a material shift

USAGE SUMMARY

"a material shift" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it as a way of expressing a significant change or transformation. For example, "The protests caused a material shift in the opinion of the public surrounding this issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

On the expected IMF move, the ratings agency said: "Fitch does not expect this to lead to a material shift in demand for renminbi assets globally in the short term.

The Guardian - Business

We expect this appointment to trigger sell-side speculation that this will herald a material shift in business from investment banking towards retail and business operations, mathematically leading to greater stability and quality of earnings, a stronger balance sheet, larger shareholder distributions and higher ROEs and P/E multiples.

The Guardian - Business

"The strong labour market, together with a range of business surveys as well as what we see on the ground talking to our clients, do not point to a material shift in the economic environment, and support the view that the weakness at the start of the year is likely to be at least partially reversed further on this year.

The Guardian - Business

To some, such a material shift suggests that the real worry should be the question of how larger indebted countries outside the euro zone — like Britain, Japan and even the United States — face the challenge of reducing deficits as their economies stagnate.

The New York Times

As the company's founder, taking on a RE-Founder will require a material shift in the way you have been operating to date.

Forbes

"Moody's views these actions as a material shift by Kimberly-Clark to a more aggressive financial policy and, given the financial leverage profile that the company has created, as a change that positions it more comfortably in the 'A2′ rating category", said Moody's Senior Vice President Peter Abdill.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"To date, we have not seen a real material shift in demand, upward or downward," she said.

The New York Times

Therefore, any material shifts in levels of discretionary spending could hit this segment first – and that includes spikes in such spending.

Forbes

Today, in a show called "Glassworks," the Victor Hunt gallery in Brussels will unveil the results of his experiments with the moody material: Shift, an asymmetrical side table (about $11,100); Spot, a globe-shaped lamp sprinkled with glass shards (about $4,160); and Block, above, a collection of geometric containers (from about $1,575).

The New York Times

The material shift in learning comes at a time when we are tapping the internet as the first port of call for all our information outside the classroom.

TechCrunch

Some believed the industry was just going through another material shift, much like the time when we swapped our cassettes for shiny new CD's.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a material shift" when you want to emphasize that a change is substantial and impactful, affecting the fundamental nature or operation of something. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being shifted and the nature of the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a material shift" for minor or inconsequential changes. The term implies a significant impact, so ensure the change warrants such a description to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a material shift" functions as a noun phrase. It signifies a notable and impactful change in something, often used to describe alterations in processes, opinions, or structures. The phrase is deemed correct and usable by Ludwig AI, indicating its grammatical soundness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a material shift" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that effectively communicates a notable and impactful change. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct. While not exceedingly common, it finds usage across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When employing this phrase, ensure that the change being described is genuinely significant and warrants the use of such a strong term. Be mindful of not overstating the importance of minor alterations. Consider a substantial change or a significant alteration as alternatives to fine-tune the specific nuance of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial change

Emphasizes the magnitude and significance of the change.

a significant alteration

Focuses on the modification aspect, highlighting that something has been changed.

a marked transformation

Implies a complete and noticeable change in form or appearance.

a considerable modification

Underscores the degree to which something has been adjusted or altered.

a fundamental realignment

Suggests a shift in position or direction at a basic level.

a major adjustment

Indicates a large and important correction or alteration.

a sweeping reform

Implies a broad and comprehensive change aimed at improvement.

a radical departure

Highlights a move away from previous norms or practices.

a tectonic shift

Draws an analogy to geological shifts, implying a slow but massive change.

a sea change

Indicates a profound and comprehensive transformation, affecting many aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "a material shift" in a sentence?

Use "a material shift" to describe a significant change or transformation in something. For instance, "The new policy caused a material shift in employee morale" or "There has been a material shift in consumer preferences recently".

What are some alternatives to "a material shift"?

You can use alternatives like "a substantial change", "a significant alteration", or "a marked transformation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a material shift" in formal writing?

Yes, "a material shift" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing significant changes in business, economics, science, or policy. Its use suggests a notable and impactful alteration.

What's the difference between "a material shift" and "a gradual change"?

"A material shift" implies a significant and potentially abrupt alteration, while "a gradual change" suggests a slow, incremental process. Use "a material shift" when the change is substantial and relatively sudden.