paradigm shift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "paradigm shift" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing a significant change in the way something is understood or approached. For example, "The introduction of the internet represented a paradigm shift in communication." Alternative expressions include "fundamental change," "revolutionary change," and "transformative shift."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a paradigm shift".

The Guardian

It's a potential paradigm shift.

Independent

It was a paradigm shift.

The New York Times

You need a paradigm shift.

The New York Times

"That was a paradigm shift.

The Guardian

That's the central paradigm shift".

The Guardian - Film

Talk about a paradigm shift.

The Guardian

There is a paradigm shift.

The Guardian

Here, perhaps, was a paradigm shift.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There is a paradigm shift going on.

The New York Times - Magazine

The great economic paradigm shift has begun.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "paradigm shift" for incremental changes. Reserve it for situations where the established norms are genuinely challenged or overturned.

Common error

Be cautious of labeling every innovation as a "paradigm shift". The term should be reserved for changes that fundamentally alter the way things are done or understood, not merely improvements within an existing framework.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "paradigm shift" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples of its use in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "paradigm shift" is a widely recognized term used to denote a significant change in thinking or approach. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it functions as a noun phrase, often used to describe major conceptual transformations. While commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it's crucial to use it accurately, reserving it for genuine shifts rather than minor adjustments. Be mindful of overusing the term and ensure the context warrants its weight. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental change

Focuses on the basic nature of the change, emphasizing its depth and impact.

revolutionary change

Highlights the dramatic and transformative nature of the shift.

transformative shift

Emphasizes the shift's ability to alter the form or character of something.

sea change

Implies a broad and substantial shift in attitude, opinion, or direction.

radical departure

Stresses the act of moving away from established norms or practices.

breakthrough

Suggests a sudden and significant advance, often in scientific or technological fields.

tectonic shift

Indicates a slow, powerful change, similar to the movement of tectonic plates.

game changer

Highlights the shift's impact on strategies and outcomes, particularly in competitive settings.

new normal

Describes a state of affairs that is different from what was previously considered standard or typical.

rethinking

Focuses on the process of reconsidering established ideas and beliefs.

FAQs

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

Use "paradigm shift" to describe a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions. For example, "The internet caused a "paradigm shift" in how information is disseminated."

What is an example of a "paradigm shift"?

An example of a "paradigm shift" is the move from print to digital media, which has fundamentally changed how people consume information and entertainment.

What phrases are similar to "paradigm shift"?

Alternatives to "paradigm shift" include "fundamental change", "revolutionary change", or "transformative shift".

When is it appropriate to use the term "paradigm shift"?

The term "paradigm shift" is appropriate when describing a significant alteration in the way a particular field or concept is understood or approached, signaling a move from one dominant perspective to another.