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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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pivoting

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pivoting" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a situation where an organization, individual, or process makes a fundamental change in approach in order to remain relevant. For example, "The company decided to pivot their product line in order to stay competitive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

3. Time to stitch Stitch along the pinned sides – leaving 0.5cm seam allowance all the way around the edges – starting at the top right corner, pivoting around the point, then continuing up to the left-hand corner.

Rhetoric about "pivoting" and "rebalancing" towards Asia was meant to reassure America's allies; instead it fed Chinese paranoia.

News & Media

The Economist

All the best new British buildings that have critics in raptures seem to be going up in the north.Last weekend, the great and the good in British architecture decamped northwards to celebrate the award of the Stirling Prize, Britain's Oscar for building design, to Wilkinson Eyre Architects for their curving and pivoting footbridge across the Tyne.

News & Media

The Economist

In the words of David Riesman, an American sociologist, their minds work like radar, taking in signals from near and far, not like a gyroscope, pivoting on a point.

News & Media

The Economist

Instead of pivoting to the economy, he has wasted much of his precious turn in the limelight by returning to the culture wars.

News & Media

The Economist

Where you sit in the world decides, to no small extent, how much impact you have on it.The trouble is that, to work out which the truly pivotal states are, it is necessary to know what big powers they may be pivoting between.

News & Media

The Economist

To use a famous metaphor, the mind of the peer-group-directed person is a gyroscope, pivoting on a single point; that of the other-directed person works like radar, taking in signals from near and far.Research based on opinion polls documents the differences between middle-class and working-class attitudes.

News & Media

The Economist

That, after all, is what swing voters care most about, and the area in which they are most unhappy with the president's performance.It's not just the economy, stupidThe hitch is that "pivoting to the centre", as the election jargon has it, is an especially awkward manoeuvre for Mr Romney.

News & Media

The Economist

In pivoting to the big-picture, elephant-in-the-courtroom fact of Mr Hall's over three-and-a-half decade wait on death row, the pair of justices caught Florida's solicitor-general a little off guard.

News & Media

The Economist

This will be anathema to some, but in the start-up arena it has become so common for young firms to reinvent themselves that venture capitalists refer to the phenomenon as "pivoting".

News & Media

The Economist

Similarly, Sri Lanka is also pivoting back to take a friendlier position towards the West (Mr Samarweera is keen to emphasise there will be no hostility towards China) so the opportunity is ripe for stronger co-operation there.

News & Media

The Economist
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pivoting" to describe a significant change in strategy or direction, especially in business or political contexts. Be clear about what the entity is pivoting from and to.

Common error

While "pivoting" accurately describes strategic shifts, overuse can diminish its impact. Use it when describing substantial changes, not minor adjustments, to maintain clarity and credibility.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The word "pivoting" functions primarily as a verb, often used in its present participle form to describe the action of making a significant change in direction, strategy, or focus. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it can also function as a noun referring to the action itself.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pivoting" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a verb, denoting a significant shift in direction or strategy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and technology. While its frequency suggests widespread acceptance, it's important to avoid overuse and ensure its application aligns with substantial changes, not minor adjustments. Related terms include "changing direction" and "adjusting strategy", which can be used to add nuance. When using "pivoting", ensure clarity about the 'from' and 'to' states to maintain effective communication.

FAQs

How is "pivoting" used in business?

In business, "pivoting" refers to fundamentally changing the direction of a company when its current strategy isn't working. This might involve changing products, target markets, or business models. Startups, in particular, often /s/pivot to find a viable path to success.

What does "pivoting to the center" mean in politics?

In politics, "pivoting to the center" refers to a candidate shifting their stance on issues to appeal to more moderate voters. This often occurs after securing a party's nomination. The goal is to attract a broader base of support in the general election.

When is it appropriate to use "pivoting" in writing?

Use "pivoting" when you want to emphasize a significant change in strategy, direction, or focus. It's suitable for describing shifts in business, politics, personal development, or any situation where a deliberate change of course is being made.

What are some alternatives to "pivoting"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "changing direction", "adjusting strategy", or "shifting focus". Choose the alternative that best reflects the specific nuance you want to convey.

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Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: