tricky balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tricky balance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where it is difficult to find an equilibrium or compromise between two opposing factors or ideas. Example: "Finding a tricky balance between work and personal life can be challenging for many professionals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

This is a tricky balance.

The New York Times

There is a tricky balance, however.

The New York Times - Magazine

It is a tricky balance to strike.

The Economist

It is a tricky balance to maintain.

The Economist

It is, of course, a tricky balance.

The New York Times

That's a tricky balance to strike.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Revivals are tricky balancing acts.

The Guardian - Music

But he faces a tricky balancing act.

The Economist

This presents a tricky balancing act.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a tricky balancing act.

The New York Times - Arts

But the examination requires a tricky balancing.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase to introduce a discussion of the complexities and potential trade-offs involved in a particular situation.

Common error

Avoid using "tricky balance" as a generic placeholder. Instead, clearly articulate the specific factors that create the difficulty in achieving equilibrium. Otherwise, your message risks sounding vague and unconvincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tricky balance" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "tricky" modifies the noun "balance". It describes a situation or state that requires careful management due to inherent complexities or opposing forces. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is valid and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tricky balance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as stated by Ludwig AI, employed to describe situations requiring careful management between opposing forces. It is most commonly found in News & Media and academic contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. When employing the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the elements that constitute the balance. Alternatives such as "delicate balance" or "complex balance" offer nuanced substitutes, depending on the intended emphasis. Overusing the phrase without context is the primary error to avoid. By considering these guidelines, you can effectively use "tricky balance" to enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate balance

Emphasizes the fragility and care required to maintain equilibrium.

awkward balance

Suggests an unstable or uncomfortable equilibrium.

complex balance

Highlights the multifaceted nature of the equilibrium.

sensitive balance

Focuses on the potential for disruption if not handled carefully.

fine line

Indicates a narrow margin for error in maintaining equilibrium.

precarious equilibrium

Implies a state of instability and potential collapse.

thorny balance

Suggests that the equilibrium is difficult to achieve and maintain due to inherent challenges.

challenging equilibrium

Highlights the difficulty in maintaining equilibrium.

difficult equilibrium

Simple expression that expresses the complexity to obtain or keep the equilibrium.

challenging balance

Expresses a difficult balance that needs resolution.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "tricky balance" in a sentence?

To effectively use "tricky balance", clearly identify the two or more elements that need to be balanced. For example, "Maintaining a "tricky balance" between economic growth and environmental protection is a major challenge for policymakers."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "tricky balance"?

Alternatives to "tricky balance" include "delicate balance", "complex balance", "sensitive balance", or "fine line", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "tricky balance" and "delicate balance"?

While both phrases suggest a need for careful handling, "tricky balance" emphasizes the difficulty or complexity of achieving equilibrium, whereas "delicate balance" highlights the fragility and potential for disruption.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "tricky balance"?

The phrase "tricky balance" is suitable in various contexts, including discussions of politics, economics, personal relationships, and ethical dilemmas, where achieving equilibrium requires careful navigation of competing interests or factors. It can also be employed in artistic contexts.