shift of emphasis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shift of emphasis" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a change in focus, emphasis, or importance. For example, "The president's speech acknowledged a shift of emphasis from international relations to domestic issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This shift of emphasis has been discussed in America since the end of the Cold War, and many believe it's high time to push for a readjustment.

Huffington Post

Flip-flop category: shift of emphasis.

The New Yorker

The discovery had brought "a shift of emphasis", said Redwood.

The Guardian

But this shift of emphasis is not subtle.

The New York Times - Arts

There had now been 'a shift of emphasis'.

The Guardian

In a calamitous shift of emphasis, Ritchie turns Kuryakin into a semi-psychotic.

The New Yorker

Yet the shift of emphasis at the dam agencies is proving far from simple.

The New York Times

The shift of emphasis toward more discussion of foreign policy issues was obviously dictated by events.

The New York Times

There was no "sudden about-face," simply a shift of emphasis.

The Guardian - Books

In a shift of emphasis, Mr. Obama divided developing nations into two categories.

The New York Times - Science

It allows a shift of emphasis, not withdrawal from the world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shift of emphasis" to clearly indicate a change in focus, priority, or importance within a discussion or plan. This phrase works well in formal and academic contexts to signal a deliberate alteration in direction.

Common error

Avoid using "shift of emphasis" when only a minor adjustment has occurred. This phrase implies a noticeable change, so using it for insignificant modifications can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shift of emphasis" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a change or alteration in the area or aspect that is being highlighted or given importance, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shift of emphasis" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that signifies a change in focus or priority. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is versatile, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, use "shift of emphasis" to clearly signal a change in direction, but avoid using it for minor adjustments. Consider alternatives like "change in focus" or "new direction" for stylistic variation. Remember, the impact of your writing often depends on choosing the most precise language to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change in focus

Emphasizes the change in the point of concentration.

altered focus

Highlights that the point of concentration has been modified.

change in priorities

Indicates a rearrangement of importance among different concerns.

new direction

Suggests a complete change in the course of action or thought.

different tack

Implies a change in approach or strategy.

revised strategy

Signifies that the previous approach has been updated or modified.

modified approach

Indicates a slight alteration in the method used.

adjusted perspective

Implies a change in the way something is viewed or understood.

altered course

Suggests that there is a different route or direction being taken.

varying accentuation

This phrase indicates a change in which aspects are emphasized or highlighted.

FAQs

How can I use "shift of emphasis" in a sentence?

You can use "shift of emphasis" to describe a change in focus or priority. For example: "There was a noticeable shift of emphasis from theoretical studies to practical application."

What phrases are similar to "shift of emphasis"?

Similar phrases include "change in focus", "change in priorities", or "new direction". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context of your writing.

Is "shift of emphasis" formal or informal?

"Shift of emphasis" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase for various writing situations.

What's the difference between "shift of emphasis" and "change of emphasis"?

The phrases "shift of emphasis" and "change of emphasis" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference.