Word
swerving
Phoneticsswerv·ing
UK/swˈɜːvɪŋ/
Definition
v. to turn quickly to one side, usually to avoid hitting something or someone.
v. to change direction suddenly, especially while driving, cycling, or running, in order to avoid an obstacle or danger.
Examples
“She is swerving to avoid the puddles on the road.”
“The cyclist kept swerving between cars during rush hour, which made the bus driver nervous.”
“The driver ended up swerving across two lanes to miss the deer before regaining control on the empty road.”
Examples
simple
“She is swerving to avoid the puddles on the road.”
contextual
“The cyclist kept swerving between cars during rush hour, which made the bus driver nervous.”
complex
“The driver ended up swerving across two lanes to miss the deer before regaining control on the empty road.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “swerving” in context.
Verb
01. car swerving
“A car swerving ahead of us made everyone slow down immediately.”
noun + verb
02. prevent swerving
“Good tyres and steady steering help prevent swerving on wet roads.”
verb + gerund
03. start swerving
“The bus started swerving when the driver felt dizzy behind the wheel.”
verb + gerund
04. swerving into traffic
“Swerving into traffic after the tyre burst caused a serious crash.”
verb + prep + noun
05. swerving off road
“Swerving off road to miss the deer, she hit a fence instead.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
06. sharply swerving
“The sharply swerving lorry forced drivers to brake hard and pull over.”
adv + verb
07. suddenly swerving
“The suddenly swerving car nearly hit the cyclist on the narrow lane.”
adv + verb
Noun
08. danger of swerving
“There is real danger of swerving if you brake suddenly on ice.”
noun + prep + verb
09. risk of swerving
“High winds increase the risk of swerving for tall lorries.”
noun + prep + verb
10. lost control and started swerving
“She lost control and started swerving across the motorway in the rain.”
11. swerving into oncoming traffic
“Swerving into oncoming traffic is extremely dangerous and must be avoided.”
12. swerving off the road
“The car ended up swerving off the road during the heavy storm.”
Usage
The verb is usually intransitive and often followed by 'to avoid' or 'to miss'.
Real-World Examples
“The Chrysler swerved to avoid the vehicle, traveled off the right side and struck an embankment, a tree and then a residence.” “A vehicle traveling on the freeway then swerved to avoid the wreckage but then struck the good Samaritan driver, according to state police.” “Buchanan swerved to the left, lost control of the vehicle, and the SUV overturned into a ditch.” “The car was seen swerving along the M1 northbound at junction 24, near East Midlands Airport.” Synonyms
Related words
- 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 C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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