this is a difficult balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a difficult balance" is an accurate and acceptable part of written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation that has both positive and negative aspects that must be taken into consideration. For example, "Negotiating trade agreements is a difficult balance between the interests of businesses and governments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This is a difficult balance.

The New York Times

This is a difficult balance to strike.

Stanford University

In a reference to China's challenge to balance GDP growth with environmental protection the prince said that all countries "experience the tension between the need to develop resources for the good of all, and the responsibility to preserve nature" and that this is a "difficult balance".

The Guardian

This is a difficult balance to strike, and the long-term challenge is to somehow maintain this degree of casualness.

Huffington Post

"This is a difficult balance to strike, one that this new policy, imposed by executive order, will make harder to achieve in the long run".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This is a difficult balancing act.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a difficult balancing act and one that, in general, is being done thoughtfully.

The New York Times

This is a difficult balancing act in the best of times.

The New York Times

This is a difficult balancing act, and Cardinal Keith O'Brien made it immeasurably more difficult at the weekend.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a difficult balancing act; neither cheerleaders nor oppositionalists, but walking the tightrope of constructive criticism.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a difficult balancing act, as it is always hard to know which periods of history readers will need more information about: Ryan offers perhaps too much about papal-imperial rivalry in the Middle Ages and not enough about the English Civil War, which was so crucial an influence on the thought of Hobbes and Locke.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is a difficult balance" to acknowledge competing priorities or considerations in decision-making. For example, "Protecting user privacy while providing personalized experiences is a difficult balance to strike."

Common error

Avoid using "this is a difficult balance" repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "challenging equilibrium" or "complex trade-off" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is a difficult balance" functions as a comment or observation about a situation. It highlights the inherent challenges in reconciling opposing forces or competing interests. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is acceptable and accurate.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is a difficult balance" is a grammatically correct and readily understandable expression used to acknowledge the inherent challenges in managing competing priorities or conflicting interests. Ludwig AI validates this assessment. While its frequency is classified as uncommon, the expression finds its strongest presence in News & Media, Academics and Science sources, implying a versatility appropriate for various registers. When using this phrase, ensure you're not overusing it and consider varying your language with suitable alternatives like "tough balancing act" to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a tough balancing act

Uses "tough" instead of "difficult" and rephrases as a "balancing act".

it's a challenging equilibrium to maintain

Replaces "difficult balance" with "challenging equilibrium", focusing on maintenance.

it requires careful navigation

Shifts focus from balance to the need for careful maneuvering.

it presents a complex trade-off

Emphasizes the need to compromise between conflicting aspects.

it involves a delicate compromise

Highlights the sensitivity and fragility of the balance.

it demands skillful management

Focuses on the need for expertise in handling the situation.

it's a precarious situation

Highlights the instability and potential risks involved.

it's a fine line to walk

Uses a metaphor to emphasize the narrow margin for error.

it's a demanding undertaking

Emphasizes the effort and resources required.

it calls for astute judgment

Highlights the need for wisdom and discernment.

FAQs

What does "this is a difficult balance" mean?

It means that there are two or more things that are hard to keep equal or in the correct relationship to each other. It suggests that finding the right compromise or solution is challenging.

How can I use "this is a difficult balance" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe any situation where you need to weigh different factors and find a compromise. For instance, "Managing work and family life "is a difficult balance" for many people".

What are some synonyms for "this is a difficult balance"?

Alternatives include "it's a tough balancing act", "it's a challenging equilibrium to maintain", or "it requires careful navigation".

Is it better to say "this is a delicate balance" or "this is a difficult balance"?

Both are correct, but "delicate" emphasizes the fragility of the balance, while "difficult" emphasizes the challenge in achieving and maintaining it. The best choice depends on the specific context.