What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fluctuate
Example
The stock market prices fluctuated throughout the day. [fluctuated: past tense]
Example
Her moods tend to fluctuate frequently. [fluctuate: verb]
shift
Example
He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. [shifted: past tense]
Example
The company is planning to shift its focus to online sales. [shift: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shift is more commonly used than fluctuate in everyday language. Shift is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fluctuate is less common and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fluctuate and shift?
Fluctuate is typically associated with a more formal tone, while shift is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
