase or decrease something without the notion of equilibrium.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offset

Focuses on counteracting one thing with another.

counteract

Emphasizes neutralizing the effect of something.

neutralize

Highlights the act of making something ineffective.

compensate for

Stresses making up for a deficiency or loss.

equalize

Indicates making things equal or uniform.

even out

Suggests smoothing differences or variations.

make up for

Implies providing something to compensate for a lack.

correct

Focuses on rectifying an imbalance or error.

nullify

Emphasizes rendering something invalid or without effect.

restore equilibrium

Highlights the act of bringing back a state of balance.

FAQs

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

You can use "balance out" to describe situations where opposing forces or elements achieve equilibrium. For example, "The advantages and disadvantages of the plan need to "balance out" before we can make a decision".

What are some alternatives to "balance out"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "offset", "counteract", or "compensate for" as alternatives to "balance out".

Is it correct to say "balances out" instead of "balance out"?

Yes, "balances out" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb phrase "balance out". Use "balances out" when the subject is singular (e.g., "The cost balances out the benefit").

What's the difference between "balance out" and "even out"?

"Balance out" often implies a state of equilibrium between opposing forces, while "even out" suggests smoothing or reducing differences. While they can be used interchangeably in some contexts, "balance out" has a stronger connotation of opposing elements.