keep the budget balanced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep the budget balanced" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing financial management, particularly in contexts related to maintaining a budget without overspending. Example: "To ensure the project's success, we must keep the budget balanced throughout the entire process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

To promote growth, he went on, America needs to keep the budget balanced, fix entitlement programmes, and invest in education.

The Economist

RICHARD J. CODEY who has proposed leasing the New Jersey Turnpike in a scramble to keep the budget balanced and the state solvent -- may be on to something.

The New York Times

Mr. Gore has said that in a recession his instinct would be to keep the budget balanced and trust the Fed.

The New York Times

But union leaders said contracting by the state increased when Dr. Dean, in 1995, capped the state workforce at 7,000 to keep the budget balanced.

The New York Times

First, to keep the budget balanced, the city cut 6,000 police officers and tried to make up the manpower shortage by sending platoons of rookies to walk the beat in high-crime neighborhoods.

The New York Times

In 1991, New Jersey still had another year go before coming out of the worst recession since the Great Depression, and Mr. Florio -- operating on the novel idea that governments should not spend money they didn't have -- rammed through huge tax increases to keep the budget balanced.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In some instances, school officials said, teachers will be laid off, schools closed and programs cut to keep the budgets balanced without raising taxes too high.

The New York Times

In just over two years at Carnegie Hall, Mr. Harth rebuilt staff morale strained during the short reign of Franz Xaver Ohnesorg, kept the budget balanced and juggled the additional programming responsibilities of the institution's new underground stage, Judy and Arthur Zankel Hall.

The New York Times

As a businessman, the mayor has the right skills to keep the $60 billion budget balanced.

The New York Times

To keep the operating budget balanced and to deal with a $9 billion gap in the capital plan over the next three years, the authority plans to borrow heavily.

The New York Times

He cut taxes and expanded public works spending, although he intended to keep the Federal budget balanced and considered welfare to be primarily a local and voluntary responsibility.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing governmental or organizational finances, using "keep the budget balanced" can emphasize ongoing effort and vigilance to maintain fiscal health.

Common error

Avoid assuming that simply "keeping the budget balanced" automatically leads to economic prosperity. It's a contributing factor, not a guaranteed outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep the budget balanced" functions as a directive or recommendation, often used in discussions about financial planning and economic policy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep the budget balanced" is a directive phrase primarily used in discussions surrounding financial and economic stability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general usability. It emphasizes the importance of matching income with expenditure to avoid deficits, with most frequent use in "News & Media", academic, and scientific contexts. While the phrase is common, it's important to recognize that strict adherence may not always be the optimal strategy in fluctuating economic environments. Alternative phrases like "balance the books" or "ensure fiscal responsibility" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

balance the books

Uses an idiom to mean ensuring that credits and debits are equal.

achieve fiscal balance

Replaces "keep" with "achieve", focusing on the result

maintain budgetary equilibrium

Uses more formal language to convey the idea of keeping income and expenditure equal.

ensure fiscal responsibility

Focuses on the responsible management of finances.

maintain financial stability

Shifts the focus to the overall stability achieved by balancing the budget.

avoid deficit spending

Highlights the avoidance of spending more than is earned.

manage finances prudently

Focuses on the careful and wise management of finances.

live within one's means

Emphasizes spending only what is available.

control public spending

More focused on the actions taken to control the expenditures

avoid overspending

Highlights the action of avoiding spending too much.

FAQs

What does it mean to "keep the budget balanced"?

To "keep the budget balanced" means to ensure that income is equal to or greater than expenditure, avoiding a deficit. It implies careful financial management and control of spending.

What are some alternative ways to express "keep the budget balanced"?

You can use alternatives like "balance the books", "maintain financial stability", or "ensure fiscal responsibility" depending on the specific context.

How does "keep the budget balanced" differ from "reduce the deficit"?

"Reduce the deficit" refers to decreasing an existing shortfall between income and expenses. "Keep the budget balanced" implies maintaining equilibrium and preventing a deficit from occurring in the first place. While both relate to financial health, their focus and timing differ.

Is it always a good idea to "keep the budget balanced"?

While generally desirable, strict adherence to a balanced budget might not be optimal in all situations. During economic downturns, some argue that strategic deficit spending can stimulate growth. The best approach depends on various economic factors and policy goals.