a sweeping shift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sweeping shift" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or comprehensive change in a particular context, such as social, political, or economic changes. Example: "The new policy resulted in a sweeping shift in the way the organization operates, affecting all departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Not a revolution, not a sweeping shift in governance.

The Economist

"There is a recognition that there hasn't been a sweeping shift or a change in the votes," Mr. Kennedy said.

The New York Times

Helped along by the ratcheting-up of capital charges in trading books and other planned regulatory changes, a sweeping shift in risk appetite is already under way.

The Economist

From fossilized fish teeth the size of sand grains, scientists hope to deduce a sweeping shift of deep ocean currents millions of years ago.

The New York Times - Science

In the final major rally of his campaign, Ralph Nader issued a populist call for a sweeping "shift of power" from big business to the downtrodden and disenfranchised, and he urged the country to vote its conscience, not its fears.

The New York Times

Though similar programs have already been put into effect for red-light and bus-lane violations in the city, the bill could signal a sweeping shift for drivers accustomed to a city whose traffic laws can be hard to enforce, cutting against an ethos of getting from here to there as quickly as possible.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Its decision to demolish Prospect Plaza was not the result of a sweeping policy shift, but of the failure of a renovation project that became bogged down in years of administrative, financial and legal problems.

The New York Times

Hu Jintao, a 59-year-old insider known as brilliant and bland, was named chief of the Communist Party today, the point man in a sweeping generational shift of the nation's leadership that was achieved through the most orderly transition in the 81-year history of the party.

The New York Times

Completed in October 1975, this landmark study introduced a novel probabilistic, systematic and holistic approach to the assessment of safety, which ultimately resulted in a sweeping paradigm shift in safety design and regulation of nuclear power in the United States in the turn of the Century.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

With one sweeping shift this week, the ailing NBC network reordered the playing field of prime-time television.

The New York Times

But the sweeping shift in attitudes has left collectors stuck with items they say they purchased in good faith many years ago from reputable dealers.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sweeping shift" to describe changes that affect many aspects of a situation or system. It's stronger than just "a change".

Common error

Avoid using "a sweeping shift" for minor adjustments. Reserve it for changes with significant and widespread effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sweeping shift" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sweeping shift" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to describe significant, widespread changes. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic writing. While it implies a broad impact, it's essential to reserve it for substantial alterations rather than trivial adjustments. Consider alternatives like "a major change" or "a profound transformation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major change

Focuses on the importance of the shift, rather than its all-encompassing nature.

a profound transformation

Emphasizes the depth and impact of the change.

a radical alteration

Highlights the drastic and fundamental nature of the change.

a comprehensive overhaul

Suggests a complete and thorough revision or restructuring.

a sea change

Implies a significant and lasting transformation, often in attitudes or perspectives.

a paradigm shift

Indicates a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.

a wholesale revision

Emphasizes a complete and extensive change.

a complete turnaround

Suggests a reversal of direction or situation.

a significant modification

Highlights the importance of the change while maintaining a neutral tone.

a far-reaching change

Emphasizes the broad impact and consequences of the change.

FAQs

What does "a sweeping shift" mean?

The phrase "a sweeping shift" refers to a comprehensive or widespread change, affecting many aspects of a situation, system, or organization.

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

You might say, "The new regulations caused "a sweeping shift" in the industry's practices", indicating a broad and significant change.

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

Alternatives include "a major change", "a profound transformation", or "a radical alteration", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a sweeping shift" or "a significant change"?

"A sweeping shift" implies a more comprehensive and far-reaching change than "a significant change". Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the scope of the transformation.