Grammar usage
Could you tell me the appropriate use of shift and transfer in the context? I am finding it difficult to review this question. The system is displaying "Page not found".
sanjay
Expert
2 answers 
Sanjay, let's look at the verb forms. Both shift and transfer generally mean to move, but each connotes a different type of move.
"Nurse," commanded Doctor Roberts, "shift the patient to the center of the bed. He is about to fall out of the bed." As Lewis said, shift generally means to move within a limited or constrained area.
"Damn it," bellowed Doctor Roberts, "the patient has fallen out of bed again. We can't give him proper treatment here. Nurse, transfer this patient to University Hospital." A transfer generally means to move between things or places.
On British railways, "shifting" means sorting railcars in a yard. "Transfer" means to move the railcars to another rail yard. While American railroads use transfer -- as in a transfer job -- the same way, the Americans say "switching" rather than "shifting."
Looking at the noun form, shift is a work period. "I work the evening shift, from 3pm to midnight." A bus transfer is a piece of paper that allows you to change buses and not pay a second fare.
I hope these examples help.
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answered Jan 06 at 16:01
Jeff Pribyl
Grammarly Fellow
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Thank you, sir.
add commentIn what context, Sanjay? I think transfer implies more distance than shift. You would shift your cup of coffee from one side of the desk to the other, but transfer to a new school across town.
Both words can be nouns as well. You can work the night shift, and you can get a bus transfer. One is a time frame, and the other is a piece of paper allowing you to continue your journey on public transportation without having to pay again.
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answered Jan 06 at 11:58
Lewis Neidhardt
Expert
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I am asking about the general usage.
Thank you.
I am sorry. I didn't take in the appropriate usage in different contexts. It would be better if you can give me some examples.
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