shifting toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shifting toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a change in direction, focus, or approach in various contexts, such as trends, opinions, or strategies. Example: "The company is shifting toward a more sustainable business model to reduce its environmental impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Shifting toward Murray and Djokovic, with Nadal out.

The New York Times - Sports

During this period, though, his interest was shifting toward woodworking.

The New York Times - Arts

Momentum appears to be shifting toward a vote to study a move rather than order one.

The New York Times - Sports

This hints at the importance of shifting toward a G-3 discourse and framework.

The New York Times

If these states are becoming more Democratic-leaning, which ones are shifting toward Republicans?

The New York Times

As the players headed to their bus, their attention was already shifting toward Jamaica.

The New York Times - Sports

Some companies, like Zillow, are shifting toward business clients well after they were begun.

The New York Times

Tea growers began discarding chemicals and shifting toward organic farming practices.

The New York Times

Broader political momentum is most definitely shifting toward confronting the power of very large financial institutions.

The New York Times

Textiles are another important area, even if production is shifting toward China.

The New York Times

Even Sandberg's Barnard commencement speech warned the graduates about not psychologically shifting toward motherhood too soon.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shifting toward" to indicate a noticeable change in direction, strategy, or opinion. For example, "The company is "shifting toward" a more customer-centric approach".

Common error

Avoid using "shifting toward" when describing minor adjustments. This phrase implies a significant redirection, not just a slight modification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shifting toward" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating movement or change in a specific direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe a trend, opinion, or strategy that's changing its focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shifting toward" is a versatile and common prepositional phrase used to describe a change in direction, focus, or approach. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is considered grammatically correct. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts. To use it effectively, ensure the context involves a significant redirection, not just a minor adjustment. Consider alternatives like "moving towards" or "transitioning to" for nuanced expression. The phrase's prevalence across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its wide acceptance and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving towards

Indicates a change in direction to a particular goal or destination; slightly more literal.

transitioning to

Implies a more complete or significant change from one state to another.

gravitating towards

Suggests a natural attraction or pull toward something.

tending towards

Describes a prevailing inclination or drift in a specific direction.

inclining towards

Similar to tending, but can also suggest a mental or emotional preference.

evolving towards

Focuses on a gradual development or transformation over time.

progressing towards

Highlights the idea of advancement or improvement.

heading towards

Suggests a determined movement in a specific direction.

converging on

Implies that multiple things are coming together to meet at a common point.

developing into

Highlights that something is under development for example a new product or project.

FAQs

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

Use "shifting toward" to indicate a change in focus, direction, or approach. For example, "The industry is "shifting toward" sustainable practices".

What are some alternatives to "shifting toward"?

Alternatives include "moving towards", "transitioning to", or "gravitating towards", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "shifting toward" in formal writing?

Yes, "shifting toward" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing trends, strategies, or evolving perspectives. However, be careful to not overuse the phrase.

What's the difference between "shifting toward" and "moving toward"?

"Shifting toward" often implies a more deliberate change, while "moving toward" can describe a more general progression or movement in a certain direction. The phrases are largely interchangeable, and the choice often depends on the nuance you wish to convey.