Switch meaning in English
Learn how to use Switch correctly with Gymglish.
Test and improve your English. Start your free trial today.
TEST YOUR ENGLISH
Free trial and no commitment to buy
4,7 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot
More than 8 million learners worldwide
Definition
Let's switch the conversation to another topic: Let's talk about something else; Let's change the subject
I switched my sandwich with yours because it looked nicer.
a switch: a change, a transition, a shift, a conversion, an alteration
The switch from butter to margarine was a difficult one, but I am glad that I made the change.
a (radio, appliance, electric) switch: a (radio, appliance, electric) button, control, lever, on/off device
Where's the on-off switch? I need to turn it off.
to switch off, to switch on (the power): to turn off, to shut off, to deactivate, to cut (the power); to turn on, to activate, to put on (the power)
Examples
- "I've switched off the central heating to save a bit of cash, so it's a bit chilly, but I've got plenty of blankets, and a cup of Irish coffee will warm you right up."
- "Brian : In fact, he's recently switched to the macrobiotic diet."
- "Ignore any last objections the subject might have and switch on power."
- "Would you like to switch seats with me, Donna?"
- "I can't switch it off!"
- "While I agree with you that it would be nice to work with manufacturers who have the OILS stamp of approval, it is simply not cost-effective to switch subcontractors at this point."
- "You should know I'm ready to switch banks if this continues."
Exercise 1
Choose the TRUE statements from the list below.
There may be more than one correct answer! Check all that apply.
There may be more than one correct answer! Check all that apply.
Choose the TRUE statements from the list below.
There may be more than one correct answer! Check all that apply.
There may be more than one correct answer! Check all that apply.
This is a true statement. Sam offers to investigate Bruno's case, and Bruno asks him to contact him by phone or email with the results of his investigation. At the end of this dialogue, Bruno tells Sam that he will see him next week.
This is a true statement. Bruno tells Sam "You should know I'm ready to switch banks if this continues". "To switch" is synonymous with "to change" in this context.
This statement is false. Sam is the one who claims that he didn't sign the papers with Bruno. Bruno is not reproaching Sam for signing the papers without him.
This statement is false. Sam is incapable of explaining the reasons behind Bruno's variable interest rates, which is why they will meet again in one week's time. Sam says to Bruno "Well I wasn't the one who signed those papers with you, Bruno. I'm afraid I can't explain it."
Exercise 2
"Would you like to switch seats with me?"
Which of the following terms could replace switch without changing the meaning of this question?
There may be more than one correct answer!
Which of the following terms could replace switch without changing the meaning of this question?
There may be more than one correct answer!
"Would you like to switch seats with me?"
Which of the following terms could replace switch without changing the meaning of this question?
There may be more than one correct answer!
Which of the following terms could replace switch without changing the meaning of this question?
There may be more than one correct answer!
This is correct. "Swap" is a synonym of "switch" in this context. Both verbs describe the act of making an exchange. In this conversation, Bruno asks to change places or seats with Donna. It should be noted that "swap" is more common in British English, for example: -Would you like to swap places with the Queen? -Not really. Also note that the verb "to swap" is irregular: swap/swapped/swapped.
This is incorrect. "Switch" and "turn" are synonymous in expressions like "Can you switch/turn on the light?", where the meaning carries a sense of starting a process. In this conversation, Bruno is using "switch" to describe the act of making an exchange.
This is incorrect. "Keep" and "switch" are antonyms, meaning that they have the opposite meaning to each other. If Bruno wanted to keep seats, then he would be expressing a desire to stay where he was.
This is correct. "Trade" is a synonym of "switch" in this context. Both verbs describe the act of making an exchange. In this conversation, Bruno asks to change places or seats with Donna. Note that the verb "to trade" also has business and commerce implications (most forms of business are essentially a form of exchange). To express the idea of physical exchange, "trade" is more commonly used in American English, for example: -Do you want to trade places with the President of the USA? -Er, thanks but no.
Exercise 3
Choose the TRUE statements from the list below.
There may be more than one correct answer!
There may be more than one correct answer!
Choose the TRUE statements from the list below.
There may be more than one correct answer!
There may be more than one correct answer!
This is correct. In the dialogue, Brian says that Bruno has recently "switched" (changed) diets. Becky lists many diets and wants to know what diet Bruno "is on now". This indicates that Bruno has tried several diets in the past.
This is correct. Becky describes Mr. Delavigne as one of Alpha Airlines' most "faithful" customers. This means he is loyal and often uses Alpha Airlines.
This is incorrect. Bruno Delavigne will be flying from San Francisco and not to San Francisco. Bruno will actually be flying to New York, next Wednesday (not next Tuesday).
This statement is false. Becky says that many customers are "avoiding" processed food. To "avoid (fatty foods)" is to try not to eat them, or to "stay away" from them.
Still unsure of the best way to use 'Switch'? Improve your English thanks to our online English lessons. We offer a free test as well as a free level assessment!
What our users say:
Test your English with Gymglish today and get a free level assessment
Absolutely free - no strings attached.
