balance scales

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "balance scales" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of weighing options or making decisions, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "In order to make a fair decision, we need to balance the scales and consider both sides of the argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Nearby, kids puzzle over colored cubes, one experiments with balance scales and another lies back in her chair, counting on her fingers.

The New York Times - Books

If they had been using standard high school balance scales and hand-held pipettes, this would have been the disappointing moment, when Mrs. Gobert would say, "You get the idea, kids".

The New York Times

A number of items that belonged to Joseph and Mary during their lives both in Britain and America are on display throughout the house, including Joseph's balance scales and microscope.

Wikipedia

Joining forces with our children to pick up litter in a park, volunteer in a soup kitchen, or doing other acts of Tikkun Olam can feel like our own little triumph over evil -- a tiny step toward restoring that which was broken and tilting the balance scales toward good.

Huffington Post

Static balance was assessed using two hierarchical balance scales.

British Medical Journal

Weight was measured using beam balance scales with the subject in light clothing.

Clinical interventions in aging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Using a rickety balance scale, 73 families divided the meat into 73 portions.

The New York Times

The puzzle: You have a balance scale and a single chain with thirteen links.

The New York Times

Sara, Caroline and other children tried to weigh candy, beans and more on the balance scale, a tricky business.

The New York Times

The 13-Link Chain Puzzle You have a balance scale and a single chain with thirteen links.

The New York Times

affected balance scale.

Health Economics Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scientific procedures, specify the type of "balance scales" used (e.g., analytical, digital) to provide precise information about the measurement tool.

Common error

Be clear whether you are referring to "balance scales" as a measurement tool or a general scale for assessing something (e.g., a rating scale). Context is key to avoiding confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "balance scales" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a type of instrument used for measuring weight or mass. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, generally functioning as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

39%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "balance scales" is a common noun phrase used to refer to instruments for measuring weight or mass. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in scientific and news contexts. Usage ranges from precise descriptions of laboratory equipment to more general references in news articles. To ensure clarity, specifying the type of "balance scales" (e.g., digital, analytical) is often beneficial. While predominantly literal, the concept of balance can extend metaphorically, but the direct phrase is less common in such uses. Overall, "balance scales" is a versatile term, essential for precise communication in various fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weighing scales

Focuses on the act of weighing rather than the type of scale.

measuring scales

Emphasizes the general function of measuring.

laboratory balances

Specifies the context as a laboratory setting.

analytical balances

Highlights the precision and analytical nature of the scales.

spring scales

Refers to a specific type of scale based on spring mechanism.

digital scales

Specifies the technology used in the scales.

beam balances

Refers to a specific type of balance that uses a beam.

counter scales

Highlights the usage of the scales in a commercial setting, like a store counter.

postal scales

Indicates a specific use case for weighing mail.

kitchen scales

Refers to scales used for measuring ingredients in cooking.

FAQs

How are "balance scales" used in scientific research?

"Balance scales" are used in scientific research to accurately measure the mass or weight of substances, ensuring precision in experiments and data collection.

What is the difference between "balance scales" and "spring scales"?

"Balance scales" compare the mass of an object against a known mass, while "spring scales" measure weight by the extension of a spring. Balance scales are generally more accurate.

Can "balance scales" be used metaphorically?

While "balance scales" primarily refer to weighing instruments, the concept of 'balance' can be used metaphorically to describe situations where equilibrium or fairness is considered, though the direct phrase "balance scales" is less common in such contexts.

What are some synonyms for "balance scales"?

Synonyms for "balance scales" include "weighing scales", "measuring scales", and "laboratory balances", depending on the specific context.