shifted toward

USAGE SUMMARY

"shifted toward" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the gradual change in a direction or attitude. For example, "The public's opinion on the issue has shifted toward a more favorable stance in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The battle shifted toward the south.

The New York Times

But the conversation shifted toward the Rangers.

The New York Times - Sports

Attention has shifted toward the psychological for several reasons.

The New York Times

With Caravanserai (1972) the group shifted toward jazz.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He thought savings should be shifted toward affordable housing.

The New York Times

Morales shifted toward more moderate right-wing policies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the mid-1950s the band shifted toward swing music.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Efforts shifted toward identifying possible locations for a new school.

The New York Times

The weather shifted toward rain during the performances that followed.

The New Yorker

It started with dancing and shifted toward lust.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The conversation shifted toward retirement.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shifted toward", consider the nuance you want to convey. It often implies a subtle or progressive change rather than an abrupt one.

Common error

Avoid using "shifted toward" when describing a sudden or abrupt change. This phrase implies a gradual movement. For sudden changes, use phrases like "switched to" or "changed abruptly to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shifted toward" functions as a verb phrase indicating a change in direction, focus, or orientation. It describes a movement, either literal or figurative, from one state or position to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shifted toward" is a versatile phrase used to describe a gradual change in direction, focus, or opinion. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase as correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently across news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the subject undergoing the shift and the direction of the change. While generally neutral in tone, consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning. Alternative phrases like "inclined towards" or "progressed towards" may provide a more precise nuance depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moved closer to

Indicates a physical or abstract movement in proximity to something.

inclined towards

Suggests a leaning or preference in a particular direction or viewpoint.

progressed towards

Implies forward movement or advancement in the direction of a specific goal or state.

gravitated to

Conveys a natural attraction or movement towards something.

veered towards

Indicates a change in direction, often implying a slight deviation from a previous course.

trended towards

Suggests a prevailing tendency or pattern of change in a particular direction.

evolved into

Indicates a gradual transformation or development into a new state or form.

swung to

Implies a forceful or sudden change in direction or opinion.

developed into

Indicates a gradual process of growth or change resulting in a different state.

redirected to

Suggests a deliberate change in course or focus towards a new target.

FAQs

How can I use "shifted toward" in a sentence?

The phrase "shifted toward" is used to indicate a gradual change in direction, focus, or opinion. For example, "After the scandal, public opinion shifted toward the opposing candidate."

What are some alternatives to "shifted toward"?

You can use alternatives like "inclined towards", "moved closer to", or "progressed towards" depending on the context.

Is "shifted toward" formal or informal?

"Shifted toward" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure than the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "shifted toward" and "changed to"?

"Shifted toward" implies a gradual change or movement in a specific direction, while "changed to" suggests a more abrupt or complete transformation. For example, "The company's strategy shifted toward sustainability" suggests a gradual incorporation of sustainable practices, whereas "The company changed to a new CEO" indicates an immediate replacement.