What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
move
Example
I need to move the couch to vacuum underneath it. [move: verb]
Example
She made a sudden move towards the door. [move: noun]
Example
The company is planning to move to a new location next month. [move: verb]
shift
Example
He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. [shift: verb]
Example
The conversation shifted to a different topic. [shift: verb]
Example
I have a morning shift at the restaurant tomorrow. [shift: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Move is more common than shift in everyday language, and it covers a wide range of contexts. Shift is less common but is frequently used in technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between move and shift?
Both move and shift can be used in formal and informal contexts, but shift is more commonly used in technical or specialized contexts, which may give it a more formal tone.
