a shift in the direction of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shift in the direction of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a change or movement towards a particular goal, idea, or trend. Example: "The company is experiencing a shift in the direction of more sustainable practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Yet in other respects he does represent a shift in the direction of American capitalism.

The Economist

At north-facing slopes, grazing did not result in a shift in the direction of the association.

Journal of Arid Environments

Recent changes in the state pension system – towards an across-the-board, flat-rate payment – are regarded as a shift in the direction of a similar approach.

The Guardian

A top Communist Party official, Ivan Melnikov, told the newspaper Vzglyad that Mr. Volodin's selection signaled a shift in the direction of "a more harsh model for the coming political battle".

The New York Times

That led to consideration for a shift in the direction of the campaign, Mr. James said, to portraying milk as a "superdrink," superior to sports drinks, sodas or energy drinks, "without getting all clinical".

The New York Times

The fact that the Marlins, of all teams, seem willing to raise his $2 million salary signals a shift in the direction of the franchise, which will be renamed the Miami Marlins and wear new caps and uniforms.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

And that's when the tone of the show really took a rapid shift in the direction of the surreal.

The New Yorker

The movement to drop Dobbs marks a critical shift in the direction of Latino activism in the United States.

Huffington Post

Here, after shifting the nodes to their centroids, an extra shift in the direction of neighboring nodes is added.

Bulletin of Mathematical Biology

Sprint has also made a shift back in the direction of offering cellular contracts.

The Washington Post

I'm definitely noticing a shift though… I think there will more of a shift in the right direction as a lot of these old guys retire.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a shift in the direction of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is changing and the new direction being taken. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a shift in the direction of" without specifying the precise nature of the shift. Unclear language diminishes the impact and leaves the reader questioning the actual change occurring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shift in the direction of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It typically modifies verbs or clauses, indicating a change or movement towards a specific goal, idea, or trend. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

30%

Science & Research

23%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a shift in the direction of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe a change or movement towards a specific goal or trend. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used across different contexts, including news, science, and research. While it is generally neutral in tone, ensuring clarity and specificity when using the phrase will enhance its impact. Alternatives such as "a change in course" or "a move toward" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Be mindful of overuse of vague language to avoid ambiguity and maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a change in course

Focuses on the alteration of a planned route or action.

a change of focus

Highlights the modification of attention or emphasis.

a redirection of efforts

Emphasizes the act of re-channeling energy or resources.

a pivot toward

Suggests a turning point or significant change in strategy.

a move toward

Indicates a progression or advancement in a certain way.

a turn toward

Implies an alteration in orientation or inclination.

a drift toward

Suggests a gradual or subtle change in orientation.

a swing toward

Indicates a movement from one extreme to another.

a realignment with

Focuses on adjusting to achieve better correspondence or agreement.

a transformation towards

Highlights a complete change in form or appearance.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a shift in the direction of" in a sentence?

To use "a shift in the direction of" effectively, clearly state what is changing and the new direction being taken. For example, "The company is experiencing "a shift in the direction of" sustainable practices" provides context and clarity.

What are some alternatives to "a shift in the direction of"?

Alternatives to "a shift in the direction of" include phrases like "a change in course", "a change of focus", or "a move toward", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a shift in the direction of" or "a change in direction"?

Both "a shift in the direction of" and "a change in direction" are correct, but "a shift in the direction of" may imply a more gradual or subtle change than "a change in direction". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "a shift in the direction of" and "a turning point"?

While both phrases indicate a change, "a shift in the direction of" suggests a change in orientation or focus, whereas "a turning point" implies a more decisive moment that significantly alters the course of events.