serious balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious balance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or important equilibrium in various contexts, such as finance, health, or personal life. Example: "Achieving a serious balance between work and personal life is essential for overall well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Faced with a serious balance of payments problem in 2008, it turned to global institutions led by the International Monetary Fund for $25 billion in aid.

The New York Times

In a concert of Brahms and Schumann works at the 92nd Street Y in December, the usually reliable David Jolley became ensnared in every tangle a hornist can encounter (or create), including serious balance issues in ensemble pieces.

The New York Times - Arts

Fauré's Pavane (Op. 50) was given a similar treatment, though with serious balance problems, stemming partly from the amplification of Mr. McFerrin's voice and partly from erratic horn playing.

The New York Times - Arts

May should listen to her chancellor on the risks she is taking when the economy is already struggling with serious balance of payments and budgetary problems – just think of all the lost revenue and export potential if crucial manufacturing and financial institutions relocate!

The Guardian

This follows its most serious balance of payments crisis since independence drains its hard currency reserves.

BBC

While this merger may postpone recognition of a serious balance sheet hit, it will actually hinder the new entity's competitive position against other telecom companies that are showing vastly deflated asset values.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

An abrupt change in a country's terms of trade (e.g., a drastic fall in the price of a primary product that is a country's main export) can cause serious balance-of-payments problems if the country depends on the foreign exchange earned by its exports to pay for the import of its manufactured goods and capital equipment.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I will admit there is a serious balancing act in order to have a family and a successful marriage.

Forbes

Business distress signals, as measured in the survey, included clubs facing winding up petitions and high court writs, county court judgments or "serious negative balances" on their balance sheet.

BBC

He needs to become serious about balancing the budget.

The New York Times

Mr. Cavallo said Argentina needed to show the fund that it was serious about balancing the budget.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious balance", ensure the context clearly indicates what aspects are being balanced and why their equilibrium is important. Provide specific details to avoid vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "serious balance" in contexts where the imbalance doesn't have significant consequences. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious balance" typically functions as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "balance". This construction emphasizes the importance or critical nature of the equilibrium being described. Ludwig AI confirms this usage based on the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Arts

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious balance" is a grammatically sound and meaningful expression used to emphasize the critical importance of maintaining equilibrium in various contexts. Ludwig AI supports this notion and provides several real-world examples. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is appropriate in news, media, and professional settings where highlighting the significance of a balance is crucial. Alternatives include "critical equilibrium" or "crucial balance", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis. When using "serious balance", be sure to provide sufficient context and avoid overstating the seriousness of the situation. By using best practices, writers can effectively leverage this phrase to improve their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crucial balance

Focuses on how vital the balance is.

critical equilibrium

Replaces "serious" with "critical", emphasizing the importance and potential consequences of imbalance.

important equilibrium

Highlights the importance of the balance.

significant equilibrium

Substitutes "serious" with "significant", highlighting the noteworthiness of the balance.

substantial stability

Replaces "balance" with "stability", focusing on steadiness and resilience.

considerable equilibrium

Similar to "significant equilibrium", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the degree of balance.

vital stability

Highlights that stability is fundamental or necessary.

major equilibrium

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the balance.

grave balance

Emphasizes the solemn or critical nature of the balance, often implying potential negative consequences if disrupted.

pronounced equilibrium

Indicates a clear and easily noticeable state of balance.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious balance" to describe a critical equilibrium or stability in various contexts. For example: "Achieving a "serious balance" between work and personal life is essential for overall well-being."

What is another way to say "serious balance"?

Alternatives to "serious balance" include phrases like "critical equilibrium", "significant equilibrium", or "crucial balance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "serious balance"?

Use "serious balance" when you want to emphasize that a particular equilibrium or state of stability is vital and has important implications. It is suitable when the consequences of imbalance are significant.

Is "grave balance" a synonym for "serious balance"?

While "grave balance" can sometimes be used similarly to "serious balance", it typically implies a more solemn or critical situation where the potential consequences of imbalance are particularly severe or negative.