shift the emphasis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'shift the emphasis' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to express the concept of changing the focus or main point of something. For example, "We need to shift the emphasis away from profits and towards sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It is time to shift the emphasis there, at least for three-quarters of the country," General Myers added.

The New York Times

"In a sense, what it does is shift the emphasis from cryptanalysis to some other sort of attack," he said.

The New York Times - Science

They have been easing back on such shock tactics lately, keen to shift the emphasis on to their music.

The Guardian - Music

But you should shift the emphasis to what is relatively easier, or what is relatively more important".

The New Yorker

Some academics fear higher wages for some low-paid workers could shift the emphasis away from government support.

Independent

Mr. Frattini has often been praised as an intelligent, disciplined manager, qualities Mr. Berlusconi's supporters said would help him shift the emphasis of the Foreign Ministry.

The New York Times

Now I nod benignly at the ways of the world, and reckon the most we can do is shift the emphasis a little.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, Lancaster University last week similarly announced it would "shift the emphasis of its investments strategy into new technologies as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability".

The Guardian

The postwar avant-garde will still be there, but I will probably shift the emphasis a little, and engage more fully with my own generation of composers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Maxwell L. Anderson, director of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, said the two sides should push jointly to shift the emphasis toward scholarship.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. McCain's health care plan would shift the emphasis from insurance provided by employers to insurance bought by individuals, to foster competition and drive down prices.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shift the emphasis", ensure the new area of focus is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "shift the emphasis" without specifying what the emphasis is being shifted to. For example, instead of saying "We need to shift the emphasis", say "We need to shift the emphasis from marketing to product development."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shift the emphasis" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating a change or redirection of focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to express a change in the main point. Examples show its use in diverse contexts like policy changes, strategic realignments, and even artistic interpretations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shift the emphasis" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a change in focus or priority. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used across various contexts, especially in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives like "change the focus" or "redirect the focus" exist, "shift the emphasis" provides a clear and direct way to communicate such alterations. Remember to specify the new focus to avoid vagueness, and consider the subtle difference in meaning when choosing between "to" and "towards". With a solid source quality score and expert rating, using "shift the emphasis" is a reliable choice in many writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

redirect the focus

This alternative suggests a change of direction in attention or effort.

change the focus

This phrase implies altering the central point of attention.

alter the priority

This alternative indicates a change in the order of importance.

adjust the weighting

Suggests a change in the relative importance or influence of different factors.

realign the priorities

Implies adjusting priorities to better match current goals or circumstances.

modify the direction

This alternative suggests a change in the course or trajectory of something.

recast the importance

Suggests a new way of presenting something that changes the perceived importance.

reframe the discussion

This alternative indicates a change in the way something is discussed or presented.

pivot the attention

Implies a quick and decisive shift in focus.

reorient the perspective

This phrase suggests changing the viewpoint or way of looking at something.

FAQs

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

You can use "shift the emphasis" to indicate a change in focus or priority. For example, "The company decided to "shift the emphasis" from short-term profits to long-term sustainability."

What are some alternatives to "shift the emphasis"?

Alternatives to "shift the emphasis" include "change the focus", "redirect the focus", or "alter the priority", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "shift the emphasis to" or "shift the emphasis towards"?

Both "shift the emphasis to" and "shift the emphasis towards" are grammatically correct, but "shift the emphasis to" implies a more complete change, while "shift the emphasis towards" suggests a partial or gradual change.

What is the difference between "shift the emphasis" and "change the emphasis"?

"Shift the emphasis" and "change the emphasis" are often used interchangeably, but "shift" can imply a more subtle or nuanced adjustment compared to the more direct "change".