A trade-off is a balance in which gaining one thing means giving up some of another.
The idea
Use a trade-off between speed and accuracy to name the competing aims. The plural is trade-offs.
Examples
- There is a trade-off between speed and accuracy.
- The cheaper ticket involves a trade-off.
- We discussed the trade-offs of working remotely.
- Every design has trade-offs.
- The team accepted the trade-off for more space.
- A trade-off may be difficult to explain.
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Watch out
A trade-off is not simply a benefit: it includes something given up as well as something gained.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct form. The ___ between cost and comfort is clear. (trade-off / benefit)
Show answer or example answer
trade-off
Trade-off names the balance between the competing aims.
Choose the correct form. There is a trade-off ___ privacy and convenience. (between / under)
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between
Between introduces the two things being balanced.
Choose the correct form. The committee identified two ___. (trade-off / trade-offs)
Show answer or example answer
trade-offs
Trade-offs is plural after a number.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct form. The ___ between cost and comfort is clear. (trade-off / benefit)
Choose the correct form. There is a trade-off ___ privacy and convenience. (between / under)
Choose the correct form. The committee identified two ___. (trade-off / trade-offs)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe a trade-off in a choice you have made.