shift around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shift around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of moving or rearranging something in a non-specific manner. Example: "We need to shift around the furniture to create more space in the living room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Norm, we know you, we've seen you, we've seen you shift around".

The New York Times

This causes the remaining electrons to shift around, which in turn releases X-ray photons of a particular wavelength.

The Economist

Cushion the computer with packing material so that it doesn't shift around inside the box, which risks jarring the hard drive and motherboard.

The New York Times - Tech

An abrupt and obvious absorption spectra shift (around 132 nm) in the visible light range (400 650 nm) is observed.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

Here you see some jobs shift around, yet the end result benefits both corporate bottom lines and general employment levels.

Forbes

People shift around in their seats.

Vice

The mutation sites are basically located in the centre of the probe so as to obtain a Tm shift around 2 6°C as estimated by the software.

Plosone

In the Sri Ram Hospital near Nagarcoil, three brothers -- Sangar, Raju, and Vijay  -- shift around restlessly despite their injuries.

Unicef

Make sure your clothes don't shift around too much.

WikiHow

Make sure your clothes do not shift around too much.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The flight was met by division personnel and repairs were done in a three-shift, around-the-clock basis, and was completed in 72 hours.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shift around" when describing a general movement or rearrangement without specifying a precise destination or method. For example, "We need to shift around the furniture to make room."

Common error

While acceptable in many contexts, "shift around" can sound informal. In professional or academic writing, consider using more precise verbs like "rearrange", "relocate", or "adjust" for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "shift around" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, indicating movement or rearrangement, often in a somewhat undirected manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to describe the act of moving or rearranging something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

27%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shift around" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe movement, rearrangement, or changes in position, with its frequency being classified as common. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While grammatically correct and widely used, its register leans towards neutral to informal contexts. For more formal settings, consider using more precise synonyms such as "rearrange", "relocate", or "adjust". It's prevalent in news, wiki, and scientific articles, as seen in the Ludwig examples, offering flexibility in describing various scenarios from physical displacements to abstract conceptual shifts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rearrange

Implies a more organized or deliberate act of moving things.

reposition

Implies a deliberate act of placing something in a new location.

move about

Focuses on general movement without specifying a particular direction or purpose.

transfer

Implies moving something from one place to another.

readjust

Suggests making small changes to achieve a better fit or alignment.

adjust position

Emphasizes changing the orientation or location of something.

re-situate

Focuses on establishing a new situation or context for something.

alter location

Highlights changing the place where something is situated.

displace

Involves moving something from its original location, often by force.

change places

Suggests a reciprocal movement or exchange of positions.

FAQs

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

"Shift around" is a phrasal verb meaning to move or rearrange something. For example: "The tectonic plates "shift around" the globe".

What does "shift around" mean?

The phrasal verb "shift around" generally means to move or rearrange, often in a somewhat disorganized or undirected manner. It can apply to physical objects, abstract concepts, or even schedules.

What can I say instead of "shift around"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "rearrange", "move about", or "adjust position". For instance, instead of saying "Let's shift the meeting around", you could say "Let's "reschedule" the meeting".

Is it correct to use "shift around" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "shift around" might be considered too informal for some formal contexts. In such cases, consider using more precise and formal alternatives like "reorganize", "relocate", or "adjust".