shift

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'shift' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used as a noun, verb, or adjective. Example Sentence (as a noun): We had to work the overnight shift.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each of the previous waves had come in response to a profound shift in the real economy.

The Economist

"The data show that not only is there declining trust in government, there is declining trust in other people"; although it wasn't exclusive to them, this shift was "concentrated among these poor kids, the kids who have been left out," Putnam said.

The Economist

"We're all using all of the different networks and contacts that we have to try to bring about some kind of shift in the situation.

The Guardian

Family planning officials will make home visits and offer counselling and financial advice in a dramatic shift away from the 30-year priority of simply keeping the population down.

The Guardian

What she is calling for is a more meaningful shift in attitudes towards women.

The Guardian

Every rhythmic lurch and stylistic shift, though, remains in the service of the band's greater groove, giving these 10 tracks an ease that belies their ferocious complexity".

The Guardian - Music

Something is stirring in Turkey's Kurdish region, and some predict a seismic shift in Turkish politics.

The Guardian

In a foreign policy speech in Sydney on Sunday following the G20 summit, Merkel sounded deeply despondent about Putin's policies and behaviour and gloomy about the prospects of forcing a strategic shift from the Kremlin.

The Guardian

Croome said a similar shift was occurring in the Coalition but it was "more low key because there's no free vote".

The Guardian

O'Donnell said it was clear there would be reasonable debate about political legitimacy if the Tories were the largest party but did not form a government, partly due to the presence of a large Scottish Nationalist contingent, but he pointed out voters had in two referendums rejected both a shift from first past the post and Scotland leaving the union.

The Guardian

Because the award is non-consolidated it will not count towards pension entitlements or shift pay and will be wiped away at the end of March 2016, meaning wages will go back to their April 2013 level.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shift" as a verb, ensure clarity by specifying what is being moved or changed, such as "shift the focus" or "shift the blame."

Common error

Avoid using "shift" when a more precise term like "transform", "adjust", or "convert" would better convey the intended meaning. Consider the specific nuance you wish to express.

Linguistic Context

The word "shift" functions primarily as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it denotes a change or movement. As a verb, it signifies the act of moving or changing something, as validated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "shift" is a versatile term used to denote a change or movement, functioning as both a noun and a verb. Its usage spans various contexts, with a strong presence in news and media. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and frequently used in written English. Related phrases include "alteration", "adjustment", and "transition", each offering subtle nuances. Effective use of "shift" involves specifying what is being moved or changed, while avoiding overuse in place of more precise terms. Its frequency and varied application make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

alteration

Focuses on the act of changing something.

modification

Highlights a change that improves or adapts something.

adjustment

Emphasizes a fine-tuning or minor change.

transition

Implies a movement from one state or condition to another.

transformation

Suggests a fundamental change in form or nature.

reorientation

Focuses on changing the direction or focus.

deviation

Indicates a departure from a standard or expected course.

swing

Suggests a movement back and forth or a change in opinion.

turnaround

Highlights a complete reversal of a situation or trend.

evolution

Implies a gradual development or change over time.

FAQs

How can I use "shift" in a sentence?

The word "shift" can be used as a noun (a change or movement) or a verb (to move or change something). For example, "There was a significant shift in policy" or "We need to shift the focus to customer satisfaction."

What can I say instead of "shift"?

You can use alternatives like "alteration", "adjustment", or "transition" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "shift in" or "shift to"?

Both "shift in" and "shift to" can be correct, depending on the context. "Shift in" is used when referring to a change within something, while "shift to" is used when moving from one thing to another. For example, "a shift in attitude" versus "a shift to renewable energy".

What is the difference between "shift" and "change"?

"Shift" often implies a more subtle or directional change than "change". While "change" simply indicates becoming different, "shift" suggests a movement from one state or position to another. For example, a "shift in strategy" implies a directional adjustment, while a "change in strategy" is more general.