shift

Everyday

1. To shift means to move something from one place or position to another: "help me shift this table". tree →
2. To shift also means to change: "the wind shifted to the north". tree →
3. A shift is a change: "a shift in the weather". tree →
4. A shift is a set period of work, for example in a hospital or factory; a night shift is work at night. tree →
5. The shift key on a keyboard makes capital letters. tree →
6. (UK, informal) To shift can mean to move fast or to get rid of something: "that car can really shift", "I need to shift this cold". tree →
7. An old word for a loose, simple dress or undergarment worn by women is also called a shift. tree →

In the lessons

In maths, a shift (also called a translation) slides a shape without turning it; "shift 3 squares right". In word problems, workers' shifts are counted in hours: three 8-hour shifts cover 24 hours. In science, plates of the Earth shift and cause earthquakes. Phrases: night shift, day shift, shift work, shift gears, shift the blame, shift key, shift about.

Examples

• Can you help me shift the sofa? tree →
• The wind shifted and the rain came in. tree →
• My mum works the night shift at the hospital. tree →
• Each shift is 8 hours long, so three shifts cover the whole day. tree →
• Press shift to type a capital letter. tree →
• Shift the triangle 4 squares to the left. tree →
• Don't try to shift the blame onto me! tree →
• Come on, shift, we're late! tree →
• "If you'll marry me, I'll give you back your shift." tree →

Note

Past form: shifted. A shift of work is countable: "two shifts". In maths a shift keeps the size and shape the same; only the position changes. "Shift" used for gears and for "move fast" is informal.