shift the topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shift the topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to mean that the conversation or discussion is being changed to a different subject. For example: "I can tell we're not making any progress here, so let's shift the topic to something else".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

There was, of course, no shortage of reasons for the White House to shift the topic.

The New Yorker

Indeed, discussing the vote aboard his campaign jet, Mr. Bush tried to shift the topic from his plans to those of Mr. Gore.

The New York Times

We don't know if this is another effort at manipulation to shift the topic from whether the Administration inappropriately tried to influence the F.B.I. on the Russian investigation.

The New Yorker

Several postings suggested that the document might be a forgery; others sought to shift the topic to questions about Mr. Obama's adoption by his stepfather.

The New York Times

To shift the topic of geothermal energy more strongly into the focus of scientific research and development, two open-access journals formed simultaneously in 2013, both focusing on the science behind geothermal energy: Geothermal Energy and Geothermal Energy Science.

Geothermal Energy

He starts to choke up and I swiftly shift the topic to citizen science data collection plans for the summer.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

After his separation from Island in 1985, Ade focused his musical activity at home, at which time he also began to shift the topics of his lyrics from the ills of Nigerian society to more-intimate matters of personal struggle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It shifts the topic to the background.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's been coming for a while," Mr. Rust said, abruptly shifting the topic back to the troubled times.

The New York Times

Some modern Christians have shifted the topic from the essence of Christianity to its absoluteness among the religions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But each answer was cast in a way that shifted the topic quickly back to what she sees as America's transgressions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shift the topic" when you want to smoothly transition a conversation or discussion to a new area, especially when the current subject is unproductive or uncomfortable.

Common error

Avoid using "shift the topic" too frequently in written content, as it can disrupt the flow and make your writing seem disjointed. Instead, use transitional phrases that create a more natural progression between ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shift the topic" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action of changing the subject of a conversation or discussion. It commonly appears in sentences where someone is intentionally redirecting the focus, as shown by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shift the topic" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of changing the subject in a conversation or discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and on wikis. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "redirect the conversation". Be mindful of overuse in writing to maintain a smooth flow. The phrase serves the purpose of redirecting focus and is generally neutral in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

change the subject

This is a direct and common alternative, implying a deliberate switch in conversation.

change the topic

A slight variation, maintaining the same meaning with a simple word substitution.

steer the conversation

Suggests a more subtle and guided redirection of the discussion.

redirect the conversation

Implies a controlled change in the direction of the discussion.

move on to another matter

More formal and direct, suitable for professional settings.

divert the discussion

Suggests a deliberate attempt to move away from a specific topic, often to avoid discomfort.

turn to another issue

Similar to "move on", suggesting a transition to a different point.

bring up a different subject

Focuses on introducing a new subject rather than avoiding the current one.

get off the subject

Informal and implies a desire to end the current discussion.

table the discussion

Suggests postponing the current topic for a later time.

FAQs

What does "shift the topic" mean?

The phrase "shift the topic" means to change the subject of a conversation or discussion.

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

You can use "shift the topic" like this: "Seeing the argument escalate, I tried to shift the topic to something lighter."

What are some alternatives to "shift the topic"?

You can use alternatives like "change the subject", "redirect the conversation", or "move on to another matter".

Is it appropriate to "shift the topic" in a formal setting?

Yes, it can be appropriate to "shift the topic" in a formal setting, but it should be done tactfully and with a clear purpose, such as to move the meeting forward or to address a more pressing issue.