Meaning & use
on balance
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Meaning
phrasefixed phraseformal
After considering all the facts or arguments; all things considered.
Grammar: Used as an adverbial phrase, often at the beginning or end of a sentence.
Patterns
- on balance, ...
- ... on balance
On balance, the benefits of the new policy outweigh the drawbacks.
The committee decided, on balance, to approve the proposal.
On balance, I think she was right to leave early.
Common combinations
- on balance, it seems
- On balance, it seems unlikely that they will agree.
- judged on balance
- The performance was, judged on balance, a success.
- on balance, the evidence
- On balance, the evidence supports the theory.
Synonyms and how they differ
- all things considered
- Very similar in meaning, but often used at the beginning of a sentence and slightly more informal.
- overall
- Means 'in general' and can be used as an adverb or adjective; 'on balance' specifically suggests weighing pros and cons.
Opposites
Commonly confused: on balance or in balance?
on balance vs in balance
'In balance' means 'in a state of equilibrium' (e.g., the accounts are in balance), while 'on balance' means 'after considering everything'.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'on balance' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'On balance' means 'all things considered' and is used to give a general judgment. The other options use 'balance' in its literal sense of physical or financial equilibrium.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “on balance”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.