likely to shift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "likely to shift" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is expected to change or move from its current state or position. Example: "The market conditions are likely to shift in response to new economic policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The images most likely to shift people's perspectives radically are those, like Whaanga's, which depict people candidly – and not sexualised, airbrushed or posed to perfection.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Today, companies are much more likely to shift between businesses.

Harvard Business Review

Public perception of the movement is also likely to shift.

The Economist

Preinjury manual labor jobs were most likely to shift to a different category postinjury (39.1%), whereas service-related jobs were least likely to shift (25.5%).

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

I don't think we've heard anything that is likely to shift the polls.

The Guardian

When a goal is scored, the balance of play is likely to shift.

The Guardian - Sport

If Andersen is convicted, Mr. Marsal's job is likely to shift from restructuring to liquidation.

The New York Times

Over time, the changes are likely to shift an increasing share of Medicaid costs onto states.

The New York Times

If trends continue, however, Norway's central bank is the more likely to shift its rate first.

The Economist

But the results do not seem likely to shift the standard of care to shorter treatment.

The New York Times

Without such proof (and probably in several cases), public opinion is not likely to shift.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "likely to shift" to indicate a probable change or movement, ensuring the context clearly defines what is expected to change and why.

Common error

Avoid using "likely to shift" when the change is already confirmed or certain. The phrase suggests a probability, not a guaranteed outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "likely to shift" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It expresses a prediction or probability of change. Ludwig examples show it describing various subjects from public opinion to market trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "likely to shift" is a versatile expression used to denote a probable change or movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely employed across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific research. Its high frequency underscores its importance in expressing expectations about future developments. When writing, remember that while it suggests a high probability, it does not guarantee a certain outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

liable to change

Emphasizes potential change or alteration.

prone to transition

Highlights the susceptibility to undergo a transformation or change.

apt to move

Indicates a natural tendency or inclination to move.

expected to alter

Focuses on the anticipation of an alteration.

predicted to transform

Highlights that the change is based on a prediction.

inclined to vary

Implies a disposition to change or deviate.

set to adjust

Suggests that the shift is planned or anticipated.

subject to modification

Emphasizes that something is open to being modified.

tending to fluctuate

Indicates a pattern of irregular change or movement.

disposed to morph

Suggests an inherent tendency to change form.

FAQs

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

Use "likely to shift" to express a probable change or movement. For example, "Consumer preferences are "likely to shift" due to the new marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "likely to shift"?

Alternatives include "liable to change", "prone to transition", or "apt to move", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "unlikely to shift"?

Yes, "unlikely to shift" is grammatically correct and means that a change or movement is improbable. It's the opposite of "likely to shift".

What's the difference between "likely to shift" and "certain to shift"?

"Likely to shift" indicates a high probability of change, while "certain to shift" implies a definite or guaranteed change. The latter expresses a stronger degree of certainty.