hangs in the balance

USAGE SUMMARY

"hangs in the balance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when discussing something that is uncertain, or when referring to a decision that could go either way. For example: "The fate of the school's future hangs in the balance as the Board of Directors debates its options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Everything hangs in the balance".

The New Yorker

Meanwhile Rangers' fate hangs in the balance.

Independent

Health-care reform hangs in the balance.

The Economist

For Livestrong, much hangs in the balance.

The New York Times - Sports

Everyone's fate hangs in the balance.

The New York Times

All hangs in the balance.

The Washington Post

The answer hangs in the balance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

A man's life hangs in the balance.

Los Angeles Times

The fate of Angola hangs in the balance.

Independent

A lot hangs in the balance.

The Washington Post

Now Campbell's case hangs in the balance, too.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hangs in the balance" to convey a sense of suspense and uncertainty when the outcome of a situation is critical. Ensure the context clearly establishes what is at risk.

Common error

Avoid using "hangs in the balance" for unimportant situations. The phrase implies significant consequences, so reserve it for truly critical junctures to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hangs in the balance" functions as a predicate, often modifying a noun phrase representing a situation, decision, or entity whose fate is uncertain. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that the outcome is yet to be determined and carries significant implications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

13%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hangs in the balance" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey uncertainty and high stakes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for describing situations where the outcome is critical and undetermined. Analysis of usage patterns shows it is frequently found in News & Media, Academia and Science contexts. When writing, it’s important to reserve this phrase for situations with significant consequences to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "is at stake" or "is uncertain" can be used for less dramatic situations. Overall, understanding the nuances of "hangs in the balance" ensures its effective use in writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is in the balance

A more concise way of expressing the same meaning, omitting the verb "hangs".

is at stake

This phrase emphasizes the potential loss or gain associated with the uncertain outcome.

is hanging by a thread

This idiom vividly illustrates the fragility and vulnerability of the situation.

is on the line

This phrase highlights the risk involved, indicating a critical juncture where something significant could be lost.

is touch and go

This idiom conveys the precariousness of the situation, suggesting it could easily go either way.

is up in the air

This idiom conveys the lack of certainty and the undetermined nature of the situation.

is in a precarious situation

This alternative emphasizes the instability and potential danger of the current circumstances.

is finely poised

Suggests that the situation is delicately balanced and could easily tip in either direction.

is uncertain

This alternative simplifies the original phrase, focusing on the uncertainty of the situation.

remains unresolved

Focuses on the lack of a decision or conclusion, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty.

FAQs

How to use "hangs in the balance" in a sentence?

Use "hangs in the balance" to describe a situation where the outcome is uncertain and significant consequences are possible. For example, "The company's future "is in the balance" as they await the judge's decision."

What can I say instead of "hangs in the balance"?

You can use alternatives like "is at stake", "is uncertain", or "is touch and go" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "hangs in the balance" or "hangs on the balance"?

"Hangs in the balance" is the correct and idiomatic expression. "Hangs on the balance" is not a standard English phrase and should be avoided.

What's the difference between "hangs in the balance" and "is in the balance"?

"Hangs in the balance" is a more vivid and emphatic way of saying ""is in the balance"". Both convey uncertainty, but the former suggests a more precarious or suspenseful situation.