gradual shift

USAGE SUMMARY

"gradual shift" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe any situation in which something changes over a period of time because of a number of factors. For example: "The policy has seen a gradual shift from traditional practices to modern technology over the last decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is a gradual shift.

The Guardian - Money

These have begun a gradual shift towards delivery by internet.

The Economist

Mathewson personified baseball's gradual shift from a degenerate to a respectable, even wholesome, game.

The New Yorker

The dancers negotiate that gradual shift in tone with remarkable sensitivity.

The New York Times - Arts

It should be a gradual shift, with minimal impact on pay.

The Guardian - Opinion

So the real question is: Would such a gradual shift constitute a painful sacrifice?

The New York Times

Franko's literary career was characterized by a gradual shift from Romanticism to realism.

Britannica

Flexitarianism is about making a gradual shift, not a complete overhaul.

The New York Times - Food

That could permit a gradual shift away from Japan's system of lifetime employment.

The Economist

But at the state level, the gradual shift in public opinion is plain to see.

Independent

The increase in transactions highlights a gradual shift in wealth to Asia, including mainland China.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gradual shift" to describe changes that happen incrementally over time, rather than sudden or abrupt transformations.

Common error

Avoid using "gradual shift" when describing events that occur suddenly or instantaneously; instead, opt for terms like "sudden change" or "immediate transformation".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gradual shift" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows that it describes a process or phenomenon undergoing a slow and incremental change. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatical and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gradual shift" is a widely used noun phrase that describes a slow and incremental change over time. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific writing. When using this phrase, be mindful of its descriptive purpose and avoid using it in situations that involve sudden changes. Alternatives like "progressive change" or "steady transition" can offer similar meanings. Ludwig AI underscores its grammatical soundness and common usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progressive change

Emphasizes the continuous and forward-moving nature of the change.

steady transition

Highlights the smooth and consistent movement from one state to another.

incremental alteration

Focuses on the small, step-by-step nature of the change.

evolving transformation

Suggests a more profound change that unfolds over time.

phased conversion

Implies a planned and deliberate transition.

stepwise modification

Highlights the methodical and ordered nature of the change.

developing trend

Focuses on the emergence and growth of a new pattern or direction.

progressive development

Emphasizes the continuous advancement or improvement over time.

slow evolution

Highlights the unhurried and natural unfolding of change.

measured adjustment

Implies a careful and controlled change in response to something.

FAQs

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

You can use "gradual shift" to describe a slow change over time, for example: "There has been a "gradual shift" in public opinion on climate change."

What are some alternatives to "gradual shift"?

Alternatives include "progressive change", "steady transition", or "incremental alteration". Choose the one that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

Is "gradual shift" formal or informal?

"Gradual shift" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

What's the difference between "gradual shift" and "sudden change"?

"Gradual shift" implies a slow, incremental change, while "sudden change" indicates an abrupt or immediate transformation. The key difference is the time frame over which the change occurs.