in shift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in shift" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone being on duty or working during a specific period of time. Example: "The nurse was in shift for 12 hours straight, taking care of patients in the ICU."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In Shift 2, we've got variety, which people want.

The Guardian - Tech

There's a significant degree of problems, the kind you'd find in shift workers or long-distance lorry drivers.

The Guardian

The proposed extension of docking time would save an estimated £4.5m a year in shift and staffing reductions.

The Guardian

The nervous people who kept shifting about in "Shift," a new work, were clearly grappling with problems of change.

The New York Times

One respondent said: "Job cuts caused a change in shift patterns which ultimately meant we miss many jobs after 6pm".

Independent

He was best known for his work in shift register sequences, random-appearing sequences that have hidden mathematical structures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I was lucky to spend each night in a hotel room – the crews had to camp out in shift patterns, going for naps at the Paddington Hilton.

The Guardian

The contracts leave workers vulnerable to sudden reductions in shift patterns and last-minute shift cancellations at the discretion of managers.

The Guardian - Money

Police officers are interested in shift patterns, where they work and whether they need a different uniform, says Stephen House, chief constable of the new police service.

The Economist

"The current findings highlight the importance of maintaining a medical surveillance of shift workers, especially of those who have remained in shift work for 10 years or more".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"An associate will be notified in advance if they are scheduled for a call-in shift," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in shift", ensure the context clearly defines the time period to which you are referring. This helps avoid ambiguity about when the activity or state occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "in shift" without specifying which shift you're referencing. Without context, the phrase can be unclear, leading to confusion about the timeframe involved. For better clarity add the specific shift time period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in shift" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating a state of being on duty or working during a particular timeframe. As shown by Ludwig AI, it is commonly used to describe work schedules and responsibilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in shift" is a common prepositional phrase used to denote that someone is working during a specific work period. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various domains. Its primary function is to add temporal context, specifying when an action or event occurs relative to a work schedule. Although versatile, "in shift" is most commonly found in news and media, scientific literature, and encyclopedic entries. For best results, clearly define which shift is being referenced. Alternatives include ""on duty"", ""at work"", and "during working hours".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on duty

Focuses specifically on the state of being actively working at a given time.

at work

Emphasizes the location and activity of working, rather than a specific time period.

during working hours

Highlights that something occurs within the established work period.

on the job

Focuses more on the performance of duties rather than the time frame.

during the work period

Specifically denotes the time allocated for work.

while working

Indicates activity that occurs simultaneously with the act of working.

assigned to duty

Highlights the assignment or allocation of work responsibilities.

responsible for

Shifts the focus to accountability and obligations during a specific period.

covering the shift

Specifically indicates replacing or handling duties for a work period.

actively employed

Focuses on employment status and ongoing work.

FAQs

How can I use "in shift" in a sentence?

You can use "in shift" to indicate someone is working during a particular work period. For example, "The doctor was "on duty" "in shift" all night" or "The security guard is "at work" "in shift" today".

What is the difference between "in shift" and "on duty"?

"In shift" typically refers to a defined work period, while ""on duty"" generally means being available and responsible for tasks, not necessarily tied to a specific schedule. "On duty" can be broader.

What can I say instead of "in shift"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""at work"", "during working hours", or "on the job" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "in shift" or should I use another preposition?

The phrase "in shift" is a correct and commonly used expression to indicate someone is working during a specified work period. Using other prepositions might alter the meaning or sound unnatural.