On balance
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
शाब्दिक अर्थ: On the physical scales used for weighing objects
Use `on balance` when you've weighed the good and bad and are ready to give your final verdict.
15 सेकंड में
- Use it to summarize after considering pros and cons.
- Place it at the start or end of a conclusion.
- It signals a fair, well-thought-out final judgment.
मतलब
Think of it like a scale where you weigh the good and bad things. After looking at both sides, it's the final decision you make.
मुख्य उदाहरण
3 / 6Reviewing a restaurant
The service was slow, but on balance, the food was worth the wait.
The service was slow, but considering everything, the food was worth the wait.
A business meeting conclusion
On balance, the risks of this project are outweighed by the potential rewards.
All things considered, the risks are less than the rewards.
Texting about a vacation
It rained a lot, but on balance, we had a great time!
It rained, but overall, we had a great time!
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
The phrase originates from the use of physical weighing scales (balances) in the 17th century. It reflects a deep-seated cultural appreciation in the English-speaking world for 'weighing' evidence before making a judgment. It is particularly popular in British journalism and academic circles to show impartiality.
The 'But' Rule
You almost always use 'on balance' after a 'but'. It helps transition from a negative point to your final positive conclusion.
Don't over-use it
If you use it for every small choice (like choosing between tea or coffee), you will sound like a lawyer. Save it for things with actual pros and cons.
15 सेकंड में
- Use it to summarize after considering pros and cons.
- Place it at the start or end of a conclusion.
- It signals a fair, well-thought-out final judgment.
What It Means
Imagine you are holding an old-fashioned scale with two pans. In one pan, you put all the 'pros' or good things. In the other, you put all the 'cons' or bad things. On balance is the result you get when the scale stops moving. It means 'everything considered' or 'all in all.' You use it to show you have been fair. You have looked at every angle before speaking.
How To Use It
Place it at the very beginning or the very end of your sentence. It acts like a signal. It tells people you are about to give your final verdict. You can say, On balance, I think we should go. Or you can end with it: It was a tough day, but a good one on balance. It sounds smart and thoughtful. It makes you look like someone who doesn't rush into judgments.
When To Use It
Use it when you have a tricky choice to make. Maybe you are deciding between two jobs. Perhaps you are reviewing a movie that had great acting but a boring plot. It is perfect for meetings when you need to summarize a long debate. It also works when texting a friend about a weekend trip that had some rainy moments but was still fun. It shows you are being objective and balanced.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for simple, one-sided things. If you just won the lottery, don't say On balance, I am happy. That sounds robotic! Avoid it in high-energy, emotional outbursts. If you are screaming at a football game, on balance will make you sound like a lost professor. It requires a comparison. If there is no 'other side' to consider, skip this phrase.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the world of trade and commerce. Hundreds of years ago, merchants literally weighed goods on scales. If the gold was pure, the balance was right. Over time, English speakers started using this for thoughts instead of gold. It reflects a British and Western cultural value of 'fair play' and 'objectivity.' It suggests that the speaker is being a fair judge.
Common Variations
If you want to spice things up, try all things considered. It means the exact same thing but feels a bit more casual. Taking everything into account is another heavy hitter for formal writing. If you are in a rush, all in all works perfectly. Some people say on reflection if they have changed their mind after thinking. On balance remains the most elegant choice for a final summary.
इस्तेमाल की जानकारी
This phrase sits at a C2 level because it requires a nuanced understanding of argumentation. It is best used in writing or formal speech, but can be used ironically or for emphasis in casual conversation.
The 'But' Rule
You almost always use 'on balance' after a 'but'. It helps transition from a negative point to your final positive conclusion.
Don't over-use it
If you use it for every small choice (like choosing between tea or coffee), you will sound like a lawyer. Save it for things with actual pros and cons.
The British Nuance
In the UK, this phrase is a favorite of the BBC and politicians. It makes the speaker sound incredibly reasonable and fair, even if they are being biased!
उदाहरण
6The service was slow, but on balance, the food was worth the wait.
The service was slow, but considering everything, the food was worth the wait.
Balances a negative (service) with a positive (food).
On balance, the risks of this project are outweighed by the potential rewards.
All things considered, the risks are less than the rewards.
Very professional way to conclude a presentation.
It rained a lot, but on balance, we had a great time!
It rained, but overall, we had a great time!
Casual use to show a positive outlook despite issues.
The ending was weak, but on balance, it's the best film I've seen this year.
The ending was bad, but looking at the whole thing, it's great.
Shows critical thinking.
He forgot his wallet, but on balance, at least I got a free dessert from the manager.
He forgot his wallet, but at least something good happened.
Uses formal logic for a funny, trivial situation.
It has been a hard year, but on balance, I've learned so much about myself.
It was hard, but overall, it was a year of growth.
Adds a sense of wisdom and closure.
खुद को परखो
Choose the best position for the phrase to conclude the thought.
The car is expensive to maintain, but ___, it is very reliable.
`On balance` is the fixed expression used to show that the reliability outweighs the cost.
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
___, I think the first candidate was more experienced.
The preposition 'on' is always used with 'balance' in this specific idiomatic expression.
🎉 स्कोर: /2
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Formality of 'On Balance'
Using 'All in all' or 'Basically'.
Basically, it was fine.
Using 'All things considered'.
All things considered, it went well.
Using 'On balance' in reports or debates.
On balance, the evidence is clear.
Where to use 'On Balance'
Job Interview
Summarizing your skills.
Product Review
Comparing price vs quality.
Life Decisions
Moving to a new city.
Academic Essay
Concluding an argument.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालYes, they are very similar. However, on balance suggests you have specifically weighed two different sides, while overall is just a general summary.
No, in balance usually refers to physical stability or a bank account. For making a judgment, you must use the preposition on.
It's a bit sophisticated, but not 'too' formal. Use it with friends when you want to sound like you've given a topic serious thought.
It usually goes at the start of the final clause. For example: The hotel was loud, but on balance, we enjoyed our stay.
Absolutely! It is a perfect C2-level transition phrase for a conclusion paragraph to show you've analyzed the evidence.
Not necessarily. It implies that after looking at the 50/50 split, one side eventually became heavier or more important to you.
Try all in all or when you look at the big picture. These are much more common in everyday spoken English.
It sounds a bit strange if there are no negatives. If you say On balance, I love my mom, it implies there are things you dislike about her!
Yes, though it is slightly more common in British English. Americans might prefer all things considered or at the end of the day.
It can, but it's more 'intellectual' than 'corporate.' It sounds like someone who reads a lot of newspapers.
संबंधित मुहावरे
All things considered
Taking all facts into account before making a judgment.
At the end of the day
The most important fact after everything else has been discussed.
All in all
A casual way to summarize a situation or experience.
Taking everything into account
A formal way to say you have considered every detail.
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