struck a balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'struck a balance' is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to mean achieving a compromise between two opposing points of view or interests. For example: The two sides managed to strike a balance between their interests, leading to a successful agreement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

They have struck a balance.

The New York Times

The authority, he said, "struck a balance".

The New York Times

Instead, the software struck a balance between analogy and functionality.

The Economist

But the editorial and visual sides have struck a balance.

The New York Times - Magazine

She has struck a balance between deploying her star power and deferring to the president.

The Economist

In holding Prometheus's process ineligible for patent protection, the court struck a balance, Justice Breyer wrote.

The New York Times

In other words, he has struck a balance between traditional values and modern realities.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Followups like 1997's Chiastic Slide, and 1998's LP5 struck a balance between their early melodicism and their increasingly complex beat programming.

Vice

The league also struck a balance between shaming the worst performers and celebrating the best.

Harvard Business Review

Stuck between firms too large to let fail and balance sheets too large to bail, the Fed struck a balance.

Huffington Post

Margot Wallstrom, the environment commissioner of the European Union, and Erkki Liikanen, the commissioner for enterprise, said the measure struck a balance between a host of divergent views.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "struck a balance", ensure the elements being balanced are clearly defined to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid implying that "struck a balance" means complete satisfaction for all parties. It often involves compromises where no one gets everything they want.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "struck a balance" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the achievement of equilibrium or compromise between conflicting elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is commonly used to describe the reconciliation of opposing forces or the finding of a middle ground. It's often used to describe the resolution of dilemmas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "struck a balance" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that signifies the achievement of equilibrium or compromise between different elements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity regarding the elements being balanced and avoid overstating the degree of satisfaction achieved. Alternatives include phrases such as "reached a compromise" or "found the middle ground". The phrase is useful for describing situations where opposing forces or needs are reconciled.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

struck a compromise

Direct synonym, uses "compromise" instead of "balance".

reached a compromise

Emphasizes the agreement aspect of balancing conflicting interests.

found the middle ground

Highlights the process of locating a compromise point between extremes.

reconciled differences

Emphasizes the resolution of opposing viewpoints to achieve balance.

achieved equilibrium

Focuses on the outcome of balancing, emphasizing a state of evenness.

harmonized competing interests

Focuses on bringing different interests into agreement.

negotiated an agreement

Highlights the negotiation process leading to a balanced outcome.

found an acceptable trade-off

Indicates an exchange where concessions are made to achieve balance.

mediated a settlement

Highlights the act of mediating to find a balanced solution.

found a harmonious medium

Suggests a more refined and pleasing sense of balance.

FAQs

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

Use "struck a balance" to describe situations where opposing forces or needs are reconciled, such as "The new law "struck a balance" between environmental protection and economic growth."

What are some alternatives to saying "struck a balance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reached a compromise", "found the middle ground", or "achieved equilibrium".

Is it better to say "struck a balance" or "achieved balance"?

"Struck a balance" emphasizes the act of finding equilibrium, while "achieved balance" focuses on the resulting state. Choose the phrase that best fits the context of your sentence.

What does it mean to "strike a balance" between work and personal life?

It means finding a way to allocate time and energy to both your professional responsibilities and your personal needs and relationships, ensuring neither is neglected.