settle the balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settle the balance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of paying off a debt or completing a financial transaction. Example: "Please ensure to settle the balance on your account by the end of the month to avoid any late fees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

War resumed in 1431, and the subsequent Peace of Ferrara (1433) failed to settle the balance of power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At its heart was an international clearing bank (ICB) that would settle the balance of transactions that gave rise to trade surpluses or deficits.

The Economist

Unlike the booking process in October, where buyers could pay a £50 deposit and settle the balance later, punters will have to pay the full ticket price of £210 plus a £5 booking fee upfront.

Independent

After paying a deposit of $35 or $25, depending on their M-Pesa credit history, customers are then able to settle the balance through daily mobile phone payments of 50 cents for a year until they own the device outright.

The Guardian

Dozens of specially trained agents work on the third floor of DCM Services here, calling up the dear departed's next of kin and kindly asking if they want to settle the balance on a credit card or bank loan, or perhaps make that final utility bill or cellphone payment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Families traditionally paid a deposit in January and settled the balance two months before departure.

Independent

The business, incubated in part in chats between Larson and fellow students at Oxford University, sees users pay a deposit of about $35 for a solar system worth about $200 before settling the balance using mobile money transfers over a year.

The Guardian

Arguably bigger than the welfare dispute is George Osborne's priority in the negotiations: settling the balance of power between the 19 countries sharing the euro and those, like Britain, outside the single currency in a way that disables eurozone caucusing against the others and safeguards the interests of the City of London, by far the EU's biggest financial centre.

The Guardian

This, in fact, appears to be the policy the Obama administration has selected.Whatever policy emerges on dealing with ISIS, it's clear that America's long-term strategy for the Middle East has to be oriented towards letting local powers settle the geopolitical balance themselves.

The Economist

We have not attempted to settle definitely the balance between these good and bad respects.

Bioethics

Despite the fact that we explicitly talk about worseness in one respect, and despite quoting our caveat 'We have not attempted to settle definitely the balance between … good and bad respects of scientific progress' (p. 110), Harris takes us to 'bet against the overall utility of scientific advance and cognitive enhancement' (p. 110; italics added).

Bioethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "settle the balance" in financial contexts, specify the method of payment (e.g., "settle the balance with a credit card").

Common error

Avoid using "settle the balance" when you mean to "tip the balance" or "upset the balance". "Settle the balance" implies resolving an existing imbalance, not creating one or giving advantage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settle the balance" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of resolving an imbalance or finalizing a transaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from financial settlements to geopolitical resolutions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "settle the balance" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that conveys the idea of achieving equilibrium or resolution. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and its frequency is considered uncommon. While it appears in various contexts, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific sources. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of resolving an imbalance, not creating one. Consider alternative phrases like "resolve the equilibrium" or "rectify the imbalance" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolve the equilibrium

This alternative emphasizes the act of finding a solution to bring something into a state of balance.

rectify the imbalance

This alternative focuses on correcting a state of disequilibrium, implying a previous state of unfairness or instability.

adjust the equilibrium

This option highlights the process of making small changes to achieve balance.

stabilize the equilibrium

This alternative emphasizes the act of making something balanced and stable.

re-establish equilibrium

This version underlines the act of returning to a previous, balanced state after a disturbance.

equalize the discrepancy

This emphasizes making things equal when there's an observed difference or inequality.

neutralize the disparity

Focuses on counteracting a difference to reach a neutral state.

remedy the disproportion

This focuses on correcting an imbalance where one element is too large or small compared to others.

settle the score

This alternative is more figurative, implying resolution after a conflict, and is more specific than the original phrase.

compensate for the difference

This emphasizes the action of providing something to make up for an imbalance.

FAQs

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

You can use "settle the balance" when referring to resolving a conflict, finalizing a financial transaction, or reaching an agreement. For example, "They needed to "resolve the conflict" to "settle the balance" between the two nations".

What phrases are similar to "settle the balance"?

Similar phrases include "resolve the equilibrium", "rectify the imbalance", and "adjust the equilibrium". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "settle the balance" in a business context?

Yes, it is appropriate in a business context, especially when referring to financial transactions or resolving disputes. For example, "We need to "equalize the discrepancy" and "settle the balance" on this account today".

What is the difference between "settle the balance" and "settle the score"?

"Settle the balance" usually refers to resolving an imbalance or finalizing a transaction, while "settle the score" implies revenge or retribution. The phrases are distinct in their connotations and usage.