delicate balance

USAGE SUMMARY

"delicate balance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about a situation where two opposing forces or states must be kept in equilibrium or when referring to an exacting situation that requires a great deal of care. For example, "Maintaining a delicate balance between personal life and work is essential to achieving success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a delicate balance".

The New York Times

It's a delicate balance, however.

The New Yorker

That is a delicate balance.

The Economist

This is a delicate balance.

The New York Times

"It becomes a delicate balance.

The New York Times

But it's a delicate balance.

The Guardian

"It's a very delicate balance".

The New York Times

"So it's a delicate balance".

The New York Times

"It becomes a very delicate balance".

The New York Times

"There's a delicate balance," Fencik said.

The New York Times

However, regular contact is a delicate balance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "delicate balance" to convey the importance of maintaining equilibrium, particularly when discussing sensitive or easily disrupted systems.

Common error

While "delicate balance" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overuse. Vary your language by using synonyms like "fine line" or "fragile equilibrium" to prevent your writing from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate balance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, it describes a state or situation requiring careful management to maintain equilibrium. It is used to express the need for precision and awareness in handling opposing forces.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "delicate balance" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe situations requiring careful management and equilibrium. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted in English writing. This guide has provided insights into its usage, exploring its function as a noun phrase emphasizing precision and awareness. You can consider using similar phrases such as "fragile equilibrium" or "sensitive equilibrium" to prevent repetition. It is important to know that, while its register is neutral, "delicate balance" is often seen in news and academic publications. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "delicate balance" in your writing to convey the importance of equilibrium and careful handling.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fragile equilibrium

Emphasizes the instability and susceptibility to disruption of the balance.

Precarious equilibrium

Highlights the risk and uncertainty associated with maintaining the balance.

Fine line

Focuses on the subtle distinction that must be maintained to avoid an undesirable outcome.

Sensitive equilibrium

Stresses the need for careful handling due to the susceptibility to external factors.

Tricky situation

Highlights the complexity and potential difficulties in managing the situation.

Tough compromise

Highlights the difficulties in reaching the balance due to conflicting needs.

Complex dynamics

Shifts the focus to the intricate interactions that contribute to the overall system.

Subtle interplay

Focuses on the interaction of different parts, elements, etc.

Balanced approach

Suggests a method of dealing with a situation in which all the needs are equally satisfied.

Careful calculation

Emphasizes the deliberate and precise nature of the balancing act.

FAQs

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

You can use "delicate balance" to describe situations where opposing forces must be carefully managed. For example, "Maintaining a "delicate balance" between work and personal life is crucial for well-being."

What are some alternatives to "delicate balance"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "fragile equilibrium", "fine line", or "sensitive equilibrium" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever incorrect to use "delicate balance"?

While generally correct, "delicate balance" might be inappropriate if the situation doesn't involve opposing forces or require careful management. In such cases, a more straightforward description might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "delicate balance" and "fine balance"?

The phrases "delicate balance" and "fine balance" are largely interchangeable, both referring to a state of equilibrium that requires careful maintenance. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference.