counterbalance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'counterbalance' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when there is a need to describe a situation where two opposing forces balance each other out. For example, "The new economic policies implemented by the government successfully counterbalanced the inflation rate in the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scottish Labour MPs were desperate for Miliband to go after Sturgeon, but he also had to counterbalance any attacks with the need to show he had the restraint and gravitas of a putative prime minister.

The Guardian

Although Germany wants Britain to stay in the EU, as one of the biggest net contributors of funds and as part of a counterbalance to the powerful Franco-Mediterranean alliance, Merkel is said to have indicated privately that she would not fight hard against any planned exit.

The Guardian

However as the case for GM has been put so powerfully by the report which prompted today's debate I particularly asked John to counterbalance this with a summary of the arguments on the other side.

The Guardian

But it was counterbalanced by human interaction, and that counterbalance was essential.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Chirac believes in building up Europe to counterbalance American power, and will not contemplate a "relationship of submission" to America; Mr Sarkozy believes it is "unthinkable for Europe to forge its identity in opposition to the United States".

The Economist

Ségolène Royal talks about the need to counterbalance "the American hyperpower".Certainly the Socialists too want to restore trust to the transatlantic link; but they are unsparing in their criticism of Tony Blair toeing the American line over Iraq.

The Economist

Some apply the same management system to lots of different businesses: Danaher, an American holding company that specialises in manufacturing, has applied its "lean" management system, the Danaher Business System, to the 85 businesses it has bought over the past ten years.This obsession with simplicity is a useful counterbalance to growing complexity.

The Economist

And so a preoccupation of even as pro-China a leader as Mr Ma continues to be to expand Taiwan's international ties as a counterbalance to the mainland giant.

The Economist

It also offered a counterbalance to PAS, which is predominantly rural.

The Economist

Vast size and the power it confers might be one way to counterbalance the miners' dependence on China.

The Economist

To counterbalance these woes, the new elite may resort to even wilder forms of nationalism; and that nationalism could turn into a monster that even its creators cannot control.In truth, the biggest threats to Russia's future stem not from its "enemies" but from internal weaknesses, some of them self-inflicted.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "counterbalance" to describe situations where one action or element is used to mitigate or neutralize the impact of another. This often applies in strategic or analytical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "counterbalance" when the intention is to completely eliminate an effect rather than merely equalize or lessen its impact. Use alternatives like "eliminate" or "nullify" when complete removal is the goal.

Linguistic Context

Counterbalance primarily functions as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it describes the act of opposing or negating something with an equal force. As a noun, it refers to the weight, force, or influence that achieves this balance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "counterbalance" serves as a versatile term to describe the act of offsetting or neutralizing forces, predominantly used in professional and news-related contexts. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and applicability across numerous situations. When writing, focus on its strategic implications and use it precisely to illustrate equilibrium. Alternatives such as "offset", "neutralize", and "counteract" offer nuanced options depending on the desired emphasis. Understanding these alternatives and common errors ensures effective and clear communication. With a high expert rating of 4.5 and frequent usage, mastering "counterbalance" can enhance both your writing and analytical skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offset

This term implies a direct canceling out of one force by another, very similar to "counterbalance" but often used in a more technical context.

offsetting

A gerund form that emphasizes the action of counteracting or balancing.

neutralize

This suggests rendering something ineffective or harmless, focusing on negation of impact rather than equilibrium.

counteract

This verb highlights action taken to oppose an effect, emphasizing the active nature of the balancing effort.

compensate for

This indicates making up for a deficiency or loss, often implying a less direct balance but a restoration of overall value.

make up for

Similar to compensate for, this term also covers deficiencies but it's a bit more informal.

countervail

This term, while less common, means to offset the effect of something.

equalize

Focuses on making things equal, highlighting the achievement of balance or parity.

redress

Implies correcting an imbalance, typically related to injustice or grievances.

mitigate

This describes reducing the severity of something, often used when fully balancing is not possible.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "counterbalance" in a sentence?

Use "counterbalance" to show how opposing forces or effects are brought into equilibrium. For example, "The government implemented new policies to "offset" the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to using the word "counterbalance"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "offset", "neutralize", or "counteract". Each of these carries slightly different nuances.

Is there a difference between "counterbalance" and "compensate for"?

"Counterbalance" implies a direct opposition and equalization of forces, whereas "compensate for" suggests making up for a deficiency. Choose based on whether the goal is direct opposition or addressing a shortfall.

In what scenarios is it best to use "counterbalance" over other similar terms?

Use "counterbalance" when you want to emphasize a deliberate action taken to create equilibrium between opposing forces or effects. It's particularly useful in strategic or analytical contexts where precision is important.