a shift towards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shift towards" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to talk about a change in trend or behavior. For example, "We are seeing a shift towards eco-friendly packaging materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Does this suggest a shift towards a textbook market economy?

The Guardian - Opinion

Cue a shift towards Isis, we are told.

Independent

In fact, it is simply a shift towards greater progressivity.

The Economist

E-commerce sites are seeing a shift towards mobile.

The Economist

A shift towards saving is one trend to capitalise on.

The Economist

Used effectively, green taxes should encourage a shift towards environmentally-friendly behaviour.

The Guardian - Opinion

It might signal a shift towards transforming the criminal justice system.

The New York Times

There was also, it appears, a shift towards traditional two-party politics.

The Guardian - Opinion

Public policy, consumer demand and technological innovation are driving a shift towards a low-carbon economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ideally, the business case for a shift towards greater sustainability is clear for large companies.

The Guardian

What we are really seeing is a shift towards Labour values.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a shift towards", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is changing and what it is changing to. For example, "There's a shift towards more sustainable practices".

Common error

Avoid using "a shift towards" without specifying the target. For instance, instead of saying "There's a shift towards something," clarify with "There's a shift towards renewable energy sources."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shift towards" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a directional change or movement, as Ludwig AI indicates with many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shift towards" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase in English to describe a change in direction or trend. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. When employing this phrase, ensure you clearly specify the starting point and the intended direction of the shift to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "a transition to" or "a move toward" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a transition to

Replaces "shift" with "transition", emphasizing a process of change.

a move toward

Substitutes "shift" with "move", focusing on the action of changing direction.

an inclination toward

Uses "inclination" instead of "shift", suggesting a tendency or preference.

a trend toward

Replaces "shift" with "trend", highlighting a pattern of change.

a drift toward

Substitutes "shift" with "drift", implying a gradual or unconscious change.

a turn toward

Uses "turn" instead of "shift", suggesting a change in direction or focus.

a progression toward

Replaces "shift" with "progression", highlighting continuous advancement.

a swing toward

Substitutes "shift" with "swing", implying a more dramatic or sudden change.

a redirection toward

Uses "redirection" instead of "shift", highlighting a change in course or aim.

an evolution toward

Replaces "shift" with "evolution", suggesting a gradual development.

FAQs

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

Use "a shift towards" to describe a change in direction, focus, or preference. For instance, "The company is experiencing "a shift towards" remote work." or "There is "a shift towards" healthy eating habits among young adults."

What are some alternatives to saying "a shift towards"?

You can use alternatives like "a transition to", "a move toward", or "a trend toward" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a shift towards" or should I use "a shift to"?

"A shift towards" implies a directional change, while "a shift to" indicates a completed change. For example, "a shift towards sustainability" suggests moving in that direction, while "a shift to renewable energy" implies already using it.

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

While both phrases indicate movement in a direction, ""a shift towards"" often suggests a more gradual or subtle change, while "a change towards" can imply a more deliberate or significant alteration.