What are the definitions of “swear in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To officially take an oath or make a solemn promise, especially when entering a new position or role.
He was sworn in as deputy prime minister.
- 2Make a formal promise or statement under oath.
She'd even be willing to swear in a court of law that the stains in this mattress were shaped identically to the one on the other.
- 3To take an official oath.
l could see that Shahid admired her for being able to swear in public.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “swear in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb swear in is to officially take an oath or make a solemn promise, especially when entering a new position or role. It is often used when someone is starting a new job or taking on a new responsibility that requires a formal commitment.
What are the different verb forms of “swear in”?
| Root Verb | swear in |
| Third Person Singular Present | swears in |
| Present Participle | swearing in |
| Simple Past | swore in |
| Past Participle | sworn in |
Example
The president will swear in the new cabinet members.
Example
The judge swears in the witnesses before they testify.
Example
The mayor is swearing in the new police officers today.
Example
The chief justice swore in the new president yesterday.
Example
The new members of the board have been sworn in.
What kind of phrasal verb is “swear in”?
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 in” 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
The judge swore in the witness.
Example
The president swore in the new cabinet members.
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 in” 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
The judge swore in the witness.
Example
The president swore in the new cabinet members.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “swear in”?
Good things to know
Does “swear in” have an informal or formal tone?
Swear in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in legal, political, and professional settings when someone is taking an oath or making a solemn promise for a new position or role.
