balance on + surface
Showing physical support
Use on when someone or something is physically supported by a surface or point.
The child balanced on the wall
Balance by, in, on, with or between?
Different prepositions after balance express different meanings. Some are standard verb patterns, while others are separate details about place or method.
Quick answer
Common prepositions after balance
Use balance on for physical position, balance between for comparing two things, and balance with for combining things. Balance by usually shows method. Balance in is uncommon directly after the verb and usually belongs to a separate phrase.
She balanced on one foot
The policy balances between growth and stability
He balanced the flavours with lemon juice
The policy balances between growth and stability
He balanced the flavours with lemon juice
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
balance between + two things
Comparing or managing two sides
Use between for two ideas, needs, or pressures.
She balanced between work and family
balance with + thing
Combining one thing with another
Use with when one element complements or offsets another.
The sweetness was balanced with fresh lime
balance by + method
Showing how balance is achieved
By can introduce the method used to create balance.
The company balanced costs by reducing travel
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
balance on
He balanced on a narrow beam.
Shows physical position or support.
balance between
We must balance between speed and accuracy.
Shows two competing sides.
balance with
The sauce is balanced with herbs.
Shows combination or adjustment.
balance by
They balanced the budget by cutting expenses.
Shows method.
balance in
She found balance in her daily routine.
Here in belongs to the noun balance, not a fixed verb pattern after balance.
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using between for more than two clear groups
Between usually focuses on two sides. Among may fit larger groups.
✕ He balanced between many priorities. ✓ He balanced among many priorities.Treating in as the normal verb pattern
Balance in is not usually a fixed combination after the verb.
✕ They balanced in the proposal and the budget. ✓ They balanced the proposal with the budget.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The gymnast balanced ___ one hand.
2. She balanced ___ work and study.
3. The chef balanced the rich sauce ___ vinegar.
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Frequently asked questions
Is balance between always correct?
Yes, especially when discussing two sides, choices, or pressures.
Can balance by introduce a method?
Yes. It explains how balance is achieved.
Why does balance in sometimes appear?
In often belongs to a following phrase such as in life or in the design rather than forming a fixed verb-preposition combination.
Related preposition guides
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