ability to shift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to shift" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's capacity to adapt or change in response to different situations or circumstances. Example: "Her ability to shift between different roles in the project made her an invaluable team member."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Executive function (EF) was measured using the "Trail Making" test (Reitan, 1986), which measures 'set-shifting', or the ability to shift attention between one task to another.

Consciousness and Cognition

Alas, he misjudged his ability to shift the public mood.

The Economist

Crittendon's ability to shift among lingoes and affects is a common prison adaptation.

The New Yorker

And an ability to shift mental gears and respond when tempests and fires interrupt serene observation of cloud and canopy.

The Guardian

It seems to me the very best popular characters have this ability to shift shapes, yet remain somehow themselves.

The Guardian

Lopez's ability to shift from sex symbol to girl-next-door has defined her career and is intact tonight.

The Guardian

Mercenary's great innovation – compared with its stablemates – is the ability to shift weapon loadouts on the fly.

The Guardian - Tech

But Atabay has an ability to shift without warning from cynicism to sentiment and from cold calculation to airy romance.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Israel's attention to constituent service and his ability to shift to the political center ensured him a healthy plurality.

The New York Times

His ability to shift fluidly between mood and pace has made Goodman one of Hollywood's most revered character actors.

The Guardian

In his stead, Sarah Huckabee Sanders has been showing off her ability to shift from one false account to another.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a skill, follow "ability to shift" with a specific description of what is being shifted, such as "ability to shift priorities" or "ability to shift focus."

Common error

Avoid using "ability to shift" as a generic compliment. Instead, specify the domain or area where this ability is demonstrated to provide more meaningful insight.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to shift" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the capacity or power to change or adapt, as supported by Ludwig and its examples, highlighting its role in conveying competence or potential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

37%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to shift" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the capacity to adapt or change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from formal scientific discussions to everyday news reporting. While widely applicable, remember to specify what is being shifted to enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives like "adaptability" and "flexibility" offer similar meanings, allowing for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adaptability

Focuses on the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.

flexibility

Highlights the quality of being easily modified or adapted.

capacity for change

Emphasizes the inherent potential or capability to undergo transformation.

skill in adapting

Stresses the learned or developed proficiency in making adjustments.

facility with transitions

Highlights ease and smoothness in moving from one state or condition to another.

talent for transforming

Implies a natural aptitude for changing form or appearance.

potential to evolve

Focuses on the capacity to develop gradually.

resourcefulness in adapting

Focuses on the ability to find clever ways to overcome difficulties and adapt effectively.

power to alter

Highlights the authority or strength to effect change.

aptitude for conversion

Emphasizes a natural inclination or suitability for changing into a different form.

FAQs

How can I use "ability to shift" in a sentence?

You can use "ability to shift" to describe someone's capacity to adapt or change in various contexts. For example: "Her "ability to shift" between different roles made her an invaluable team member."

What can I say instead of "ability to shift"?

Alternatives include "adaptability", "flexibility", or "capacity for change" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "ability to shift" or "abilities to shift"?

"Ability to shift" is generally used in a singular, general sense. "Abilities to shift" might be used if referring to multiple, distinct types of shifting capabilities.

What's the difference between "ability to shift" and "willingness to shift"?

"Ability to shift" refers to the capability or skill to change or adapt, while "willingness to shift" refers to the readiness or inclination to do so. One focuses on competence, the other on attitude.