find a balance

USAGE SUMMARY

'find a balance' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of achieving a compromise or equilibrium between two competing ideas, actions, wishes, etc. For example, "In order to be successful at work and still have a happy family life, it's important to find a balance between the two."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're trying to find a balance.

The New York Times

The trick is to find a balance.

The New Yorker

You can find a balance.

The New York Times - Sports

"He's been able to find a balance.

The New York Times - Sports

"So it's vital to find a balance".

The New York Times

"It was hard to find a balance.

The New York Times

So you have to find a balance.

The Guardian

"They have to find a balance.

The New York Times

Kelsey has helped him find a balance.

The New York Times - Sports

I've got to find a balance there somehow.

The New York Times - Sports

We have to find a balance there somewhere.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "find a balance", consider the specific elements that need to be balanced. Clearly identifying these elements adds precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "find a balance" without specifying what needs to be balanced. A vague statement diminishes the impact of your message. Be specific about the competing forces or elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find a balance" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of achieving equilibrium or compromise between two or more conflicting elements. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "find a balance" is a versatile and commonly used expression for achieving equilibrium or compromise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and applicable in numerous contexts. Whether it's in news articles, academic papers, or business reports, the phrase highlights the need to reconcile opposing forces. To enhance your writing, remember to specify what elements require balancing. For alternatives, consider "strike a balance" or "achieve equilibrium". By understanding its usage and common pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate "find a balance" into your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strike a balance

Emphasizes the act of actively achieving equilibrium between two opposing forces or needs.

achieve equilibrium

Focuses on reaching a state of stability and equal distribution.

reach a compromise

Highlights the need for mutual concessions to find a middle ground.

find equilibrium

Similar to "find a balance", but focuses more on a state of equilibrium rather than the process.

attain harmony

Stresses a pleasing or congruent arrangement, often in a more abstract or aesthetic sense.

establish parity

Highlights achieving equality or equivalence, often in numerical or measurable terms.

discover a midpoint

Emphasizes locating the exact center or compromise between extremes.

moderate extremes

Implies reducing the intensity of opposing forces to find a more central position.

negotiate a settlement

Focuses on resolving a dispute through discussion and mutual agreement.

find common ground

Suggests identifying shared interests or beliefs to build consensus.

FAQs

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

You can use "find a balance" to describe achieving equilibrium or compromise between different elements. For example, "It's important to "find a balance" between work and leisure".

What are some alternatives to "find a balance"?

Alternatives include "strike a balance", "achieve equilibrium", or "reach a compromise", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "finding a balance" instead of "find a balance"?

"Finding a balance" is a gerund phrase that can be used as a noun, while "find a balance" is an infinitive phrase. The choice depends on the grammatical structure of your sentence. For instance, "Finding a balance" is essential for wellbeing.

What's the difference between "find a balance" and "maintain a balance"?

"Find a balance" refers to the act of achieving equilibrium, while "maintain a balance" refers to sustaining that equilibrium over time. You first "find a balance", then you "maintain a balance".