shift the conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"shift the conversation" is correct in written English.
You can use it when you wish to change the topic that is being discussed. For example, "I think it's time to shift the conversation to something else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Via Verde helps shift the conversation.

The New York Times - Arts

Here are three ways to shift the conversation.

Harvard Business Review

PAUL RYAN Announcing a vice-presidential pick was always going to shift the conversation.

The New York Times

The lowest-paid workers have tried to shift the conversation with little success.

The Guardian

I've tried to shift the conversation here from what Special Olympics does to what it means.

The New York Times

"That's a way to shift the conversation... away from Sydney, and making it a global conversation".

The Guardian - Music

I hope it can shift the conversation about what it means to be black and proud".

The Guardian

We're not aiming to win, just to get in the debates and shift the conversation.

The Washington Post

To shift the conversation away from features, we asked, "What will a successful system accomplish?

Harvard Business Review

"Then shift the conversation from weight loss to health behaviors that patients can improve, regardless of body weight," she said.

The New York Times

A victory over the Jaguars would shift the conversation again to whether the Colts can make a playoff run.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shift the conversation" when you want to indicate a strategic change in the topic being discussed, especially to address a more relevant or beneficial subject.

Common error

Ensure the transition when you "shift the conversation" is smooth and relevant to the previous topic, or the change may appear awkward or inappropriate. Using a bridging statement or question can help maintain engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shift the conversation" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It indicates an action to change the topic of discussion. Examples on Ludwig show it is used to strategically redirect or reframe discussions in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shift the conversation" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to describe the act of changing the topic under discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, academic, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure the transition is smooth and relevant to avoid appearing abrupt. Consider alternatives such as "redirect the discussion" or "alter the focus of discussion" for more formal contexts. The phrase is used to redirect discussions strategically, often to more productive or comfortable topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change the subject matter

This is a more direct and simple way to indicate a change in topic.

turn the conversation around

This suggests reversing or significantly altering the current course of the conversation.

redirect the discussion

This alternative emphasizes steering the discussion towards a new direction.

steer the discussion

Similar to 'redirect,' but implies a more gentle guidance of the conversation.

alter the focus of discussion

This option highlights a change in the central point being discussed.

reorient the discussion

This phrase emphasizes changing the orientation or direction of the discussion.

reframe the narrative

This suggests changing the way a story or situation is presented or understood.

deflect the conversation

This implies avoiding a topic by changing the subject.

pivot the dialogue

This implies a strategic turn in the conversation, often to a more advantageous position.

transform the dialogue

This suggests a more profound or complete change in the conversation's nature.

FAQs

How can I use "shift the conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "shift the conversation" to suggest a change in topic, such as, "Let's "shift the conversation" to our upcoming project".

What's a more formal way to say "shift the conversation"?

In a formal context, you might consider using phrases like "redirect the discussion" or "alter the focus of discussion" for a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to "shift the conversation" in a professional setting?

Yes, it is appropriate to ""shift the conversation"" in a professional setting, especially when the current topic is unproductive or irrelevant to the goals at hand. Just ensure the transition is tactful and relevant.

What's the difference between "shift the conversation" and "change the subject"?

"Shift the conversation" often implies a more strategic or purposeful redirection, while "change the subject" can seem more abrupt and less thoughtful. The best option depends on the context.