What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
swain
Example
The swain brought flowers to his beloved. [swain: noun]
Example
She was courted by many swains, but she chose him. [swains: plural noun]
sweetheart
Example
He gave her a kiss on the cheek and called her his sweetheart. [sweetheart: noun]
Example
She's always been such a sweetheart, helping others whenever she can. [sweetheart: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sweetheart is more commonly used than swain in modern English. Sweetheart is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while swain is less common and may be unfamiliar to some English learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between swain and sweetheart?
Swain is more formal and literary than sweetheart, making it more appropriate for formal writing or speech. Sweetheart is more casual and colloquial, making it suitable for informal conversations or everyday language.
