balance with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'balance with' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a state of equilibrium, or to refer to the comparison of two or more things that are equal in amount or value. Example: The team needed to balance the larger number of defensive players with an equal number of offensive players.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is our balance with our environment.

The New York Times

Should South balance with two hearts?

The New York Times

That's called being in balance with nature.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'm trying to strike the right balance with being free".

The New Yorker

This includes striking the right balance with gender too.

The Guardian

Mexico's trade balance with South America is surprisingly small.

The New York Times

They haven't found a balance with real human relationships.

The Guardian

It is a bit of a balance with the crowd.

The Guardian - Sport

"But we have a good balance with our strikers.

Independent

The Indian choreographer Surupa Sen negotiates the balance with grace.

The New York Times - Arts

One step might be "better balance with regulations".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "balance with", ensure that the elements being balanced are clearly defined to maintain clarity in your writing. For instance, "balance innovation with practicality" is more specific than simply stating "achieve balance".

Common error

Avoid using "balance with" in contexts where a more precise term like "align", "coordinate" or "harmonize" would better convey the intended meaning. The term "balance" specifically implies equilibrium or offsetting forces, which may not always be the desired nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "balance with" functions as a prepositional phrase, often indicating a relationship of equilibrium, harmony, or proportion between two or more elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests that something is being brought into a state of equality or appropriate relationship with something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "balance with" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to convey the idea of achieving equilibrium or creating a harmonious relationship between elements. As Ludwig AI affirms, it indicates a state of equality or appropriate proportion. With its frequent presence in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, the phrase maintains a generally neutral register, suitable for various writing styles. To enhance clarity, ensure that the elements being balanced are well-defined and consider context-specific alternatives to avoid misinterpretations. Overall, mastering "balance with" involves understanding its nuanced implications and applying it judiciously to achieve precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmonize with

Emphasizes creating a pleasing or congruent relationship, focusing on aesthetic or functional compatibility.

coordinate with

Stresses the arrangement of elements for efficient and effective joint action or function.

reconcile with

Highlights the act of resolving differences and creating compatibility after discord.

counterbalance with

Suggests an action to offset or equalize the effect of something else, often in response to an imbalance.

integrate with

Focuses on combining parts into a unified whole, often involving adaptation and mutual modification.

align with

Stresses the adjustment of one thing to match or conform to another, ensuring proper orientation or direction.

offset with

Implies compensating for something, typically to mitigate a negative effect or create a more even distribution.

equilibrate with

Highlights the process of reaching a state of equilibrium or balance, often in a dynamic or reactive context.

correspond with

Emphasizes a direct relationship or similarity in quality, quantity, or effect.

be in proportion to

Specifically indicates that elements are sized or scaled appropriately in relation to each other.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "balance with" in a sentence?

Use "balance with" to show how two different things can be equal or create equilibrium, like "You need to "balance work with play" to maintain a healthy life".

What are some alternatives to "balance with"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives such as "harmonize with", "coordinate with", or "reconcile with" to express different nuances of achieving equilibrium.

Is there a difference between "balance with" and "balance against"?

"Balance with" implies creating equilibrium, whereas "balance against" suggests a counteracting force or comparison. The choice depends on whether you intend to show equality or opposition.

In what situations is it inappropriate to use "balance with"?

Avoid using "balance with" if the relationship isn't about equilibrium or offsetting forces. For example, if you simply mean to combine elements, "integrate with" might be a more fitting choice.