Change versus shift

[zainab]

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #64 "Synonyms for change", question 1

This key lock is broken and we have to ......... it.

(a) change
(b) exchange
(c) shift
(d) interchange

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #64 "Synonyms for change", answer 1

This key lock is broken and we have to change it.

Correct answer: (a) change
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Why change don't shift?

zainab

[Yankee]

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Dictionaries
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Amy
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ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English

[ron1970]

IMO, "Change" implies transformation, replacement or substitution. "Shift" is similar but it implies transition.

In the given sentence, change is appropriate because it implies replacement.
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"To reach that higher level, your mind, body and soul must be one!"

[Conchita]

Just want to add my 'grain of salt', as we say in French:

I need to change my car, as it is too old and worn out (substitute one thing for another).

Can you shift your car -- it's blocking the entrance to my garage (change position/direction).