Which meaning applies to shift?

• A. A slight change in something
• B. A change
• C. A period of approximately eight hours during which workers perform their jobs
• D. A type of clothing

Answer: (C)

Shift has several senses, and in this context we’re looking for the sense that names a block of time set aside for work. A shift is the period during which a worker is on duty—usually about eight hours—and it can be a day, evening, or night shift. This fits because the question is asking for the meaning that applies to the idea of a work period, not a change in position or a change in something, and certainly not a clothing item. For example, you’d say “She works the night shift” to describe her duty hours. The other meanings exist—like a small change in something or a type of dress—but they don’t describe a scheduled work period, which is why this sense is the correct one.