tectonic shift

USAGE SUMMARY

"tectonic shift" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a large, far-reaching, and dramatic change or transformation in any given situation. For example, you could say, "The election results marked a tectonic shift in the country's political landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a tectonic shift towards Labour-Conservative domination.

The New Yorker

A tectonic shift in migration patterns is already under way.

The Guardian - Opinion

In many ways Skourletis personifies the tectonic shift.

The Guardian

That would indeed be a tectonic shift for investors.

The New York Times

But there has, in fact, been a tectonic shift.

The Guardian

But society must prepare itself for a major tectonic shift".

The Guardian

Analysts call it a "tectonic shift" in the industry.

The Economist

It was a harbinger of Western music's tectonic shift.

The New York Times - Arts

"There is a tectonic shift with the coming of digital," Ms. Walker said.

The New York Times

The west is undergoing a tectonic shift; but the UK seems oblivious to it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ravi Shankar Prasad, the BJP leader, said the elections had revealed a "tectonic shift.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tectonic shift" to describe changes that are not only large but also create lasting effects, similar to how actual tectonic plate movements reshape the Earth's surface.

Common error

Avoid using "tectonic shift" for minor or superficial changes. The phrase implies a fundamental and far-reaching transformation, not just a temporary adjustment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tectonic shift" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It signifies a substantial and impactful alteration, drawing a parallel to the earth's shifting tectonic plates to emphasize the magnitude of the change. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tectonic shift" is a noun phrase used to describe significant and impactful changes, drawing an analogy to geological shifts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in news and media and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. When writing, ensure the scale of the change warrants such a strong term. Alternatives include "fundamental change", "major upheaval", and "profound transformation". Remember to avoid overusing the phrase for minor adjustments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fundamental change

Emphasizes the depth and importance of the transformation.

major upheaval

Highlights the disruptive and transformative nature of the shift.

profound transformation

Focuses on the depth and comprehensiveness of the change.

sweeping change

Indicates that the change is widespread and affects many aspects.

radical shift

Stresses the extreme and unconventional nature of the change.

significant alteration

Highlights the importance and impact of the modification.

sea change

Implies a dramatic and fundamental shift in circumstances.

game changer

Focuses on the transformative impact that alters the dynamics of a situation.

paradigm shift

Emphasizes a change in the underlying assumptions and frameworks.

historic turning point

Highlights the significance and long-term impact of the change.

FAQs

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

Use "tectonic shift" to describe significant and impactful changes. For example, "The new policy represents a "fundamental change" in the company's approach" or "The election results signaled a "radical shift" in the political landscape".

What phrases can I use instead of "tectonic shift"?

Alternatives include "fundamental change", "major upheaval", or "profound transformation", each emphasizing different aspects of a significant change.

Is it appropriate to use "tectonic shift" in informal conversation?

While generally suitable for neutral and professional contexts, using "tectonic shift" in very informal settings might sound overly dramatic. Consider simpler alternatives like "big change" or "major shift".

What distinguishes "tectonic shift" from a "regular change"?

"Tectonic shift" implies a deep, systemic alteration with long-term consequences, unlike a regular change, which may be superficial or temporary. A "fundamental change" affects core aspects, while a regular change may only impact minor details.