shifting between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shifting between" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of moving or transitioning from one state, condition, or position to another. Example: "The artist is known for shifting between different styles, creating a unique blend of influences in her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Her inner age keeps shifting between seven, 11 and 14.

The Guardian - Books

What was the impetus for the shifting between tenses?

The New Yorker

There is some shifting between "ou" and "ow".

Independent

Mr. Berlin is known for a twisty résumé, shifting between working for others and for himself.

The New York Times

Languidly shifting between conversation, poetry and film, he refused to fix on one genre.

The Guardian

Shifting between the perspectives of Claire and Lola, Simpson highlights clashes of culture and class.

The New Yorker

Shifting between the two, Atwood creates a well-balanced work that retains the tale's rhythmic energy.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is sure to cause another round of "not me" blame-shifting between BP and Halliburton.

The New York Times

Beerbohm had an unexampled gift for gear-shifting between long and short sentences.

The New Yorker

The purpose of this study was to compare decision making, central coherence and set-shifting between BED and AN patients.

BMC Psychiatry

Like you, I found myself shifting between feelings of horror, terror and compassion.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process that involves regular changes, use "shifting between" to clearly indicate the dynamic nature of the transition.

Common error

Avoid using "shifting between" when the context requires maintaining a consistent tense throughout the sentence or paragraph. Ensure the tense aligns with the overall narrative for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shifting between" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used to modify verbs or nouns. It indicates a movement or transition between two or more states, conditions, or entities. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

34%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shifting between" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe transitions or alternations between different states, conditions, or entities. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a broad audience. When using this phrase, ensure that the tense is consistent and that the context aligns with the dynamic nature of the transition. Alternatives like "transitioning between" and "alternating between" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

changing between

A more general term for altering from one state to another, without implying a specific pattern.

transitioning between

Focuses on the process of changing from one thing to another, implying a smoother or more gradual change.

varying between

Indicates differences or discrepancies among different options or situations.

alternating between

Emphasizes a regular, back-and-forth pattern between two or more things.

moving between

Emphasizes the physical or conceptual act of relocating or changing position.

fluctuating between

Highlights irregular variations between different states or conditions.

interchanging between

Highlights the reciprocal action of swapping or exchanging between different elements.

oscillating between

Suggests a rhythmic movement back and forth, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

drifting between

Implies a passive or undirected shift between different states or conditions.

converting between

Focuses on the transformation of one thing into another, typically with a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "shifting between" in a sentence?

The phrase "shifting between" is used to describe the act of moving or alternating from one state, condition, or position to another. For example, "The narrative kept shifting between the past and present."

What are some alternatives to "shifting between"?

You can use alternatives like "transitioning between", "alternating between", or "moving between" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "shifting between" or "shift between"?

"Shifting between" is the correct and more common usage. "Shift between" might be grammatically correct in certain contexts, but "shifting between" is generally preferred to describe an ongoing process.

What is the difference between "shifting between" and "switching between"?

While both phrases indicate a change from one thing to another, "shifting between" often implies a more gradual or nuanced transition, whereas "switching between" suggests a more abrupt or definitive change.