it could shift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it could shift" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the possibility of change or alteration in a situation, condition, or perspective. Example: "The market trends are unpredictable, and it could shift dramatically in the coming months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

In a telephone interview, he explained that the agency made its proposals so it could shift resource to "the only other population of wolves that is in danger of extinction" – the Mexican gray wolf.

The Guardian - Opinion

Anticipation for the gadget, and its success or failure, reached a fever pitch following a new 12-page advertisement in Vogue, a cover image for Self magazine and rumors about how it could shift the company's strategy for its Apple Stores.

Huffington Post

But observers say that in at least one of the suits now on appeal the industry picked a fight over the law so it could shift things to the courts, where it could use its money against poor town boards.

Huffington Post

It could shift the center of gravity in the way that news is gathered and presented.

The New York Times

Ithinkld have felt like a confession if he hadn't Bill sawakinotsonlyainly and withatt shame.

The New Yorker

HSBC:   The bank has warned that it could shift 1,000 investment banking jobs from London to Paris if the UK is to leave the EU.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

And if we are squeamish about doctors "violating" their ethics and prescribing lethal medication for the terminally ill who request it, we could shift this responsibility to licensed doulas, after physicians certify they can no longer help the patient.

Los Angeles Times

Diplomats say the issue of Taiwan could be finessed the same way other Western governments have done it: the Vatican could shift its embassy and official recognition to Beijing but continue operating in Taiwan.

The New York Times

However, where the money would go and what it would fund could shift, to support US trade or the anti-abortion lobby.

The Guardian

In most elections, this is non-competitive, but in the ones that are, in the ones where power could shift, it is not about getting as many votes as you can to the polls -- because that won't do it.

Huffington Post

The conversation around privacy could shift if it's more explicitly tied to ideas such as freedom of expression.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it could shift", consider whether 'might', 'may', or another related phrase might convey a more precise degree of possibility or formality.

Common error

Avoid using "it could shift" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. Ensure your reader knows what is being discussed and what change is possible. For example, instead of "It could shift the market", specify "The new policy could shift the market".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it could shift" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a possibility or potential for change. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to suggest that something is liable to change or alter.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

16%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it could shift" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the possibility of change. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted and utilized across numerous contexts. Its neutrality makes it appropriate for both formal and informal settings, though clarity in specifying what 'it' refers to is essential.

Analysis of example sentences reveals that "it could shift" frequently appears in News & Media and Science, suggesting its common usage in discussing potential alterations in various fields. While alternatives like "it might change" or "it may alter" exist, "it could shift" provides a balanced tone suitable for many scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might change

Replaces 'could' with 'might', indicating a slightly lower degree of certainty.

it may alter

Uses 'may' instead of 'could' and 'alter' instead of 'shift', suggesting a formal tone.

it has the potential to transform

Emphasizes the inherent capacity for change, using 'potential' and 'transform'.

it is liable to vary

Indicates a tendency to change, using 'liable' and 'vary'.

it is subject to modification

Highlights the vulnerability to change or adjustment, using 'subject' and 'modification'.

it is possible to adjust

Focuses on the feasibility of adjustment, using 'possible' and 'adjust'.

it can be adjusted

Uses a passive voice to emphasize the possibility of adjustment.

it is capable of evolving

Stresses the ability to develop and change gradually, using 'capable' and 'evolving'.

it is able to transition

Emphasizes the capacity to move from one state to another, using 'able' and 'transition'.

it would be likely to evolve

Expresses likelihood of gradual change using 'would be likely'.

FAQs

How can I use "it could shift" in a sentence?

Use "it could shift" to express the possibility of a change or alteration. For example, "If the company invests in new technology, "it could shift" its market position".

What are some alternatives to "it could shift"?

Alternatives include "it might change", "it may alter", or "it has the potential to transform", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it could shift" formal or informal?

"It could shift" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The specific context of the sentence will determine the overall formality.

What does "it could shift" imply?

"It could shift" implies that a change is possible, but not certain. The degree of possibility can vary depending on the context.