close to equilibrium

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to equilibrium" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to physics, chemistry, economics, or any field where balance or stability is discussed. Example: "The system is close to equilibrium, indicating that the forces acting on it are nearly balanced."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The result brought them close to equilibrium, Bruno just four hundred up after an hour of play.

The New Yorker

Yi Gang has been an active proponent of exchange rate policy as a measure to fight inflation, although he suddenly changed his rhetoric and said something like 'CNY is very close to equilibrium now' in March.

The Economist

Systems were probabilistically almost always close to equilibrium.

SEP

Why then did we live in a universe that was not close to equilibrium?

SEP

Although aggregate traffic flows are close to equilibrium levels, we see some systematic deviations from equilibrium.

Games and Economic Behavior

After 7 years CO2 gas and aqueous and solid carbonates are also close to equilibrium.

Applied Geochemistry

Thus solid sulfur in the pool is close to equilibrium with dissolved cyclooctasulfur.

Geochemical Transactions

These waters have saturation indices of calcite and dolomite very close to equilibrium state.

Applied Water Science

A nonisothermal model was used and the calculations were carried close to equilibrium.

Chemical Engineering Science

At the highest temperatures, the methanol synthesis reaction was close to equilibrium.

Chemical Engineering Science

Conversely, it is argued that reactions close to equilibrium need a lot of enzyme to be maintained close to equilibrium and, contrary to accepted wisdom, begin to limit flux when reduced.

Plant Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system that isn't perfectly balanced but is moving toward or fluctuating slightly around a balanced state, use "close to equilibrium" to accurately portray its condition.

Common error

Avoid using "close to equilibrium" as a static, unchanging condition. Equilibrium, especially in complex systems, often involves minor fluctuations. Ensure your description reflects this dynamic aspect rather than implying a rigid, unchanging state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to equilibrium" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, typically a system or state. It indicates the system's condition relative to a state of equilibrium, suggesting proximity without necessarily being perfectly balanced. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

88%

News & Media

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to equilibrium" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, particularly in scientific and technical fields, to describe systems nearing a state of balance. Ludwig AI confirms this. While alternatives like "near equilibrium" or "approaching equilibrium" exist, the specific choice depends on the nuances you wish to convey. It is crucial to understand that equilibrium doesn't necessarily imply a static state, but rather a dynamic balance. The phrase's frequency and presence in authoritative sources indicate its reliability and widespread acceptance in both academic and broader contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

near equilibrium

This alternative uses a different preposition to convey proximity to a state of equilibrium.

approaching equilibrium

This phrase suggests a movement towards a state of equilibrium, rather than already being in that state.

verging on equilibrium

This suggests being very close to reaching equilibrium.

nearly balanced

This focuses on the 'balanced' aspect of equilibrium.

in a state of near balance

This rephrases the concept using 'balance' instead of 'equilibrium'.

tending towards equilibrium

Similar to 'approaching equilibrium', but emphasizes a tendency or direction.

settling into equilibrium

This implies a process of reaching equilibrium over time.

nearing a steady state

This uses the term 'steady state' which is related to equilibrium, especially in dynamic systems.

approximating equilibrium

Indicates an approximation of the equilibrium state.

close to a stable state

Focuses on stability, which is often associated with equilibrium.

FAQs

How can I use "close to equilibrium" in a sentence?

You can use "close to equilibrium" to describe a state where opposing forces or processes are nearly balanced. For example: "The reaction rate slowed down as the system moved "close to equilibrium"."

What is a good alternative to "close to equilibrium"?

Alternatives include phrases like "near equilibrium", "approaching equilibrium", or "nearly balanced", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more accurate to say "at equilibrium" or "close to equilibrium"?

"At equilibrium" implies a perfect balance, while ""close to equilibrium"" suggests a near-balanced state with potential minor fluctuations. The choice depends on the precision required for describing the system's condition.

In what contexts is "close to equilibrium" commonly used?

The phrase is frequently used in scientific fields like chemistry, physics, and ecology to describe systems that are in a state of near-balance. It can also appear in economics and other fields where balance and stability are relevant concepts.