Skiftevis

Skiftevis is a Swedish adverb meaning alternately or in turn, used to describe actions or events that occur in sequence by different subjects. It indicates that two or more parties take turns performing a task or a step in a process.

Etymology and usage: Skiftevis combines the noun skifte, meaning change, shift, or alternation, with the suffix -vis, which forms an adverb meaning “in a certain way.” The word is common in written Swedish and appears in formal, instructional, or technical contexts, as well as in narrative prose where a sequence of turns or exchanges is described.

Context and nuances: Skiftevis emphasizes a deliberate alternation or rotation rather than simultaneous action. It often appears in explanations of procedures, schedules, or cooperative tasks where participants must alternate roles, duties, or positions. The term is relatively formal and may be preferred in legal, academic, or organizational writing; in everyday speech, speakers may use synonyms such as växelvis or i tur.

Examples:

- Parterna talade skiftevis under mötet.

- Arbetsuppgiften delades skiftevis mellan teamen.

- Studenterna roterade uppgifterna skiftevis varje vecka.

- De bytte plats skiftevis varje timme.

See also: växelvis, i tur, omväxlande, skift (as a root concept related to change or rotation).