swear in
B2Formal, official, legal, political
Definition
Meaning
To formally admit someone to office or membership by administering an oath, typically requiring them to pledge loyalty or to faithfully perform duties.
The formal process of induction into a position of authority or responsibility, often involving a ceremonial oath-taking before witnesses. Can also refer to the process of formally admitting a new member to a group or society.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in legal, governmental, and organizational contexts. Implies a formal, often public ceremony. The focus is on the act of administering the oath, not merely taking it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is virtually identical in both varieties. The ceremony itself may have different traditional elements, but the phrasal verb is used the same way.
Connotations
Carries connotations of legality, officialdom, solemnity, and the transfer or commencement of authority.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English, given similar legal and governmental structures.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Somebody] swears in [Somebody/Group][Somebody/Group] is sworn in by [Somebody][Somebody/Group] gets sworn inVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take the oath of office”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The new board members were sworn in at the annual general meeting.
Academic
The study analysed the language used to swear in elected officials across different cultures.
Everyday
I have to go to the town hall tomorrow; my cousin is getting sworn in as a councillor.
Technical
The clerk of the court has the authority to swear in witnesses before they give testimony.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The Chief Justice will swear in the new Prime Minister at Buckingham Palace.
- They swore in the entire jury before the trial could begin.
American English
- The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court swore in the President on the steps of the Capitol.
- After the election, the city clerk swore in the new council members.
adverb
British English
- This is not used as an adverb for this phrasal verb.
American English
- This is not used as an adverb for this phrasal verb.
adjective
British English
- The swearing-in ceremony for the Lord Mayor was a splendid affair.
- All new recruits attend a mandatory swearing-in event.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher will swear in the new class captain.
- The new American citizens were very happy after they were sworn in.
- The outgoing mayor had the honour of swearing in her successor.
- The constitution stipulates that the Chief Justice must swear in the president-elect before noon on January 20th.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a judge holding a SWEAR word (an oath) IN their hand, ready to give it to someone new.
Conceptual Metaphor
OFFICE IS A CONTAINER (you are 'put into' it via an oath). FORMALITY IS A RITUAL (the swearing-in is the key ritual).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите буквально как "ругаться внутрь". Правильный концепт — "приводить к присяге", "инаугурировать".
Common Mistakes
- Using 'swear on' instead (e.g., 'He was sworn on as president' - incorrect).
- Using it without an object (e.g., 'The ceremony will swear in' - incomplete).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'swear in'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a separable phrasal verb. You can say 'The judge swore the jury in' or 'The judge swore in the jury'.
The noun form is 'swearing-in' (with a hyphen), as in 'the swearing-in ceremony'.
Yes, very commonly. For example, 'The president was sworn in by the chief justice.'
'Swear in' specifically refers to the oath-taking part of the ceremony. 'Inaugurate' is broader and can include the entire ceremony, speeches, and celebrations surrounding the start of a term.