in a balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a balance" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey the intended meaning clearly.
It can be used when discussing the concept of equilibrium or stability, but it is more often expressed as "in balance." Example: "The project requires careful planning to ensure that resources are in balance with the timeline."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The future of these missing schoolgirls hangs in a balance.

Independent

While depicting combat, one dancer stands in a balance on another's thigh, but only once.

The New York Times - Arts

"Price and access exist in a balance, and we believe we have struck that balance," she said.

The New York Times

This error was subsequently identified and the account balance was corrected, which resulted in a balance still to be repaid".

The Guardian - Money

They believe this indicates that India is not interested in a balance of power, but intends to degrade the value of Pakistan's nuclear deterrent.

The Guardian

In a balance sheet recession, when the private sector is cutting spending to reduce its over-indebtedness, that assumption was just wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

She's kept Egypt, this tiny country, in a balance of power with the almighty Roman empire, and she's done it through force of personality.

The Guardian

The world Dahl creates exists in a balance between the dreamlike, extended quality of time spent in battle and the apparently casual reality of existence on the ground.

The New York Times - Books

During the interval between death and resurrection, there is a preliminary judgment in which the dead have their deeds weighed in a balance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If reserves continue to decline, it could result in a balance of payments crisis and a devaluation of the Egyptian currency — in addition to the political impact.

The New York Times

The ballet's witty twists include his leaving her hanging in a balance and her (most unusual in Balanchine) steadying him as he sinks into a grand plié.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for precision, consider alternatives like "in equilibrium" or "in balance", as these are more commonly used and readily understood. Using these variations enhances clarity and minimizes potential ambiguity.

Common error

While "in a balance" is acceptable, avoid relying on it excessively in formal writing. Opt for stronger alternatives like "equilibrium" or "parity" to lend a more professional tone to your text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a balance" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun to indicate a state of equilibrium or careful consideration. Ludwig suggests that while acceptable, other phrases may offer greater clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a balance" is a prepositional phrase used to convey equilibrium or the weighing of different factors. While commonly found in scientific and news contexts, it's considered acceptable but not always the most precise choice, according to Ludwig. Alternatives like "in equilibrium" or "in balance" may be more suitable depending on the context. Therefore, while "in a balance" is grammatically sound, writers should consider stronger, more common alternatives to improve clarity and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in equilibrium

Focuses on the state of equal distribution or opposing forces, emphasizing stability.

in equipoise

Highlights a state of balance where forces or arguments are equally weighted.

in a state of equilibrium

Emphasizes the condition of balance and stability, adding a descriptive element.

evenly poised

Suggests that opposing sides or factors are equally balanced and ready for action.

in parity

Indicates equality or equivalence, focusing on a balanced state between two or more elements.

in proportion

Highlights the balanced relationship between different parts or aspects, stressing relative size or importance.

in reciprocity

Focuses on mutual exchange or action, where each side contributes equally, maintaining balance.

in a trade-off

Refers to a situation where one thing is balanced against another, involving compromise and mutual concessions.

in consideration

Implies that different factors are being weighed or balanced before making a decision or assessment.

in compromise

Suggests a balanced resolution achieved through mutual concessions and adjustments.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a balance" to describe a state where different elements are weighed against each other or exist in equilibrium. For instance, "The future of these missing schoolgirls hangs "in a balance"."

What's a more common way to say "in a balance"?

Alternatives include "in balance", "in equilibrium", or "evenly poised", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "in a balance"?

While not incorrect, "in a balance" is less common than "in balance". Ludwig AI indicates that while acceptable, there might be clearer alternatives.

Which is better, "in a balance" or "in equilibrium"?

In equilibrium is typically preferred in formal and scientific contexts to denote a stable condition, while "in a balance" may be suitable in less formal settings. Consider your audience and the desired level of precision.