What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vary
Example
The weather can vary greatly from day to day. [vary: verb]
Example
There are a variety of colors to choose from. [variety: noun]
Example
The student body at the university is quite varied in terms of age, ethnicity, and background. [varied: adjective]
shift
Example
I need to shift this box to the other side of the room. [shift: verb]
Example
There has been a shift in public opinion on this issue. [shift: noun]
Example
She shifted her attention from her phone to the conversation happening around her. [shifted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vary is more commonly used in academic or technical contexts, while shift is more commonly used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vary and shift?
Vary is generally considered more formal than shift, which is often used in casual or conversational contexts.
