B1noun 1K

Shift

🇬🇧 UK /["/ʃɪft/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ʃɪft/"]/

Meaning of Shift

a period of time worked by a group of workers who start work as another group finishes

In simple words: To move something from one place to another.

Shift in a sentence

• I need to shift my focus from social media to studying.
• There was a noticeable shift in the atmosphere when she entered the room.
• My work shift starts at 9 AM and ends at 5 PM.
• He decided to shift the furniture around to give the room a new look.
• The shift in government policy has affected many people's lives.

How to use Shift

Used in various contexts, such as moving objects, changing focus, or modifying plans. Less appropriate in strictly formal writings.

Grammar pattern

shift + object

Memory hint

Think of 'shifting gears' in a car — moving to a new position.

Related words

Collocations with Shift

• double
• long
• split
• do
• work
• be on
• begin
• start
• end
• work
• manager
• supervisor
• in shifts
• on a/​the shift
• distinct
• dramatic
• fundamental
• be
• mark
• represent
• occur
• take place
• shift between
• shift (away) from
• shift in

Synonyms for Shift

• move
• transfer
• change
• adjust
• modify

Opposites of Shift

• stay
• remain
• fix

Common mistakes with Shift

• Confused with 'lift' — 'shift' means to move, not to pick up
• Using 'shift' without an object — always needs something to be shifted
• Incorrect preposition use — remember 'shift to' for changing focus

Frequently asked questions about Shift

What does Shift mean?

To move something from one place to another.

What is the definition of Shift?

a period of time worked by a group of workers who start work as another group finishes

How do you use Shift in a sentence?

I need to shift my focus from social media to studying.

Can you give another example of Shift?

There was a noticeable shift in the atmosphere when she entered the room.

What are synonyms for Shift?

Common alternatives include move, transfer, change, adjust, modify.

What is the opposite of Shift?

Opposite meanings include stay, remain, fix.

What words go with Shift?

It commonly pairs with double, long, split, do, work, be on, begin, start, end, work, manager, supervisor, in shifts, on a/​the shift, distinct, dramatic, fundamental, be, mark, represent, occur, take place, shift between, shift (away) from, shift in.

What are common mistakes when using Shift?

Confused with 'lift' — 'shift' means to move, not to pick up Using 'shift' without an object — always needs something to be shifted Incorrect preposition use — remember 'shift to' for changing focus

How do you pronounce Shift?

US: /["/ʃɪft/"]/, UK: /["/ʃɪft/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Shift?

Used in various contexts, such as moving objects, changing focus, or modifying plans. Less appropriate in strictly formal writings.

What CEFR level is Shift?

"Shift" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.