shift substantially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shift substantially" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant change or alteration in a situation, condition, or perspective. Example: "The company's strategy may shift substantially in response to market demands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The proposals suggest that the so-called break-even point — the number of trips one must take to justify buying a 30-day unlimited card — could shift substantially.

The New York Times

At the moment, there appears to be little appetite from EU leaders to change their rules to keep the UK in the bloc, although international politics can shift substantially during two years of negotiations.

The Guardian

And so the Fed is having to shift substantially from the approach that has come to define it and from which it has long derived its institutional self-esteem.

The New York Times

Ben S. Bernanke, the Fed's chairman, and other senior officials have made clear that the trajectory of economic growth must shift substantially before the Fed adjusted its current policies.

The New York Times

This shift substantially favored big cities.

TechCrunch

If the rate shift substantially improved the AIC score, we retained the shift and repeated the procedure, comparing the two rate tree to a tree where the rate was allowed to optimally shift on a third branch.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

THE sudden rise in home prices suggests that the psychology of the market has shifted substantially.

The New York Times

Cooking on a slippery floor when the world is shifting substantially brings its own challenges.

Independent

The chart below, based on polling over the years by Gallup, shows that attitudes about same-sex marriage have shifted substantially since 1996.

The New York Times

Pew's recent survey found Americans have shifted substantially on the issue, with 49 percent supporting and 44 percent opposing same-sex marriage.

The New York Times

But policy shifted substantially toward the left because the Democrats controlled the center, leaving Republicans to be little more than a fringe party.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shift substantially", ensure the context clearly indicates what is changing and the extent of the change. For example, "The company's strategy may "shift substantially" in response to market demands."

Common error

Avoid using "shift substantially" when the change is minor or insignificant. This phrase implies a considerable alteration, so reserve it for situations where the change is truly noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shift substantially" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe a significant change or alteration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shift substantially" is a versatile expression used to describe significant changes or alterations across various contexts. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "change significantly", it conveys a specific sense of movement and impact, as suggested by the examples. It is most frequently found in news articles and scientific publications, reflecting its neutral register. When using this phrase, it is essential to ensure the context clearly indicates what is changing and the extent of the change. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "shift substantially" to add precision and impact to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change significantly

This alternative is a more general way of indicating a considerable change, lacking the nuance of movement implied by "shift".

alter considerably

This alternative emphasizes the degree of change in terms of adjustment or modification, rather than a directional change.

modify extensively

This alternative focuses on the process of changing something in detail, suggesting thorough alterations have been made.

transform dramatically

This alternative highlights the visual or impactful aspect of a change, implying a complete alteration.

evolve markedly

This alternative emphasizes the gradual development and notable change over time.

vary greatly

This alternative indicates a large degree of difference or fluctuation, without necessarily implying a direction.

fluctuate wildly

This alternative is most useful to represent dramatic, unpredictable swings, not to document a change in position.

pivot decisively

This alternative implies a purposeful and definite change in direction or strategy.

veer sharply

This alternative highlights the sudden nature of the change, indicating an abrupt directional shift.

undergo a major revision

This alternative describes a comprehensive alteration or correction process, typically in formal contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "shift substantially" to describe a significant change or alteration. For example: "The company's focus "shift substantially" after the new CEO took over".

What are some alternatives to "shift substantially"?

You can use alternatives such as "change significantly", "alter considerably", or "modify extensively" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'substantially shift' instead of "shift substantially"?

While "substantially shift" can be grammatically correct, "shift substantially" is more common and natural-sounding. The order of words can affect the emphasis, but in most contexts, "shift substantially" is preferred. The phrase "substantially shift" is much less frequent.

What does "shift substantially" imply about the degree of change?

Using "shift substantially" suggests a significant and noticeable change. It indicates that something has moved or altered to a considerable extent, rather than just a minor adjustment.