Phrasal verb
swear by
Definition
phrasal verb. to believe strongly that something is effective or useful because you have used it yourself.
phrasal verb. to express total confidence in the efficacy or value of a particular thing, often based on personal experience. Transitive and inseparable; the object is typically a product, method, or remedy.
Examples
“My grandmother swears by honey for a sore throat.”
“Many professional athletes swear by this specific brand of shoes to prevent knee injuries during long runs.”
“While some critics dismissed the new software, the design team continued to swear by its intuitive interface and robust features.”
Examples
simple
“My grandmother swears by honey for a sore throat.”
contextual
“Many professional athletes swear by this specific brand of shoes to prevent knee injuries during long runs.”
complex
“While some critics dismissed the new software, the design team continued to swear by its intuitive interface and robust features.”
Usage
always followed by a noun or gerund representing the thing trusted.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'swear at' (to use bad language) to show how the preposition completely changes the meaning of the base verb.
Pitfall
I swear by to drink green tea.
I swear by drinking green tea.
the preposition 'by' must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
Phrasal verb
Particles
by
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
swear + by + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/swear-by