What are the definitions of “swear by”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Have great confidence in.
I SWEAR BY their products- they're the best on the market.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “swear by”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb swear by is to have great confidence in something or someone, or to believe strongly in the effectiveness or reliability of something. It means that you trust something or someone very much.
What are the different verb forms of “swear by”?
| Root Verb | swear by |
| Third Person Singular Present | swears by |
| Present Participle | swearing by |
| Simple Past | swore by |
| Past Participle | sworn by |
Example
I swear by this brand of detergent; it always gets my clothes clean.
Example
She swears by her morning yoga routine to start the day right.
Example
He is swearing by the new software that has improved his productivity.
Example
They swore by the old family recipe for the perfect apple pie.
Example
The technique has been sworn by for generations.
What kind of phrasal verb is “swear by”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“swear by” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
I swear by this brand of detergent.
Example
She swears by her morning yoga routine.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“swear by” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I swear by this brand of detergent.
Example
She swears by her morning yoga routine.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “swear by”?
Swear by something
To have great confidence in a particular product, method, or person.
Example
Many athletes swear by this energy drink for boosting their performance.
Swear by someone
To have great confidence in a person's abilities or expertise.
Example
I swear by my doctor; she always knows the best treatment for my ailments.
Swear by a method
To have great confidence in a specific method or technique.
Example
He swears by meditation as a way to reduce stress and improve focus.
Good things to know
Does “swear by” have an informal or formal tone?
Swear by is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, but it can also be used in more formal settings, such as in professional or academic discussions, depending on the specific context.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “swear by”?
Synonyms
- trust
- believe in
- rely on
- have faith in
- have confidence in
- count on
- depend on
Antonyms
- distrust
- doubt
- disbelieve
- question
- skepticism
- uncertainty
