a sharp shift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp shift" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden or significant change in direction, attitude, or situation. Example: "The company experienced a sharp shift in its marketing strategy after the new CEO took over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now the technology industry has made a sharp shift.

The New York Times - Tech

Even the idea represents a sharp shift in Sadr's political standing among the Shiite establishment.

The Washington Post

But embarrassing losses on riskier assets have led to a sharp shift in behaviour.

The Economist

Part of the problem is a sharp shift in government policies.

The New York Times

The action represents a sharp shift, and it has raised eyebrows outside the state.

The New York Times

In recent weeks, however, there has also been a sharp shift in General Musharraf's public statements.

The New York Times

Economists are also frightened of what such a sharp shift in government policy might do to a still fragile economy.

The New York Times

Global capitalism's near-death experience has not led to public calls for a sharp shift to the left.

The Economist

But the steps taken in the past few years suggest a sharp shift in the other direction.

The New York Times

It also marked a sharp shift from his emphatic refusal to change election dates or compromise with opposition demands.

The New York Times

At other times, as in the example above, a simple change of words is enough to create a sharp shift.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp shift" to emphasize a sudden and noticeable change, especially when describing shifts in policy, strategy, or trends.

Common error

Avoid using "a sharp shift" for minor adjustments. This phrase is most effective when describing substantial, impactful changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sharp shift" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes a significant change or alteration. For example, "There has been a sharp shift in policy."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp shift" is a versatile phrase used to describe a significant and often sudden change across various domains. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal use, particularly in describing shifts in policy, strategy, or trends. While alternatives such as "a sudden change" or "a drastic alteration" exist, "a sharp shift" emphasizes both the magnitude and abruptness of the transition. Its high frequency and presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post underscore its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sudden change

Focuses on the abruptness of the change.

a drastic alteration

Emphasizes the severity and extent of the change.

a marked transformation

Highlights the noticeable difference after the change.

a distinct turn

Implies a clear change in direction or course.

a notable deviation

Stresses the departure from a previous norm or path.

a significant modification

Indicates an important change in form or character.

a fundamental realignment

Suggests a deep and structural change.

a radical departure

Conveys a complete abandonment of a previous approach.

a major adjustment

Focuses on the act of adapting to a new situation.

a wholesale revision

Implies a comprehensive and thorough change.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp shift" to describe a sudden or significant change in direction, policy, or attitude. For example, "The company experienced a sharp shift in its marketing strategy."

What can I say instead of "a sharp shift"?

You can use alternatives like "a sudden change", "a drastic alteration", or "a marked transformation" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a sharp shift" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reporting and academic analysis, as it clearly and concisely describes a notable change.

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

"A gradual shift" implies a slow, incremental change over time, whereas "a sharp shift" indicates a rapid, abrupt change.