balanced against

USAGE SUMMARY

"balanced against" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to juxtapose two competing forces, items, or ideas. For example, "The cost of the new product was balanced against the expected sales of the product."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

All balanced against the good things.

The New Yorker

Those risks, he said, have to be balanced against reward.

The New York Times

These two can be balanced against each other.

The Economist

Johnson panned slowly, balanced against the chop like a gimbal.

The New Yorker

Balanced against these modest potential savings are costs.

The New York Times

Balanced against this high-minded goal was another.

The New York Times - Arts

It has to be balanced against the cost," Nusbaum says.

MIT Technology Review

It's an interest that needs to be balanced against others.

The New York Times

While an additional direct measure could improve accuracy, cost must be balanced against incremental accuracy.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Balanced against this heat challenge is your body’s methods of heat loss (passive and active).

Princeton University

The purpose of the use may be balanced against the amount and substantiality of the use.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "balanced against", ensure that the items being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify which benefits are being weighed against which costs.

Common error

Avoid using "balanced against" when the items being compared are not directly related or comparable. Ensure a logical connection exists between the factors being weighed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "balanced against" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It indicates that something is being considered in relation to something else, typically involving a comparison of opposing forces or factors. As Ludwig AI indicates, it serves to juxtapose competing items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "balanced against" is a prepositional phrase used to express the act of weighing different factors in order to reach a decision or make an assessment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's frequently used in science, news, and academic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the items being compared are clearly defined. Consider alternatives such as "weighed against" or "offset by" to add nuance to your writing. Mastering the use of "balanced against" allows for more precise and nuanced communication. Remember to check how it is used with Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weighed against

Focuses on the act of assessing the importance or value of something in comparison to something else.

compared with

Highlights the act of examining the similarities and differences between two or more things.

offset by

Emphasizes the idea of counteracting or neutralizing one thing with another.

counterbalanced by

Suggests a more active effort to maintain equilibrium by opposing forces.

measured against

Implies using a standard or benchmark to evaluate something.

assessed in relation to

Focuses on evaluating something considering its connection or dependence on something else.

evaluated against

Stresses a formal appraisal process using specific criteria.

considered in light of

Highlights the importance of context or specific information when making a judgment.

placed in the context of

Emphasizes understanding something within a broader framework or situation.

juxtaposed with

Focuses on placing two things side by side to highlight their contrasts.

FAQs

How can I use "balanced against" in a sentence?

Use "balanced against" to show that you are weighing two options or ideas. For instance, "The potential benefits of the new policy must be "balanced against" the potential risks".

What does "balanced against" mean?

The phrase "balanced against" means that two or more things are being compared in order to assess their relative importance or effect. It implies a careful consideration of opposing factors.

What are some alternatives to "balanced against"?

Alternatives include phrases like "weighed against", "offset by", or "compared with", each carrying subtle differences in emphasis.

How does "balanced against" differ from "compared to"?

"Balanced against" implies a weighing of pros and cons, while "compared to" simply indicates a comparison of similarities and differences without necessarily assessing relative merit. The first assesses relative value, while the second simply relates to similarity.