to counterbalance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to counterbalance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of offsetting or balancing one thing against another to achieve equilibrium or fairness. Example: "The new policy was introduced to counterbalance the negative effects of the previous regulations on small businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The left leg reaches behind to counterbalance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

eating anti-aging foods is good idea to counterbalance it.

Harvard University

Our idea is to counterbalance the other way".

The New York Times

"I'm doing everything in my power to counterbalance it".

The New York Times - Arts

It becomes like a relish to counterbalance the crab.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

China's power structure lacks a way to counterbalance this trend.

The New York Times

As corporations grow, government has to grow to counterbalance them.

The New York Times

– I used a bundle of knives to counterbalance the weight of the fork and the motor.

University of California, Berkeley

Is it vivid enough to counterbalance the specificity of the here and now?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Perhaps the hard puzzles are meant to counterbalance the soft-headed story.

The New York Times - Tech

It will require continual effort by the states to counterbalance those forces".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to counterbalance" when you want to convey the idea of neutralizing a force or influence, creating equilibrium, or mitigating adverse effects. This phrase is suitable for formal writing and contexts where precision is important.

Common error

While "to counterbalance" is correct, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "to offset" or "to balance out" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to counterbalance" functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the reason or intention behind an action. It connects a verb expressing an action with the aim of neutralizing or offsetting another force or effect. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to counterbalance" is a versatile phrase used to express the intent of neutralizing or offsetting an effect, creating equilibrium. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While generally neutral to formal in register, it's essential to consider the audience and context when selecting this phrase. Opt for simpler alternatives in informal settings. The phrase appears most frequently in news, science, and academic sources. When aiming for precision and formality, "to counterbalance" is a strong choice for conveying the idea of restoring balance or mitigating adverse effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to offset

Direct synonym, replacing "counterbalance" with "offset" maintains the core concept of neutralizing an effect.

to counteract

Focuses on directly opposing an action or effect, slightly more aggressive than "counterbalance".

to neutralize

Emphasizes making something ineffective or harmless, whereas "counterbalance" implies maintaining equilibrium.

to mitigate

Centers on reducing the severity of something, less about creating perfect balance.

to compensate for

Highlights making up for a deficiency or loss, shifts the focus slightly from equilibrium.

to even out

Suggests creating a smoother, more uniform distribution, less formal than "counterbalance".

to make up for

Implies redressing an imbalance or deficiency, more casual in tone.

to offset the effect of

More verbose, specifically targets negating an effect, maintaining formal tone.

to serve as a counterweight to

Uses a metaphor related to physical balance, adding imagery, more formal.

to act as a check on

Emphasizes limiting or controlling something, less about perfect equilibrium.

FAQs

How can I use "to counterbalance" in a sentence?

The phrase "to counterbalance" is used to express the act of opposing or neutralizing something with an equal force or effect. For example: "The government introduced new policies "to counterbalance" the economic downturn."

What are some synonyms for "to counterbalance"?

Alternatives to "to counterbalance" include "to offset", "to counteract", "to neutralize", or "to mitigate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "to counterbalance" or "to balance"?

"To balance" is a more general term, while "to counterbalance" implies a specific action to offset an opposing force or effect. Use "to counterbalance" when you want to emphasize the neutralizing aspect.

What's the difference between "to counterbalance" and "to compensate for"?

"To counterbalance" aims to create equilibrium by opposing something, while "to compensate for" focuses on making up for a deficiency or loss. The phrases have overlapping meanings, but the subtle difference lies in their focus.