the balance in favour of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the balance in favour of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where one side or option is favored over another. Example: After considering all the evidence, the jury's decision tipped the balance in favor of the defendant, resulting in an acquittal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In this case, they tipped the balance in favour of clearance in London.

The Guardian

The timeline these established "tipped the balance" in favour of Pistorius's version of events, she said.

The Guardian

But campaigner support can swing the balance in favour of the community at risk.

The Guardian

It clearly tilts the balance in favour of those who wish to expand the programme".

The Guardian - Business

The timeline it established "tipped the balance" in favour of Pistorius's version of events, she said.

The Guardian

As turnout rises, younger, Remain-supporting voters are drawn in, tilting the balance in favour of the status quo.

The Guardian

Restricting transmission shifts the balance in favour of solar and storage, driving up costs by a third.

Energy

Today, there are drugs to tip the balance in favour of survival, and a vaccine to prevent the disease altogether.

The Economist

By supporting such products consumers in the West can help push the balance in favour of Ghanaian farmers.

The Guardian

He is also an on screen wrestler/authority figure who regularly tips the balance in favour of the bad guys.

Independent

Two days before the presidential poll, this may have tipped the balance in favour of the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate, Mohamed Morsi.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the balance in favour of" when you want to emphasize that various factors are influencing a decision or outcome, and one side is gaining an advantage. For instance, "New evidence tipped "the balance in favour of" the prosecution."

Common error

Avoid using "the balance in favour of" when a simple preference or choice is intended. The phrase implies a careful weighing of different factors, not just a subjective liking. For example, don't say "I adjusted "the balance in favour of" chocolate ice cream" when you simply prefer it; instead, use "I prefer chocolate ice cream".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the balance in favour of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate which side or option is being given preference or advantage. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the balance in favour of" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that conveys the idea of a preference or advantage towards a particular option. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and frequently used in diverse contexts. As evidenced by the examples, it frequently appears in news, scientific, and formal business writing. When writing, ensure you use the phrase when you want to highlight the factors influencing a decision or outcome, with one side gaining advantage. Be mindful of the connotation; use it when you want to point out a careful weighing of different factors and avoid confusing the phrase with simple preference. "Scales tipped toward" and "an advantage for" can be suitable alternatives, depending on the nuance you aim to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the scales tipped toward

Uses a more active voice and a different metaphor to convey the same idea.

the preference for

Highlights a liking or choice for one thing over another.

an advantage for

Replaces 'the balance' with 'an advantage' for simpler phrasing.

the inclination toward

Emphasizes a leaning or tendency rather than a decisive shift.

the bias toward

Indicates a prejudice or preconceived notion that favors something.

a leaning toward

Uses a noun to express the idea of preference or inclination.

the advantage toward

Focuses on having an advantage instead of influencing a balance.

the edge for

Suggests a slight advantage or lead, rather than a significant shift.

the support for

Focuses on backing or advocating for something, removing the balancing aspect.

the upper hand for

Implies having control or dominance, instead of influencing a balance.

FAQs

How can I use "the balance in favour of" in a sentence?

You can use "the balance in favour of" to indicate that one side or option is more likely to succeed or be chosen. For example, "The evidence tipped "the balance in favour of" the defendant" or "The new policy shifts "the balance in favour of" renewable energy".

What's a simpler way to say "the balance in favour of"?

If you want a more straightforward phrase, consider using alternatives such as "a preference for", "an advantage for", or "a bias toward". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it "in favor of" or "in favour of"?

"In favor of" and "in favour of" are both correct, but "in favor of" is more common in American English, while "in favour of" is preferred in British English. The meaning is the same: to be on the side of or to support something.

What is the difference between "the balance in favour of" and "tilting the scales"?

"The balance in favour of" generally describes a current state where one option is already more likely or preferred. "Tilting the scales", on the other hand, describes an action that actively changes the situation to make one option more likely. They both share a similar meaning but indicates different status.