shifting rightward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shifting rightward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as discussions about movement, trends, or changes in position, particularly in political, economic, or graphical contexts. Example: "The data shows a clear trend of shifting rightward in voter preferences over the last election cycle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

So America is shifting rightward?

Independent

But in the nineteen-seventies the state began shifting rightward.

The New Yorker

Many Liberals believe that Canada is shifting rightward, joining a trend that has marked American and British politics in recent years.

The New York Times

While solicitude for the rights of nonunion public employees certainly predates the Roberts court, the Knox majority's attack on the long-settled default rule for union objectors underscores how profoundly the free-speech polarity is shifting rightward.

The New York Times

But even as he rejected anti-gay theology, Michael's political views began shifting rightward: he spoke glowingly about Ann Coulter, and in a Time cover article in 2005 about gay teenagers he said: "I don't think the gay movement understands the extent to which the next generation just wants to be normal kids.

The New York Times - Magazine

The peak of the autophagosome score distribution continued shifting rightward with time.

Autophagy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Politicians sensed the mood, and shifted rightward.

The New York Times

A month earlier, the Argentinian presidency shifted rightward from Cristina Fernández de Kirchner to Mauricio Macri.

The Guardian

For all McCain's attempts to shift rightward, the conservative base never "embraced" him, as LaHood put it.

The New Yorker

On others, the centre of political gravity shifts rightward, and the public space for open anti-Arab racism grows bigger.

Independent

When the national political balance shifted rightward in November, Idaho did not have much room to move.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shifting rightward" in political contexts, ensure that the subject and the direction of the shift are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether it's a political party, a country's electorate, or public opinion that is "shifting rightward".

Common error

Avoid using "shifting rightward" without providing specific evidence or context. A vague statement like "society is shifting rightward" can be misleading without supporting data or examples. Be sure to provide tangible examples of said shift.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shifting rightward" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe a trend or movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this can refer to shifts in political alignment, ideologies, or even data distributions. Examples in news media illustrate its use in describing changes in political landscapes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shifting rightward" is a verb phrase primarily used to describe a trend or movement towards more conservative ideologies or positions, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news and media, and scientific contexts, with a neutral to professional register. While grammatically correct, it's important to provide context and avoid overgeneralization when using the phrase. Alternatives such as "moving to the right" or "trending conservative" can be used depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving to the right

This alternative offers a more literal and less politically charged description of movement.

drifting rightward

The term suggests a gradual and less intentional shift.

trending conservative

This alternative focuses specifically on the political aspect of becoming more conservative.

inclining towards the right

This phrase implies a leaning or preference, rather than a complete shift.

veering right

The alternative indicates a sudden or sharp change in direction.

becoming more conservative

This is a more general description of adopting conservative views.

adopting right-wing policies

It specifies a shift in political strategies or governance.

swinging to the right

Suggests a forceful or emphatic change in political alignment.

taking a conservative turn

Emphasizes a deliberate shift toward conservatism.

gravitating towards conservatism

Implies a natural pull or attraction to conservative principles.

FAQs

What does "shifting rightward" mean in a political context?

In politics, "shifting rightward" describes a movement towards more conservative or right-wing ideologies and policies. This can apply to political parties, electorates, or individual politicians.

What are some synonyms for "shifting rightward"?

Alternatives to "shifting rightward" include "moving to the right", "trending conservative", or "becoming more conservative", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

You can use "shifting rightward" to describe a change in political alignment, for example: "The country's electorate has been shifting rightward in recent years, leading to the election of more conservative candidates."

Is it more appropriate to say "shifting to the right" or "shifting rightward"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "shifting rightward" often implies a political or ideological shift, while "shifting to the right" can also refer to a literal movement in a physical space or on a graph.