shift course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shift course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a change in direction or strategy, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After reviewing the project's progress, the team decided to shift course to better align with the client's needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It's time to shift course".

The New York Times

It is time to shift course.

The New York Times

After Thanksgiving, the fund will shift course.

The New York Times

You can make a decision any day to shift course".

The New York Times - Sports

Unless the Republicans shift course entirely, nothing can change that.

The New Yorker

"If they shift course now, obviously they have to have an alternative.

The New York Times - Sports

It is how their individual journeys shift course, and collide, that animates the film.

The New York Times

Scrambling to shift course, we put together a hasty plan to document the change quantitatively.

The New York Times

It will be hard for Mrs Merkel to shift course again, especially in an election year.

The Economist

It is meant as a kind of corrective, an attempt to shift course.

The New York Times - Arts

They too say the Fed is unlikely to shift course as a result of the numbers.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shift course" when you want to emphasize a deliberate change in direction or strategy, often in response to new information or unforeseen circumstances. It implies a conscious decision to move away from the current path.

Common error

While "shift course" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "change direction" or "adjust" may be more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shift course" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a deliberate change in strategy, direction, or approach. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It is often employed in both literal and figurative contexts, as evidenced by the examples found.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Shift course" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a deliberate change in direction or strategy. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "change direction" and "adjust approach" exist, "shift course" often implies a more significant or strategic alteration. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the level of formality. While generally neutral, simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change direction

Indicates a turn away from the current path or plan; a general term for altering course.

alter strategy

Focuses specifically on changing the approach or plan to achieve a goal.

redirect efforts

Emphasizes re-focusing resources and energy towards a new objective.

adjust approach

Suggests a modification of the methods used to deal with something.

modify tactics

Implies a change in specific actions taken to achieve a larger goal.

realign priorities

Highlights a change in the relative importance of different goals or tasks.

pivot strategy

Denotes a fundamental change in business strategy after determining the original one is not working.

re-evaluate plan

Suggests rethinking and possibly revising the current plan.

correct trajectory

Implies adjusting a path to achieve a desired outcome, often used in a literal or figurative sense.

make adjustments

General term for making changes, not necessarily a complete change of course.

FAQs

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

You can use "shift course" to indicate a change in strategy or direction. For example: "The company had to shift course after the market conditions changed unexpectedly." or "Unless the Republicans shift course entirely, nothing can change that."

What are some alternatives to "shift course"?

Alternatives include "change direction", "alter strategy", or "adjust approach", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to use "shift course" or "change course"?

"Shift course" and "change course" are often interchangeable. However, "shift course" sometimes implies a more significant or strategic alteration.

When is it inappropriate to use "shift course"?

Avoid using "shift course" in very informal or casual settings where simpler language would suffice. It might sound overly formal in those contexts.