to make a shift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make a shift" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to a change or transformation, either in terms of a location, action, or mindset. For example, "Mary decided to make a shift from her job in finance to a career in teaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

We had to make a shift, and they proactively got it done".

The Guardian - Sport

She wants to make a shift in her organization's strategic direction but needs to convince her boss.

Harvard Business Review

So it was necessary therefore to make a shift from the subjective to the objective, from person to brand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To succeed in the digital economy, companies in these industries are finding it necessary to make a shift.

Harvard Business Review

Granted, Hunt's probably too new to the music scene to make a shift like Swift's already, but it's also likely that he doesn't feel the need to do so in a genre that's increasingly nebulous.

The Guardian - Music

In mice lacking nAChR ß2 subunit attentional performance is reduced66, and during attention behavior the amount of ACh in the mPFC rapidly increases to make a shift from monitoring cues towards a cue evoked goal directed response67,68.

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

We rarely take the time to reflect on it, but doing so and owning up to how it makes you feel and what, if anything, it's doing for you, is the first step to making a shift.

Huffington Post

"Nothing has been simple about this project, but this kind of effort is necessary if you want to a make a shift in the Middle East paradigm," Kochavi said.

Stanford University

To really make a shift in our energy economy, not only must the price of gasoline remain high, but also the price of the hybrid must become affordable.

The New York Times

"Protein modelling has enabled Vertex to make a big shift in its strategy.

The Economist

This explains why presidents Hollande and Obama insistently called on Russia to make "a strategic shift".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to make a shift" when you want to emphasize the action of changing direction, strategy, or approach. It often implies a conscious decision to move from one state to another.

Common error

Avoid using "to make a shift" as a generic substitute for more precise verbs. Specify the type of shift, the reason for the shift, and the desired outcome to strengthen your writing. Vague language weakens your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make a shift" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to express purpose or intention. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. This phrase typically indicates a conscious decision to change direction, strategy, or approach.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to make a shift" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes a conscious decision to change direction, strategy, or approach. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is appropriate for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, specifying the type and reason for the shift enhances clarity and impact. Consider alternatives like "to effect a change" or "to implement a transition" for subtle variations in meaning. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "to make a shift" into your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to effect a change

Focuses on actively causing a change to happen.

to implement a transition

Emphasizes the process of moving from one state to another.

to bring about a transformation

Highlights a significant and dramatic change.

to adjust one's approach

Indicates a modification in strategy or method.

to alter course

Suggests a change in direction or plan.

to modify strategy

Implies adjustments to an existing plan.

to adopt a new perspective

Focuses on changing one's viewpoint or understanding.

to reorient oneself

Suggests adjusting one's focus or priorities.

to turn a corner

Implies overcoming a difficulty and entering a new, more positive phase.

to do something differently

A general phrase indicating a change in how something is done.

FAQs

How can I use "to make a shift" in a sentence?

You can use "to make a shift" to describe a change in direction, strategy, or perspective. For example, "The company decided "to make a shift" in its marketing strategy to target a younger audience".

What are some alternatives to "to make a shift"?

Alternatives include "to effect a change", "to implement a transition", or "to adjust one's approach", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify the type of shift when using "to make a shift"?

While not always required, specifying the type of shift (e.g., "to make a strategic shift", "to make a cultural shift") often adds clarity and impact to your writing.

What is the difference between "to make a shift" and "to change"?

"To change" is a more general term for altering something. "To make a shift" often implies a deliberate change in direction or focus, suggesting a more strategic or intentional alteration. For example, you can "adjust one's approach" or "modify strategy".