shift of thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shift of thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a change in perspective, opinion, or way of thinking about a particular subject. Example: "After discussing the issue further, there was a noticeable shift of thought among the team members regarding the project's direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It may be evidence of a shift of thought patterns of the sort that the Upper Palaeolithic revolutionaries propose.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The metaphors, myths, and gnomic sayings that ornament the odes are often difficult to grasp because of the rapid shifts of thought and the sacrifice of syntax to achieving uniform poetic colour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You can actually hear the cuts as the ambience is abruptly broken up; he wants to remind us of the rough edges and shifts of thought to be found in anyone's diary.

The New York Times

In this interview with MSNBC, she also said it's time to shift the paradigm of thought toward teaching as a profession.

Huffington Post

The importance of this story is not an escapism from daily reality, but instead the grace of sleep and the shift in axis of thought -- for a short period of sleep -- then propels the Jacobs of this world to go out into this complicated world mending relationships, working toward reconciliation and engaging the hard work to be done on our daily horizons.

Huffington Post

The recondite nature of scientific and medical content requires many readers to repetitively shift their train of thought and research the meanings of words.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Therefore, based on this background, five stages are identified for considering a shift from a movement of thought to another: insufficiency and anomalousness, crises in normal science, existence of a scientific community, integrity of values, beliefs and norms, and changing platform of thought.

Business Research

In modern philosophy, the emphasis shifts toward the language of thought, a prime example of which is Immanuel Kant (1724 1804; see Gracia 2000).

SEP

As the axis of thought shifted, angels graced my sleep.

Huffington Post

When Rabbi Lelyveld came back from Mississippi, he brought with him an experience that prompted a change of thought, a shifting of the universe for some of us members of Fairmount Temple in the 1960's.

The New York Times

After a lot of thought, West shifted to a low diamond, declarer trying dummy's king, then ruffing East's ace.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shift of thought" to denote a conscious or noticeable change in someone's thinking. It's applicable in diverse contexts, from personal epiphanies to broad societal changes.

Common error

While "shift of thought" is versatile, consider if a more precise term like "reassessment", "rethinking", or "conversion" would better convey the intended meaning. Overusing general terms can dilute the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shift of thought" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition to indicate a change or alteration in one's thinking. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shift of thought" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a change in perspective or understanding. Ludwig confirms its validity and broad applicability. It appears most frequently in news media and scientific contexts. While versatile, choosing more specific terms might enhance clarity in some instances. Related phrases include "change in mindset" and "evolution of thinking". Remember to use it when you want to highlight a notable alteration in someone's thought processes, be it personal or societal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change in mindset

This alternative emphasizes a fundamental alteration in attitude and beliefs.

change in perspective

This focuses on altering the viewpoint or angle from which something is considered.

evolution of thinking

This highlights a gradual development or progression in one's thought process.

rethinking

Implies a conscious reconsideration or re-evaluation of something previously thought.

paradigm shift

Suggests a fundamental change in the basic concepts and experimental practices of a scientific discipline.

turn of mind

Indicates a change in disposition or way of thinking.

intellectual transition

Highlights the movement from one intellectual state to another.

cognitive reorientation

Emphasizes a change in the way cognitive processes are organized.

new train of thought

Suggests beginning to think in a new way.

altered perception

Describes a change in the way something is understood or interpreted.

FAQs

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

You can use "shift of thought" to describe a change in someone's perspective or understanding. For example: "The new evidence caused a significant "shift of thought" within the scientific community."

What can I say instead of "shift of thought"?

You can use alternatives like "change in mindset", "change in perspective", or "evolution of thinking", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "shift of thought" or "shift in thought"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Shift of thought" emphasizes the thought itself, while "shift in thought" emphasizes the process of thinking. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

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

"Shift of thought" refers to a change in understanding or reasoning, while "change of heart" implies a change in feeling or attitude. They are distinct but can sometimes be related.