resides in the balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resides in the balance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to convey that something is dependent on or determined by a state of equilibrium or uncertainty. Example: "The outcome of the negotiations resides in the balance, as both parties have yet to reach a consensus."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The tension resides in the balance between agility and embeddedness in an ecosystem and the determinants of equilibrium between these forces.

Triple Helix

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We feel more pain residing in the balance sheets of financial companies.

Forbes

As one critic noted, "the quality of his work resides in the precise balance that he attained between narrative painting with strong social content and aesthetic originality".

Wikipedia

Thus, the determinants for lactate accumulation and shuttling, if any, must reside elsewhere, for example in the balance between spiking and synaptic activity [ 58].

BMC Systems Biology

A key aspect in the control of these patients resides in the preservation of a delicate fluid balance, which is always individualized and personalized.

Medicina Clínica

Banks own pieces of businesses that reside off the balance sheet.

The New York Times

Therefore, they also own, indirectly, a slice of the toxic assets that reside on the balance sheets of those institutions.

The New York Times

Balance of power resides in the hands of Clive Frederick Palmer.

The Guardian

Although it is true that he lived in Virginia and Georgia until he was in his late 20's, he had no Southern ancestry, and he resided in the North for the balance of his life".

The New York Times - Books

Everything hangs in the balance".

The New Yorker

"It's in the balance.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "resides in the balance" when you want to emphasize that the outcome or state of something is contingent upon maintaining equilibrium between opposing forces or uncertain factors. This phrase is particularly effective when discussing complex systems or situations where multiple elements interact.

Common error

Avoid using "resides in the balance" in straightforward situations where simpler phrases like "depends on" or "is uncertain" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resides in the balance" functions as an idiomatic expression, emphasizing that the determination or state of something depends on maintaining equilibrium between opposing forces or uncertain conditions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "resides in the balance" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey that something's outcome or state hinges on equilibrium or uncertain conditions, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While relatively rare, it effectively communicates precariousness and dependency across various contexts including science, news, and general knowledge. Simpler alternatives like "hangs in the balance" or "is at stake" exist for less formal situations, but "resides in the balance" adds a touch of elevated language. Avoid overuse in simple contexts to maintain its impact and relevance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is in the balance

This alternative removes "resides" and is more concise but retains a similar meaning.

hangs in the balance

This alternative emphasizes the precariousness and uncertainty of the situation.

is at stake

This alternative highlights the potential loss or gain associated with the outcome.

depends on the outcome

This alternative focuses on the reliance of a result on a specific event.

is contingent upon

This alternative suggests that the result is conditional upon certain factors.

rests upon

This alternative implies a foundation or basis that determines the result.

is uncertain

This alternative simply states the lack of certainty regarding the situation.

is touch-and-go

This alternative conveys a sense of precariousness and potential for rapid change.

is on a knife edge

This alternative suggests a delicate balance and a high risk of failure.

is yet to be determined

This alternative conveys that the final result is still unknown.

FAQs

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

You can use "resides in the balance" to indicate that an outcome is uncertain and depends on various factors. For example, "The success of the project resides in the balance, depending on funding and resources."

What is a simpler alternative to "resides in the balance"?

Alternatives include "hangs in the balance", "is at stake", or "depends on the outcome". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more common to say "resides in the balance" or "is in the balance"?

"Is in the balance" is more common and concise. "Resides in the balance" adds a slightly more formal or literary tone.

What does it mean when something "resides in the balance"?

It means that the outcome or stability of something is uncertain and depends on various influencing factors achieving a delicate equilibrium.