What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
transition
Example
The company is going through a transition period as they switch to a new management system. [transition: noun]
Example
She transitioned from being a student to a full-time employee. [transitioned: verb]
shift
Example
He shifted his attention from the book to the television. [shift: verb]
Example
The night shift at the hospital starts at 10 pm. [shift: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shift is more commonly used than transition in everyday language, especially in casual conversations. Transition is more commonly used in academic or professional contexts, such as business, education, or science.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between transition and shift?
Transition is generally considered more formal than shift, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, both words can be used in various levels of formality depending on the context and audience.
