involves a tradeoff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "involves a tradeoff" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations where a decision requires balancing different factors or making compromises. Example: "Choosing to work from home often involves a tradeoff between flexibility and collaboration with colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Interpolation always involves a tradeoff between ringing and smoothing.

Harvard University

There is no such thing as a perfect intelligence system, and every seeming improvement involves a tradeoff.

The New Yorker

Every choice involves a tradeoff, and it is virtually impossible to fully remove politics from the process.

The Washington Post

The choice of a cut point involves a tradeoff between sensitivity and specificity.

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

Of course it involves a tradeoff: vocal lines were carefully fitted by composers to the specific language of a libretto.

The New York Times - Arts

The best strategy thus involves a tradeoff between exploration (to find lower-foreground patches) and exploitation (through prolonged integration).

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

All breast reconstructions involve a tradeoff, said Dr. Scott L. Spear, the chief of plastic surgery at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington.

The New York Times - Health

Current methodologies for purification often involve a tradeoff between HT automation or capacity and quality.

Journal of Chromatography A

It must be someone who can reassure all New Yorkers that keeping down crime does not involve a tradeoff in civil liberties.

The New York Times

While it is handy to have one remote control that can handle all of a household's electronic entertainment gadgets, most such universal remotes involve a tradeoff.

The New York Times - Tech

Earthquake hazard mitigation should be recognized to be inherently political, involving a tradeoff between uncertain costs and uncertain risks.

Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "involves a tradeoff", clearly state what aspects are being traded off to provide context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid presenting the tradeoff as a simple good vs bad scenario. Acknowledge the nuances and potential benefits of each option involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "involves a tradeoff" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used to describe the nature of a decision, situation, or design where gains in one aspect necessitate losses or compromises in another. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "involves a tradeoff" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe situations where a decision necessitates balancing competing factors. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts, including science, news, and academia. While several alternatives exist, such as "entails a compromise" or "requires a balance", the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, ensure you articulate the specific elements being traded off to provide clarity. This phrase exhibits a neutral to formal register and can be found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Science Magazine.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entails a compromise

Replaces "involves" with "entails" and "tradeoff" with "compromise", suggesting a mutual concession.

requires a balance

Emphasizes the need for equilibrium between different elements, rather than a direct exchange.

necessitates a concession

Highlights the act of giving up something to reach an agreement or outcome.

demands a compromise

Similar to "entails a compromise" but implies a stronger need or requirement.

implies a balancing act

Suggests a delicate and intentional effort to maintain equilibrium between opposing forces.

presents a dilemma

Focuses on the difficult choice between two or more undesirable options.

forces a choice between

Highlights the constraint of having to select one option over another.

requires weighing the pros and cons

Focuses on the evaluation process of benefits and drawbacks.

is a matter of give and take

Emphasizes the reciprocal exchange necessary in a situation.

balances competing priorities

Highlights the act of prioritizing different elements.

FAQs

How can I use "involves a tradeoff" in a sentence?

You can use "involves a tradeoff" to describe a situation where choosing one option means sacrificing something else. For example, "Investing in renewable energy involves a tradeoff between upfront costs and long-term environmental benefits."

What are some alternatives to "involves a tradeoff"?

Some alternatives include "entails a compromise", "requires a balance", or "necessitates a concession", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "involves a compromise" or "involves a tradeoff"?

Both "involves a compromise" and "involves a tradeoff" are correct and often interchangeable. "Compromise" emphasizes mutual concessions, while "tradeoff" highlights the exchange of one thing for another. The better choice depends on the context.

What does it mean when a decision "involves a tradeoff"?

When a decision "involves a tradeoff", it means that you can't have everything you want. Choosing one option means giving up something else, and you need to weigh the pros and cons to determine the best course of action.