1 B1 neutral
To move restlessly from one position to another, often due to discomfort or nerves.
"She shifted about in her seat as she waited for the results to be announced."
inseparable
shift about
B2 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To move around restlessly or to change position or location repeatedly.
In plain English
To keep moving around or changing your position, often because you're uncomfortable or restless.
What does "shift about" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To move things from one place to another repeatedly or without a clear plan.
"They spent the afternoon shifting furniture about trying to find the best layout."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To shift (move) in various directions around a space.
Actually means
To keep moving around or changing your position, often because you're uncomfortable or restless.
Usage tip
More common in British English. Can be used intransitively (he shifted about in his chair) or transitively (they shifted the furniture about). Often implies restlessness or lack of a fixed plan.
Words that pair with "shift about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
chair seat furniture position nervously restlessly
How to conjugate "shift about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
shift about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shifts about
he/she/it
Past simple
shifted about
yesterday
Past participle
shifted about
have + pp
-ing form
shifting about
continuous
Hear "shift about" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "shift about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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