semblance of balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "semblance of balance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that appears to have balance, even if it is not fully balanced or stable. Example: "The negotiations reached a semblance of balance, allowing both parties to feel somewhat satisfied with the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

This, at least, has given a semblance of balance in tackling the right-to-die issue.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Cassandra has a sneaking preference for a candidate from a developing country, if only to create some semblance of balance in international institutions.

The Economist

But when that time came seven years ago, Ms. Grant, who is now a career and business coach, found that any semblance of balance went out the window.

The New York Times

"What we are seeing now is a semblance of balance coming back to the market," said Joseph Mottola, chief executive of the Multiple Listing Service.

The New York Times

The narrative maintains a semblance of balance until the final half-hour, when it leaps from a brisk trot into a full gallop, and coherence goes by the wayside.

The New York Times

So, did James view his performance Saturday — when he rushed for 73 yards on 16 carries and gave the Cardinals a semblance of balance that they lacked almost all season — as redemption?

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

You do the best you can to maintain some semblance of a balance, but you have to remember to look at that balance on the aggregate.

Huffington Post

But in baseball, keeping some semblance of competitive balance is important lest fans grow bored watching the Yankees and the Atlanta Braves win so much of the time.

The New York Times - Sports

His most haunting comment, both for what it says and for the older history it calls to mind, is: "A semblance of power balance is often the precondition for peace.

The New York Times

Ms. Ymarop, who runs counseling programs for some of the most distressed children and women, is trying to help more than 250 young children and 100 teenagers regain some semblance of emotional balance.

The New York Times

There is a cap and there is a floor, which mandates that teams have to spend a certain amount – the whole point of those mechanisms is to keep some semblance of competitive balance, so that big-market teams cannot dominate the way they have in the past in baseball, for instance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "semblance of balance", consider whether you want to emphasize the artificiality or incompleteness of the balance. This will guide your word choice in the surrounding context.

Common error

Avoid using "semblance of balance" when a situation is genuinely and fully balanced. This phrase implies an incomplete or superficial equilibrium.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "semblance of balance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to an outward appearance or impression of equilibrium, even if the underlying reality is different. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a proper and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "semblance of balance" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an apparent or superficial equilibrium. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. Commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it suggests that while things may appear balanced, the underlying reality might be different. Alternatives like "appearance of equilibrium" or "illusion of stability" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. It's important to use this phrase when the balance isn't fully achieved or is somewhat fragile. This analysis provides insights into its proper usage, related phrases, and potential pitfalls to avoid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appearance of equilibrium

Focuses on the visual impression rather than the actual state.

illusion of stability

Highlights the deceptive nature of the balance, implying it's not genuine.

hint of equilibrium

Emphasizes the subtle and possibly incomplete nature of the balance.

approximation of stability

Suggests an attempt or near achievement of balance, without full realization.

veneer of balance

Implies a superficial or deceptive appearance of balance.

facade of equilibrium

Similar to 'veneer', indicating a deceptive or constructed appearance.

air of stability

Focuses on the feeling or atmosphere created by the apparent balance.

pretense of equilibrium

Highlights the insincerity or falseness of the apparent balance.

guise of stability

Similar to 'pretense', suggesting a misleading appearance.

touch of balance

Underlines how light or mild the effective balance is.

FAQs

How can I use "semblance of balance" in a sentence?

You can use "semblance of balance" to describe situations where things appear balanced but might not be in reality. For example, "The agreement provided a "semblance of balance" between the conflicting parties."

What's a good substitute for "semblance of balance"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "appearance of equilibrium", "illusion of stability", or "hint of equilibrium".

Is "semblance of balance" formal or informal?

"Semblance of balance" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in news articles, reports, and academic papers. It is a fairly "neutral tone" phrase.

What does "semblance of balance" imply?

It implies that what appears to be balanced might not be entirely stable, genuine, or complete. It suggests a superficial or partial equilibrium, and not a "truly balanced situation".