the pendulum has swung

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'the pendulum has swung' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation in which an opinion or viewpoint has changed or become more extreme. For example, you might say, "The pendulum has swung in favor of stricter lockdown measures due to the recent spike in coronavirus cases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now the pendulum has swung.

The Economist

"The pendulum has swung now against development".

The New York Times

But now the pendulum has swung.

The New York Times - Science

But the pendulum has swung from casual.

The New York Times

"The pendulum has swung," she said.

The New York Times

The pendulum has swung throughout art history.

The New York Times - Arts

"The pendulum has swung," explains Donovan.

The Guardian - Tech

But that is as far as the pendulum has swung.

The New York Times

Now the pendulum has swung the other way.

Independent

But today, the pendulum has swung the other way.

The New York Times

The pendulum has swung back a bit now.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the pendulum has swung" to illustrate significant shifts in opinions, behaviors, or policies, especially when a return to a previous state is possible. Be mindful of the context to ensure the metaphor resonates with your audience.

Common error

While effective, "the pendulum has swung" is a common idiom. Avoid overuse in a single piece of writing. Consider alternative expressions like "the tide has turned" or "the balance has shifted" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the pendulum has swung" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used to describe a reversal or significant shift in opinions, trends, or circumstances. Ludwig's examples show it effectively portrays changes across various domains, from political viewpoints to market trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the pendulum has swung" is a common and correct idiomatic phrase used to describe a significant shift or reversal, often to an opposite extreme. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While effective, it's wise to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "the tide has turned" to maintain writing freshness. Understanding its usage helps convey nuanced changes in trends, opinions, or circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the tables have turned

Emphasizes a complete reversal of fortune or advantage.

the tide has turned

Replaces "pendulum" with "tide", focusing on a change in momentum or prevailing conditions.

the wheel has turned

Suggests a cyclical change, implying what was once up is now down.

the balance has shifted

Emphasizes the change in equilibrium or power dynamics.

the trend has reversed

Focuses on a change in the prevailing direction of a trend.

there's been a reversal

Highlights the change in direction, implying something has gone back on itself.

the situation has changed

A simpler, more direct way of saying that things are different now.

things have taken a different turn

Focuses on the change as a deviation from the previous course.

times have changed

A broad statement indicating that the era or environment is different.

a shift has occurred

Highlights a change in position or emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "the pendulum has swung" in a sentence?

Use "the pendulum has swung" to indicate a significant shift in opinion or circumstances. For instance, "After years of prioritizing economic growth, "the pendulum has swung" towards environmental protection".

What does "the pendulum has swung" mean?

The phrase "the pendulum has swung" is an idiom that means there has been a shift or change, often to an opposite extreme, in opinions, policies, or trends.

Which is correct, "the pendulum has swung" or "the pendulum is swinging"?

"The pendulum has swung" indicates a completed shift, whereas "the pendulum is swinging" suggests the shift is still in progress. The correct choice depends on whether the change is finalized or ongoing.

What can I say instead of "the pendulum has swung"?

You can use alternatives like "the tide has turned", "the balance has shifted", or "the tables have turned" depending on the context.