The phrase "are attempting to shift" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an effort to change or move something from one state to another.
Example: "The company are attempting to shift their focus towards more sustainable practices in response to consumer demand."
Alternatives: "are trying to change" or "are working to alter".
"Dean Eramo's lawyers are attempting to shift the focus of her lawsuit in the media to Rolling Stone's reporting errors surrounding Jackie," Rolling Stone spokeswoman Kathryn Brenner said in an email.
In the residential sector, numerous programs are attempting to shift the behavior of individuals and households in the public interest for example toward more energy efficient practices, greater uptake of demand-side management technology, increased use of renewable energy, and better responsiveness to new tariffs (e.g., dynamic pricing), to name but a few.
The Conservatives are attempting to shift the election battleground to the economy with an attack on Labour's tax and spending plans.
But now that it has been so successful, these same environmental groups – with Harvard's apparent support - are attempting to shift the goalposts.
There is no evidence yet that this is happening in Ghana, though the efforts at establishing systems for accreditation and complaints channels for clients are attempting to shift the system in that direction.
"Mr. Morahan is a classic conservative Republican," Mr. Zebrowski said, adding, "He is attempting to shift his positions".
Forward, a San Francisco, California, startup founded by Google's former special projects director, is attempting to shift traditional health care away from immediate and reactive care procedures, to proactive care through the use of AI and wearable sensors.
George Pataki, New York's governor, has just announced a plan to cap the state's soaring Medicaid payouts, and Jeb Bush, the governor of Florida, is attempting to shift the costs to private insurers.
