be offset by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be offset by" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to balance out or counteract something. It is usually used when describing a negative or undesired effect being balanced out by a positive or desired one. Example: The cost of the new equipment will be offset by the increased efficiency it will bring to the production process. In this sentence, the negative effect of the cost of the equipment is balanced out by the positive effect of increased efficiency.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

And they can be offset by losses.

The New York Times

Court-ordered damages would not be offset by charity.

The New York Times

That deficit must be offset by money from abroad.

The New York Times

This should be offset by higher cheese margins.

The Guardian - Business

Later, it will be offset by higher growth".

The New York Times

Green Bay's offensive gains could be offset by defensive losses.

The New York Times - Sports

"The selling could be offset by people reinvesting the money.

The New York Times

Pigou argued that negative externalities (costs imposed) should be offset by a tax, while positive externalities should be offset by a subsidy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The lost tax revenue would be offset by reducing direct foreign aid by the same amount.

The New York Times

In any case, that "profit" will be offset by future "losses" if Lehman's credit standing recovers.

The New York Times

Even the risky exposure of publication could be offset by anonymity.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be offset by", ensure the offsetting factor directly addresses the initial negative or undesirable consequence. This ensures clarity and logical coherence in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be offset by" when the supposed offsetting factor doesn't genuinely counteract the initial problem. Ensure a real and direct relationship exists between the two elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be offset by" functions as a passive construction indicating that one thing counteracts or balances the effect of another. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and can be used in written English. Examples illustrate how gains, losses, costs, or negative effects are balanced by other factors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be offset by" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that one factor balances or counteracts another. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English, noting it often describes undesirable effects being balanced by positive ones. This phrase is commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts. When employing "be offset by", ensure a direct relationship exists between the offsetting factor and the initial effect to ensure clarity. Using related phrases, like "be counteracted by" or "be balanced out by", can also add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be counteracted by

Replaces "offset" with "counteracted", emphasizing direct opposition.

be balanced out by

Uses "balanced out" to convey equilibrium after opposing forces.

be neutralized by

Indicates complete cancellation of an effect.

be compensated by

Suggests that something makes up for or reimburses the initial effect.

be mitigated by

Implies lessening the severity of the initial effect.

be alleviated by

Focuses on easing or reducing the burden of the initial effect.

be diminished by

Highlights a reduction in the impact of the initial effect.

be attenuated by

Suggests weakening or reducing the intensity of the initial effect.

be overridden by

Indicates that a stronger force negates the initial effect.

be counterbalanced through

Emphasizes the method or means through which the initial effect is balanced.

FAQs

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

Use "be offset by" to show how one thing counteracts or balances another, like "The increased cost will "be offset by" higher efficiency".

What's a good alternative to "be offset by"?

Alternatives include "be counteracted by", "be balanced out by", or "be mitigated by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "offset by" without the "be"?

While "offset by" can function as a modifier, using the passive construction "be offset by" is often clearer and more grammatically appropriate in many contexts.

What is the difference between "be offset by" and "be compensated by"?

"Be offset by" implies a balancing effect, while "be compensated by" suggests making up for a loss or deficiency. For instance, increased expenses might "be offset by" higher revenue, but a workplace injury might "be compensated by" insurance payments.