substantial shift

USAGE SUMMARY

"substantial shift" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a significant change in something, usually in a context where this change is important or of great consequence. For example, "There has been a substantial shift in world politics over the past decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is a substantial shift in British politics and a healthy one.

The Guardian - Opinion

The declaration would represent a subtle but substantial shift in policy.

The New York Times

Bush administration officials said they did not yet see any substantial shift in Japan.

The New York Times

But soon Tory started to long for a more substantial shift in status.

The New York Times - Magazine

Over the past two decades, there has been a substantial shift in the global innovation landscape.

Journal of International Management

This suggests that MPB-disturbed forests are undergoing a substantial shift in landscape-level species composition.

Forest Ecology and Management

Charters induce a substantial shift from two- to four-year institutions, though the effect on overall college enrollment is modest.

Harvard University

Valuable components of these scenarios include a substantial shift to renewable energy and deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS).

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

This kind of reaction, Mr. Malatras said, was to be expected from any substantial shift in policy.

The New York Times

So the bottom line is this: the Gallup poll indicates a pretty substantial shift in the partisan climate.

The New York Times

That obscures, however, a substantial shift toward Mr. Cain over the course of the past two weeks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial shift", consider quantifying the shift if possible, to give the reader a clearer understanding of its magnitude (e.g., "a substantial shift of 20% in market share").

Common error

Avoid using "substantial shift" when the change is relatively minor. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial shift" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "shift". It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, indicating a notable change or alteration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

36%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "substantial shift" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a significant change. As Ludwig AI states, its primary function is to highlight the magnitude and impact of an alteration. Its presence across diverse sources, including science, news, and academia, underscores its versatility and acceptance. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's crucial to avoid overstating the significance of the change to maintain credibility. Remember to quantify the shift whenever possible and to explore alternative phrases like "fundamental change" or "significant transformation" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental change

Emphasizes the basic nature of the change.

significant transformation

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the change.

marked alteration

Stresses the noticeable difference resulting from the change.

considerable modification

Focuses on the degree to which something has been changed.

noticeable difference

Highlights the obviousness of the change.

major adjustment

Implies a correction or realignment.

sweeping reform

Suggests a broad and extensive change.

profound variation

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the change.

radical conversion

Implies a complete and fundamental change.

tectonic move

Suggests a major and impactful change, like the shifting of tectonic plates.

FAQs

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

You can use "substantial shift" to describe a significant change in various contexts. For example: "There has been a substantial shift in the company's marketing strategy." or "The research indicates a substantial shift in consumer preferences."

What are some alternatives to "substantial shift"?

Alternatives to "substantial shift" include "fundamental change", "significant transformation", or "marked alteration". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "substantial shift" formal or informal?

"Substantial shift" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its usage depends more on the context and the intended audience rather than the writing style.

What's the difference between "substantial shift" and "minor change"?

"Substantial shift" implies a significant and noticeable alteration, whereas "minor change" suggests a small and less impactful adjustment. The choice between them depends on the magnitude of the change you're describing.