in shifts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in shifts" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a work schedule where employees alternate or rotate their working hours. Example: "The factory operates in shifts to ensure continuous production throughout the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They came in shifts.

The New Yorker

We'll sleep in shifts.

The New Yorker

"They work in shifts".

The New York Times

They invent refrigeration and sleep in shifts.

The New Yorker

"We've got to sleep in shifts".

The New York Times

They came in shifts around the clock.

The New York Times

'It's not safe.' We sleep in shifts.

The New York Times

The whole family worked in shifts.

The New Yorker

They patrol at night in shifts.

The New York Times

Having lunch in shifts creates staffing and supervision problems.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

My husband and I try to survive by doing lie-in shifts at weekends.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in shifts" when you want to clearly indicate that a task or activity is being performed by different people or groups at different times, especially to maintain continuity or cover a longer period.

Common error

Avoid using "in shifts" when the activity is not designed for continuous coverage. For example, saying "We cleaned the house in shifts" implies the cleaning was ongoing, rather than done in stages.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in shifts" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying how an action is carried out. It indicates that something is done in a series of turns or rotations. Ludwig provides multiple examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in shifts" is a common prepositional phrase used to describe activities or work schedules divided into rotating periods. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. The phrase indicates a method of dividing tasks to ensure continuous coverage. Alternative phrases like "on rotation" or "staggered schedule" can be used for variety, though "in shifts" clearly conveys the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on rotation

Focuses on the cyclical nature of the schedule.

on a shift basis

Adds formality, clarifying the method of scheduling.

in relays

Emphasizes the teamwork aspect and continuous effort.

rotating schedule

Implies a cyclical pattern to the shifts.

staggered schedule

Highlights the non-overlapping nature of the schedules.

in turns

Focuses on individuals alternating their participation.

shift work

A more general term referring to jobs with non-standard hours.

by turns

Similar to "in turns" but emphasizes the sequential nature.

time slots

Describes discrete intervals assigned to different individuals or activities.

tiered arrangement

Specifies a hierarchical structure in the scheduling.

FAQs

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

You can use "in shifts" to describe how work is divided among people or groups. For example, "The nurses worked "in shifts" to provide round-the-clock care."

What is a good alternative to "in shifts"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "on rotation", "staggered schedule", or "rotating schedule".

Is it correct to say "work in shifts" or "work on shifts"?

"Work "in shifts"" is the correct and more common phrasing. "Work on shifts" is less frequently used and can sound awkward.

What does it mean to do something "in shifts"?

Doing something "in shifts" means that people or groups take turns or alternate to complete a task or maintain an activity, often to provide continuous coverage over an extended period.