What are the definitions of “swing at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Try to hit.
He SWUNG AT me but missed.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “swing at”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb swing at is to try to hit something or someone, usually with a hand, a tool, or a weapon. It is often used in the context of sports, fights, or other physical activities.
What are the different verb forms of “swing at”?
| Root Verb | swing at |
| Third Person Singular Present | swings at |
| Present Participle | swinging at |
| Simple Past | swung at |
| Past Participle | swung at |
Example
The baseball player swung at the ball but missed.
Example
She swings at the tennis ball with great force.
Example
He is swinging at the punching bag during his workout.
Example
Yesterday, the boxer swung at his opponent but didn't connect.
Example
The golfer had swung at the ball, but it landed in the water.
What kind of phrasal verb is “swing at”?
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
“swing at” 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 child swung at the piñata.
Example
The batter swung at the pitch.
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
“swing at” 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 child swung at the piñata.
Example
The batter swung at the pitch.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “swing at”?
Swing at an opportunity
To attempt to take advantage of a chance or situation.
Example
She swung at the opportunity to work on the prestigious project.
Good things to know
Does “swing at” have an informal or formal tone?
Swing at is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing sports or physical activities. In more formal settings, it may be used to describe an attempt or effort to achieve something.
