English Reference

Phrasal verb

swear off

Definition

phrasal verb. to promise that you will stop doing something or using something that is bad for you.

phrasal verb. to make a solemn or firm resolution to abstain from a particular substance, habit, or person. Transitive and inseparable.

Examples

“I have decided to swear off sweets for a month.”

“After a terrible headache the next morning, he vowed to swear off alcohol for good.”

“Disillusioned by the recent political scandals, many voters have sworn off participating in the upcoming local elections entirely.”

Examples

simple

“I have decided to swear off sweets for a month.”

contextual

“After a terrible headache the next morning, he vowed to swear off alcohol for good.”

complex

“Disillusioned by the recent political scandals, many voters have sworn off participating in the upcoming local elections entirely.”

Usage

usually followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form) representing the habit being abandoned.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'give up'; 'swear off' implies a more formal or dramatic promise to oneself, often following a negative experience.

Pitfall

I swore off to smoke.

I swore off smoking.

the verb 'swear off' requires a gerund (-ing) or a noun, not an infinitive with 'to'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

off

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

swear + off + object

Synonyms

quitgive upabstain fromrenounce

Antonyms

take upindulge in

Grammar

This entry

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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990EikenEikenTest 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.Grade 1
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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