On balance means after weighing everything up: you've considered the pros and cons and you're giving a verdict. The flat is small, but on balance it's a better choice. It sounds measured and confident, which makes it great for reviews, debates and the conclusion of an essay.
How would you use on balance?
Write a sentence — we'll check that the word fits the meaning and suggest what to fix.
The check is taking longer than usual. Your feedback will appear here automatically.
On balance, + overall judgement; subject + verb + on balance
- The flat is small, but the shorter commute makes it, on balance, a better choice.
- On balance, the extra training was worth the time it took.
- There were delays and a few mistakes, but on balance the event went well.
What changed
First versionOn the balance, I would accept the offer.
RevisionOn balance, I would accept the offer.
Many fixed phrases contain the, like on the whole or on the other hand, so on the balance seems natural. But the fixed phrase on balance has no article. On the balance is about money in an account: interest on the balance, the amount that remains.
Overall and on the whole just mean 'in general': Overall, the event went well. On balance stresses that you've compared the arguments for and against: There were delays, but on balance the event went well. In balance means 'evenly balanced': keep work and life in balance.
Your turn
The plan has a few weak points, but ___, I would keep it.
Show the answer
on balance — The speaker admits the weak points and still reaches a conclusion, so on balance. In balance means 'evenly balanced' and gives no verdict.
Review a recent purchase or trip: name one downside and give your overall verdict with on balance.
The route is longer but much quieter; on balance, I prefer it.
Learn to use new words without mistakes
Write phrases with the words you are learning. LetsWords shows mistakes in usage and grammar, suggests corrections and explains them, and review helps the words stick.