work shift
/wɜːk ʃɪft/
Meaning
A work shift is a set period of time during which an employee is scheduled to work. For example, some people work the day shift, while others work the night shift. It is very common in retail, healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing.
Examples
-
I am working the morning shift tomorrow, so I have to wake up at five.
I am working the morning shift tomorrow, so I have to wake up at five.
-
Can you cover my work shift on Friday? I have a doctor's appointment.
Can you cover my work shift on Friday? I have a doctor's appointment.
-
She prefers the night shift because the office is much quieter then.
She prefers the night shift because the office is much quieter then.
-
Our manager is currently planning the work shift schedule for next month.
Our manager is currently planning the work shift schedule for next month.
-
After completing an eight-hour work shift, I usually just want to go home and relax.
After completing an eight-hour work shift, I usually just want to go home and relax.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ I have a long work hour today.
✓ I have a long work shift today.
'Work hour' is not used to describe a specific block of scheduled work time. Use 'work shift' or simply 'shift'.
-
✗ He works in the night turn.
✓ He works the night shift.
In English, we do not use 'turn' to describe scheduled work periods. The correct business term is 'shift'.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
Could you please cover my ___ this Saturday? I have a family event.
💡 Your scheduled period of work.
Show answer
work shift
-
My brother works a twelve-hour ___ at the hospital three times a week.
💡 The block of time someone is scheduled to work.
Show answer
work shift