a widespread shift in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a widespread shift in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant change or transition that is occurring broadly across a particular area or field. Example: "There has been a widespread shift in public opinion regarding climate change over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The agitators dreamed of halting the city's operations and achieving a widespread shift in public opinion.

The New York Times

The administration is also questioning whether to preserve the "critical habitat" designations that safeguard millions of acres for about 10 other endangered species, from the Mexican spotted owl to the California red-legged frog, signaling a widespread shift in environmental policy that has consoled developers and incensed environmentalists.

The New York Times

These are the words of Bob Berdahl, president of the American Association of Universities (AAU), describing what appears to be a widespread shift in the hiring paradigm for junior level faculty in the United States.

Science Magazine

Using spatially structured stimuli reveals that this effect represents a widespread shift in spatial frequency tuning.

Current Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Such language is seen as important in defining a widespread shift of the world economy away from fossil fuels.

The Economist

But he admits that as the South African government has invested heavily in printed materials, a widespread shift towards e-learning will require partnerships between private enterprise and government.

BBC

This price change, plus the dominance of Britain in international finance, led to a widespread shift from a silver standard to a gold standard.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Further to the south, although in central western Eurasia and in Canada forests remain largely mixed, a widespread shift toward more deciduousness occurs.

Carbon Balance and Management

There has been a widespread shift towards the performance of combined surgeries to treat both glaucoma and cataract in one surgical setting [ 1- 3].

BMC Ophthalmology

In 1988 Nigel Lawson introduced higher taxes on leaded petrol and as a result there was a widespread shift to unleaded fuel.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Global demand for food is on the rise, driven by unprecedented growth in the world's population and widespread shifts in consumption patterns as countries develop".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a widespread shift in", ensure the context clearly defines what is changing and the scope of the change. For example, specify "a widespread shift in consumer behavior" rather than just "a widespread shift".

Common error

Avoid using "a widespread shift in" without specifying the affected area or subject. Without clear context, the phrase lacks impact and may confuse the reader. Be specific about what is changing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a widespread shift in" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a change or transition that is extensive and affects a large area or population, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a widespread shift in" correctly describes a significant change impacting a broad area, population, or domain. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Although not extremely frequent, it appears in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral to formal register. For clarity, always specify what is changing and the scope of the change.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broad change in

Focuses on the extent of the change rather than the nature of the shift.

a general transition in

Emphasizes the process of changing from one state to another, rather than the extent.

a common alteration in

Highlights the alteration aspect, implying a modification across multiple instances.

a prevalent transformation in

Stresses a significant change in form or nature.

a sweeping modification to

Suggests a comprehensive and extensive change.

a comprehensive revision of

Implies a thorough and complete review and alteration.

a global move toward

Highlights movement or direction on a worldwide scale.

a significant alteration of

Focuses on the importance and impact of the alteration.

a noticeable adjustment to

Emphasizes the visibility or ease of noticing the adjustment.

a marked deviation from

Highlights the departure from a previous standard or norm.

FAQs

What does "a widespread shift in" mean?

The phrase "a widespread shift in" indicates that a significant change or transition is occurring extensively across a particular area, population, or field. It implies that the change is not isolated but rather affects a broad segment.

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

You can use it to describe changes in various contexts. For example: "There has been "a widespread shift in" attitudes towards remote work." or "Climate change is causing "a widespread shift in" global weather patterns."

What are some alternatives to "a widespread shift in"?

You can use alternatives like "a broad change in", "a general transition in", or "a common alteration in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "a widespread shift in" or "a significant change in"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a widespread shift in" emphasizes the breadth and scope of the change, while "a significant change in" emphasizes the importance or impact of the change. The best choice depends on the specific context and what you want to highlight.