shift towards

USAGE SUMMARY

"shift towards" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express that something is changing or shifting in a new direction. Example sentence: The company has made a shift towards more sustainable business practices.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Consider, for example, the shift towards urbanisation and car transport.

The Guardian - Business

It was a tectonic shift towards Labour-Conservative domination.

The New Yorker

Now the focus should shift towards implementing this decision".

The Guardian

Does this suggest a shift towards a textbook market economy?

The Guardian - Opinion

What about the shift towards freemium gaming, though?

The Guardian - Tech

"Will it stymie the shift towards tablets and smartphones?

The Guardian - Tech

Cue a shift towards Isis, we are told.

Independent

In fact, it is simply a shift towards greater progressivity.

The Economist

But the mix will shift towards convenience stores.

The Economist

E-commerce sites are seeing a shift towards mobile.

The Economist

A shift towards saving is one trend to capitalise on.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shift towards", consider quantifying the change to provide a clearer picture of the extent of the shift. For example, instead of saying "a shift towards renewable energy", specify "a 20% shift towards renewable energy".

Common error

Avoid using "shift towards" without clearly specifying what the shift is towards. Vague usage can leave the reader confused about the intended meaning. Always ensure the object of the preposition 'towards' is explicitly stated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shift towards" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It typically describes a change in direction or emphasis, indicating movement or progression in a specific direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shift towards" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe a change in direction, emphasis, or strategy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and is considered to have a neutral tone, making it suitable for formal and informal communication. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to specify the direction of the shift when using this phrase. Remember alternatives like "movement toward" or "transition to" exist, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

movement toward

Uses a more literal noun ("movement") to convey the idea of a shift.

transition to

Focuses on the change itself rather than the direction.

drift toward

Suggests a more gradual and less deliberate change.

inclination to

Indicates a preference or tendency rather than a completed change.

progression to

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the change.

swing to

Implies a more dramatic or sudden change in direction.

evolution towards

Highlights a gradual, unfolding change over time.

development in the direction of

More verbose and formal, emphasizing the direction of the development.

changing to

Highlights the action of changing to something else

adaptation towards

Highlights the process of adapting to a new situation

FAQs

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

Use "shift towards" to describe a change in direction or emphasis. For example, "There's been a "shift towards" online learning" indicates a change in educational methods.

What are some alternatives to "shift towards"?

Alternatives include phrases like "movement toward", "transition to", or "drift toward", each conveying a slightly different nuance of change or direction.

Is there a difference between "shift towards" and "shift to"?

"Shift towards" implies a directional change that may not be complete, while "shift to" suggests a completed transition. For instance, "a shift towards sustainability" suggests progress, but "a shift to renewable energy" implies a completed change to renewable sources.

When is it appropriate to use "shift towards" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in any formal context where you need to describe a change in direction or emphasis. Ensure that the change is well-defined and that the target of the shift is clearly articulated for clarity.