1961 M. A. K. Halliday in 17 270 The theory itself imbodies 'shunting' (moving up and down the rank scale) as crucial to the interrelation of the categories.
1992 W. Bright iv. 330/1 A given unit is shifted down the rank scale so that it operates within the structure of a lower unit (e.g. a clause operating within a group, as a relative clause).