close balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close balance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a financial situation or an account that is nearly equal or balanced. Example: "After reviewing the accounts, we found that the close balance indicates a need for further adjustments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Revenues and expenditures are usually in close balance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But paradoxically, the court is hard to characterize precisely because of its close balance.

The Washington Post

Evaporation and streamflow maintain a close balance, but evaporation is grad ually victorious over the years.

The New York Times

Political analysts say the cautious tilt toward the status quo has been driven by the excruciatingly close balance of power in the country; a shift of just six seats in the House of Representatives could swing it from Republican control to Democratic.

The New York Times

A8 NATIONAL A10-13 Congressional Democrats Enter a New Political Era Despite the close balance of power resulting from the November elections, the inauguration of George W. Bush as president on Saturday will be the first since 1955 when Democrats control neither the White House nor even one chamber of Congress.

The New York Times

But if supply and demand are in close balance (as they were in the oil market), even very small changes in either component can lead to large price shifts.In his book, "The Logic of Life: Uncovering the New Economics of Everything", Tim Harford postulates a "marriage supermarket" in which men and women who agree to wed can present themselves at the checkout and share $100.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Though several women came close, balancing precariously on the shoulders of their peers, it was Rossi who completed the job.

The Washington Post

When transpiration exceeds the absorption of water by the roots a loss of turgor occurs and the stomata close balancing the water lost and CO2 gain.

BMC Genomics

Those judgments might deserve a closer balance.

The New York Times - Books

I've always found that holding the two in closer balance has been rewarding professionally.

Harvard University

The law requires statements to contain the sum borrowed, plus the opening and closing balance.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing financial states or accounts, ensure that "close balance" accurately reflects the near-equal nature of the quantities being compared. Consider using specific numerical data to support your claim of "close balance" for increased clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "close balance" when the difference between the quantities being compared is significant. "Close balance" implies a minimal discrepancy, so ensure that the context supports this interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close balance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often modifying another noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable and correct in written English, typically indicating a state of near equilibrium between two entities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

0%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close balance" is a versatile term used to describe situations where two or more elements are nearly equal. As Ludwig AI verifies, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is commonly found in diverse fields like science, news media, and finance, where precision is valued. While alternatives such as "near balance" and "tight balance" exist, "close balance" effectively conveys the idea of minimal discrepancy. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the context supports the claim of near equality to avoid misinterpretation. Proper understanding and application of "close balance" enhances clarity and precision in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near balance

Indicates proximity to equilibrium or evenness, similar to "close balance" but with a slightly broader sense.

tight balance

Implies a precise and careful equilibrium, suggesting a stricter or more controlled state of balance than "close balance".

approximate equilibrium

Refers to a state of balance that is not exact but is sufficiently near to be considered balanced for practical purposes; more formal.

relative equilibrium

Suggests a balance that is maintained with respect to other factors or conditions, indicating a contextual balance.

balanced condition

Describes a state where opposing forces or elements are in equilibrium; less specific than "close balance".

narrow margin

Focuses on the small difference between two quantities or forces that are nearly equal, highlighting the precariousness of the balance.

balanced state

General term referring to any condition where opposing forces are equal; it's a broader concept than "close balance".

delicate equilibrium

Implies a balance that is easily disrupted; highlights the fragility of the balance more than its closeness.

slight equilibrium

Indicates a balance that is achieved to a small extent.

comparable parity

It means two or more things or quantities are comparable in terms of quantity or status.

FAQs

How can I use "close balance" in a sentence?

You can use "close balance" to describe situations where two or more things are nearly equal. For example, "The budget showed a "close balance" between revenues and expenditures."

What are some alternatives to "close balance"?

Alternatives to "close balance" include "near balance", "tight balance", and "approximate equilibrium". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of precision you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "closer balance" instead of "close balance"?

Both "close balance" and "closer balance" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Close balance" describes a state that already exists, while "closer balance" suggests a movement towards a state of near equality.

What is the difference between "closing balance" and "close balance"?

Closing balance refers to the balance of an account at the end of a period, while "close balance" refers to a state of near-equality between two quantities. They are used in different contexts.