maintaining balance

USAGE SUMMARY

"maintaining balance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it in a variety of contexts to refer to achieving an equilibrium of some sort. For example, "The key to maintaining balance in life is prioritizing the important things."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maintaining balance is a challenge.

The New York Times - Travel

Visual information is important to maintaining balance.

Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal

You'll learn routines for maintaining balance and increasing flexibility.

Harvard University

Remember: your goal is maintaining balance, not achieving perfection.

The New York Times

Maintaining balance while walking is challenging for lower limb amputees.

Journal of Biomechanics

Maintaining balance is a necessary requirement for most human actions.

Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics

Like maintaining balance in the front leg without drifting toward home.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is about maintaining balance on our courts," Mr. Schumer said.

The New York Times

Beloozerova, I. N. et al. Postural control in the rabbit maintaining balance on the tilting platform.

Nature

Nature is equipped with its own systems for maintaining balance between life and death.

The New York Times - Arts

Older adults who have difficulty walking or maintaining balance should use elevators rather than escalators, the study authors caution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "maintaining balance", ensure the context clearly defines what elements are being balanced. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "maintaining balance" as a generic solution to problems. Always specify the factors needing equilibrium; otherwise, the phrase becomes a vague cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "maintaining balance" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the action of keeping something in a state of equilibrium. As Ludwig showcases, this can be used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "maintaining balance" is a versatile gerund phrase used to express the act of preserving equilibrium across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. While it is frequently used in both scientific and news contexts, it's crucial to define the specific elements being balanced to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "preserving equilibrium" or "sustaining stability" can provide nuanced variations, and understanding the phrase's implications is key to effective communication. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preserving equilibrium

Focuses on the act of keeping something in a state of equilibrium.

sustaining stability

Emphasizes the continuation of a stable state.

keeping equilibrium

Highlights the act of actively preserving a state of balance.

ensuring equilibrium

Stresses the act of making certain that a state of balance is achieved and sustained.

securing steadiness

Highlights the act of making something stable and secure.

fostering harmony

Focuses on promoting a harmonious state, often in interpersonal or environmental contexts.

achieving equilibrium

Highlights the successful attainment of a balanced state, often after a period of imbalance.

promoting steadiness

Emphasizes the action of encouraging or supporting a state of steadiness.

upholding stability

Highlights the act of defending or supporting an existing state of stability.

preserving composure

Focuses on maintaining a calm and controlled demeanor, especially in stressful situations.

FAQs

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

You can use "maintaining balance" to describe efforts to keep various aspects in equilibrium, such as "maintaining balance between work and life" or "maintaining balance in the ecosystem".

What are some alternatives to "maintaining balance"?

Alternatives include "preserving equilibrium", "sustaining stability", or "fostering harmony", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "maintaining balance" or "achieving balance"?

"Maintaining balance" implies an ongoing effort to keep things in equilibrium, while "achieving balance" suggests reaching a balanced state that may not have existed before. The best choice depends on whether you're describing a continuous process or a one-time accomplishment.

In what contexts is "maintaining balance" commonly used?

"Maintaining balance" is frequently used in discussions about health, finance, ecology, and personal well-being. It's applicable whenever there's a need to keep opposing forces or elements in a stable state.