be counterbalanced by

USAGE SUMMARY

"be counterbalanced by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means that something is balanced or offset by something else. Example: The decrease in sales was counterbalanced by the increase in revenue from our new product. In this sentence, "be counterbalanced by" shows that the negative effect of the decrease in sales is balanced by the positive effect of the increase in revenue.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet the terrible derelictions of the past cannot be counterbalanced by over-zealousness in the present.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is so good, in fact, that we can now state a new covenant: Copyrights must be counterbalanced by copyduties.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The question is whether they'll be counterbalanced by the new voters and young voters he brings in," he said.

The New York Times

But that cost would be counterbalanced by firm commodity prices and a strong American economy sucking in developing country exports.

The New York Times

However, those fears will be counterbalanced by Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow joining Cook in contributing half-centuries to England's total of 286 for six.

The Guardian - Sport

But that seems to be counterbalanced by general impatience for a recovery at VH1. "It's a drag on everybody," said one Viacom executive.

The New York Times

Jarry had an interest in the notion of "horrible beauty" in which an aesthetic appreciation of the monstrous was allowable and discordant elements could be counterbalanced by humour.

The Guardian - Music

The influx of millions of the erstwhile uninsured has to be counterbalanced by adequate cost cutting in areas where waste is accumulating.

The Guardian - Opinion

This should be counterbalanced by the setting up of an independent Standing Claims Commission to compensate those injured by the UN's activities.

Independent

But this could be counterbalanced by the push toward the Middle East and Asia on professional circuits like Formula One and men's and women's tennis and golf.

The New York Times - Sports

Any gain in nominal competitiveness might well be counterbalanced by an even tighter labour market.Estonia and Lithuania would be at risk if Latvia did devalue.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be counterbalanced by", ensure that the elements being balanced are clearly defined and that the relationship between them is evident to the reader. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "be counterbalanced by" implies a perfect equilibrium. Often, it indicates a partial offset rather than a complete cancellation. Be specific about the degree to which the elements are balanced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be counterbalanced by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject is having its effects reduced or offset by an opposing force or factor. Ludwig provides several examples where this phrase connects two opposing elements, showcasing its role in illustrating balance or mitigation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be counterbalanced by" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that one factor offsets or mitigates the effect of another. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, primarily in the fields of science and news media. It serves to show that an effect, often negative, is being reduced or negated by an opposing force. To effectively use "be counterbalanced by", ensure the relationship between the balancing elements is clear and that the scope of the balance is accurately represented. Alternatives like "be offset by" or "be neutralized by" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be offset by

Direct synonym, focusing on offsetting or negating an effect.

be balanced out by

A slightly more informal synonym, maintaining the balancing concept.

be neutralized by

Focuses on the nullifying aspect of the counterbalancing force.

be counteracted by

Similar to neutralized, but with a sense of active opposition.

be mitigated by

Emphasizes reducing the severity of something rather than completely balancing it.

be moderated by

Indicates a reduction in intensity or severity through an opposing force.

be compensated by

Highlights the idea of making up for a deficiency or loss.

be attenuated by

Focuses on diminishing the impact or strength of something.

be evened out by

Implies a leveling effect, making things more uniform.

be corrected by

Suggests rectifying an imbalance or error.

FAQs

How can I use "be counterbalanced by" in a sentence?

Use "be counterbalanced by" to show that one thing reduces or negates the effect of another. For example, "The negative impact of the policy will "be counterbalanced by" its long-term benefits".

What are some alternatives to "be counterbalanced by"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be offset by", "be neutralized by", or "be mitigated by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be balanced by" or "be counterbalanced by"?

"Be balanced by" and "be counterbalanced by" are often interchangeable, but "be counterbalanced by" suggests a more active or opposing force is creating the balance. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What does "be counterbalanced by" mean?

It means that one effect or force is reduced or negated by another, resulting in a more stable or equitable situation. It implies an opposing or offsetting action.