Shifts vs. exchanges

[Alba]

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #64 "Synonyms for change", question 5

He doesn't have a regular job, he ......... from one job to another.

(a) shifts
(b) transforms
(c) changes
(d) exchanges

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #64 "Synonyms for change", answer 5

He doesn't have a regular job, he shifts from one job to another.

Correct answer: (a) shifts

Your answer was: incorrect
He doesn't have a regular job, he exchanges from one job to another.
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It is correct if I say change, can you tell me if maybe spoken it is correct?

Alba

[Yankee]

Hi Alba

To be honest, I really don't like the word "shifts" very much in this sentence. If I had to make a choice, I'd choose "changes". It would be quite normal to say "He changes jobs frequently." if he moves from one company to another very often. (You could also call that "job-hopping.")

When I think of the word "shift" in connection with work, I think of specific working times. For example, a manufacturing company might have 3 different shifts. One shift from 5am-12, one shift from 10am-6pm and one shift from 4 pm -11pm.

Your first choice ("exchanges") would definitely not be correct.

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

[*Delta*]

what about using transforms here?
is it wrong???

it can be : he transforms from one job to another .
right?????
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A Life Unfolds .. No One Knows

[sipa2008]

Please, somebody could you explain me specific definition of shift? Thanks-