Phrasal verb
balance out
Definition
phrasal verb. to make things equal or to stop a bad effect by adding a good one. You use this when two different things create a fair result.
phrasal verb. To offset or counteract something in order to achieve a state of equilibrium. This phrasal verb can be used transitively or intransitively to describe the process of reaching parity.
Examples
“The extra income balances out the high cost of the rent.”
“Although the morning was very stressful, the relaxing afternoon at the park helped to balance out my day.”
“Analysts suggest that the recent surge in exports will eventually balance out the trade deficit that has plagued the national economy for several years.”
Examples
simple
“The extra income balances out the high cost of the rent.”
contextual
“Although the morning was very stressful, the relaxing afternoon at the park helped to balance out my day.”
complex
“Analysts suggest that the recent surge in exports will eventually balance out the trade deficit that has plagued the national economy for several years.”
Usage
It is often used when discussing costs, emotions, or opposing forces like pros and cons.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'offset' (more formal) and 'cancel out' (which implies the result is zero); 'balance out' suggests a more stable end state.
Pitfall
The good news balanced out of the bad.
The good news balanced out the bad.
Learners sometimes incorrectly insert the preposition 'of' after the particle 'out' when using the transitive form.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
balance + out + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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