tip the balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tip the balance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where a small change or influence can determine the outcome of a decision or situation. Example: "The new evidence presented in court could tip the balance in favor of the defendant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This report does not tip the balance.

The Economist

"Values" could yet tip the balance.

The Economist

Little things can tip the balance.

The New York Times

But what other features tip the balance?

The Guardian - Tech

These tip the balance away from investment.

The Guardian

This could tip the balance quite quickly".

The Guardian - Business

That might tip the balance in a different direction".

The Guardian

Madikizela-Mandela's charismatic power may yet tip the balance.

The Guardian

Would arming the rebels tip the balance on the battlefield?

The New York Times

Tired bodies out there... fresh legs could tip the balance".

The Guardian - Sport

That outcome will almost certainly tip the balance in Nicaragua.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tip the balance" when you want to emphasize that a relatively small factor can have a significant impact on the final outcome.

Common error

While versatile, avoid using "tip the balance" excessively in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise, technical language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tip the balance" functions as an idiomatic expression. It's often used to describe how a single action or factor can decisively influence a situation or decision. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase appears in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tip the balance" is a versatile and frequently used idiom that describes how a single factor can decisively influence an outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appears across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While widely applicable, writers should consider the formality of their writing and opt for more precise language in highly formal or scientific settings. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, writers can effectively use "tip the balance" to add nuance and impact to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sway the outcome

This alternative focuses on the action of influencing the final result.

shift the scales

This alternative uses a metaphorical image of scales being uneven to represent a change in equilibrium.

turn the tide

This alternative suggests a reversal of fortune or momentum.

be the deciding factor

This alternative emphasizes the importance of a particular element in determining the result.

make the difference

This alternative highlights the impact of something that changes the situation.

break the tie

This alternative indicates resolving a situation where both sides are equal.

influence the result

This alternative focuses on the power to affect the final outcome.

alter the equation

This alternative suggests changing the factors that contribute to a situation.

affect the equilibrium

This alternative uses the concept of equilibrium to describe a change in balance.

determine the outcome

This alternative emphasizes the power to decide what will happen.

FAQs

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

You can use "tip the balance" to describe a factor that significantly influences an outcome, such as "The new evidence could "tip the balance" in favor of the defendant".

What can I say instead of "tip the balance"?

You can use alternatives like "sway the outcome", "shift the scales", or "turn the tide" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "tip the balance" or "tilt the balance"?

"Tip the balance" is the more common and idiomatic expression. While "tilt the balance" is understandable, it is less frequently used.

What's the difference between "tip the balance" and "influence the result"?

"Tip the balance" suggests a decisive, often small, factor that changes the outcome. "Influence the result" is a broader term that encompasses any effect on the outcome, not necessarily a decisive one.