How to use "on balance"

What Does "on balance" Mean?

• Grammatical function: It functions as a discourse marker or sentence adverbial, expressing a conclusion reached after considering different, often opposing, factors. It indicates that after weighing the pros and cons, or various aspects of a situation, the speaker or writer has arrived at a particular judgment.
• Typical sentence position: Primarily initial, but can appear medially.
• Register: Neutral to formal.

How to Use It

• Syntactic patterns: Typically followed by a clause expressing the overall judgment or conclusion. It's often preceded by a discussion of the various factors being considered.
• Punctuation rules: Usually followed by a comma when it begins a sentence. When used mid-sentence, it is typically set off by commas on both sides.
• Grammatical flexibility: It can start a sentence, creating a clear signal that a balanced judgment is about to be presented. It can also be moved into the middle of a sentence, though this is less common. It is not typically negated directly (e.g., "not on balance"), but the conclusion it introduces can be negative.
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using "on balance" to introduce a simple fact or statement without any element of weighing different considerations would sound unnatural. Using it in very informal contexts might also seem out of place.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from on balance on Ludwig.guru.

"On balance, yes." — The Guardian - Music

"On balance, that looks right." — The Economist

"On balance, I'm optimistic"." — The New York Times

"On balance, these changes favor the Republicans." — The New Yorker

"On balance, the advantage lay with Justinian." — Encyclopedia Britannica

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/on+balance

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
all things considered	Similar in meaning, implying a careful evaluation of various aspects.
taking everything into account	Emphasizes comprehensiveness in the evaluation process.
when all is said and done	Suggests a final conclusion after a lengthy or complex process.
on the whole	Indicates a general assessment, often focusing on the overall picture rather than specific details.
in the final analysis	Highlights the ultimate conclusion after thorough examination.
at the end of the day	More informal, suggesting a practical or realistic assessment after considering all factors.

Common Mistakes

• Incorrect punctuation: Forgetting the comma after "on balance" when it begins a sentence is a common error.
• Wrong context: Using "on balance" when simply stating a fact without weighing different considerations sounds unnatural.
• Confusion with similar connectives: Learners often confuse "on balance" with similar expressions like "in general" or "overall", failing to capture its specific connotation of weighing different considerations.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
on balance	Expresses a conclusion reached after weighing different factors.	Neutral to formal	Initial, sometimes medial

FAQs

Where can "on balance" appear in a sentence?

On balance typically appears at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma. It can also be placed in the middle of a sentence, usually set off by commas, but this is less common. Therefore, it is flexible but primarily sentence-initial.

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How is "on balance" different from "overall"?

While both phrases express a general assessment, "on balance" specifically implies a weighing of different factors before reaching a conclusion. "Overall" simply indicates a general perspective without necessarily suggesting a careful consideration of opposing viewpoints. Thus, on balance is more nuanced.

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How can I avoid confusing "on balance" with similar expressions?

To avoid confusion, remember that "on balance" always implies a comparison or weighing of different elements. If you're simply stating a general fact or opinion without considering opposing viewpoints, use expressions like "in general" or "overall" instead. The presence of competing considerations is key to using on balance correctly.