on balance

USAGE SUMMARY

"on balance" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to indicate a conclusion or summary of a comparison, evaluation, or opinion. For example: "While there are pros and cons to both options, on balance I think Option A is the better choice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

On balance, yes.

The Guardian - Music

On balance, that looks right.

The Economist

Why only on balance?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On balance, just fine.

The New York Times

On balance, probably not.

The Guardian - Opinion

On balance: fine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On balance, the latter.

The Guardian - Business

On balance, I'm optimistic".

The New York Times

On balance, these changes favor the Republicans.

The New Yorker

This seems, on balance, the proper choice.

The New York Times - Books

This is on balance no bad thing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on balance" to introduce a reasoned conclusion after considering multiple factors. It adds a sense of fairness and objectivity to your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "on balance" in very casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday speech. Consider simpler alternatives like "overall" or "generally speaking".

How to use

Learn how to use "on balance" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "on balance" is that of an adverbial phrase. It modifies a sentence or clause, indicating the speaker's or writer's overall judgment after considering various factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and serves to introduce a conclusive statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on balance" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to convey an overall judgment or assessment after considering multiple factors. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and the phrase is frequently found in various contexts, especially within news media and encyclopedias. While it can add a sense of sophistication to your writing, remember to avoid overuse in very casual contexts. Consider related phrases like "all things considered" for similar meaning. Remember that "on balance" implies a comparative judgement and a considered outcome rather than a summary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

all things considered

This phrase is a more general way of saying after considering all aspects.

taking everything into account

This alternative emphasizes a thorough consideration of all relevant factors.

when all is said and done

This phrase suggests a final assessment after a process or event has concluded.

in the final analysis

This alternative highlights a deep and thorough evaluation to reach a conclusion.

at the end of the day

A more conversational way of indicating the ultimate conclusion after considering everything.

overall

This is a more concise synonym, focusing on the general impression or result.

by and large

This phrase indicates that something is generally true, despite some exceptions.

in general

A simpler term that refers to the overall situation, without mentioning a careful assessment of different options.

considering the pros and cons

This alternative specifically mentions weighing positive and negative aspects.

weighing the evidence

This phrase is more suited to contexts involving factual information or arguments.

FAQs

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

Use "on balance" to present a conclusion after weighing different factors. For example, "On balance, I think it was a good decision", meaning after considering all aspects, you believe it was positive.

What phrases are similar to "on balance"?

Similar phrases include "all things considered", "taking everything into account", or "overall". These alternatives also convey a sense of weighing different aspects before reaching a conclusion.

Is it appropriate to use "on balance" in formal writing?

Yes, "on balance" is appropriate for formal writing. It adds a layer of sophistication to your arguments by showing you've considered multiple perspectives before arriving at a conclusion. However, as previously stated in "overuse in informal contexts", it should be used with care in very casual situations.

What's the difference between "on balance" and "in conclusion"?

"On balance" suggests a weighing of different factors before reaching a decision, while "in conclusion" simply indicates the end of an argument or discussion. "On balance" is more about comparative judgment, and "in conclusion" is more about summarization.