swear off
C1Informal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To make a solemn promise or resolution to give up or abstain from something, typically a habit or indulgence.
To formally renounce or stop engaging in a particular activity, substance, or behavior, often for personal improvement or health reasons.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This phrasal verb implies a personal, often public, commitment to cessation. It carries a stronger sense of personal promise than 'quit' or 'give up'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The verb 'swear' itself has identical use in both dialects in this context.
Connotations
Equally strong connotation of a personal vow in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English corpus data, but widely used and understood in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
swear off + [noun phrase]swear off + [gerund phrase]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “swear off the drink”
- “swear off the stuff for good”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The company swore off risky investments after the crash.'
Academic
Very rare in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Common in personal conversation about lifestyle changes: 'I've sworn off caffeine.'
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He swore off biscuits after his last dental check-up.
- I'm swearing off buying clothes for the rest of the year.
American English
- She swore off soda to improve her health.
- After that hangover, I'm swearing off tequila forever.
adverb
British English
- N/A for the phrasal verb as a unit.
American English
- N/A for the phrasal verb as a unit.
adjective
British English
- N/A for the phrasal verb as a unit.
American English
- N/A for the phrasal verb as a unit.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My dad swore off chocolate.
- She swore off fast food.
- He decided to swear off social media for a month to focus on his studies.
- After reading that article, I'm seriously considering swearing off plastic bottles.
- Having sworn off alcohol several times before, he approached this attempt with cautious optimism.
- The author famously swore off public appearances after the critical reception of her first novel.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone SWEARING an oath on a Bible to STEP OFF (a play on 'off') a packet of cigarettes.
Conceptual Metaphor
ABSTINENCE IS A SACRED VOW (drawing on the metaphorical link between 'swearing' as in taking an oath and committing to a behavior change).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводится дословно как 'клясться от'. Правильный перевод — 'дать зарок', 'поклясться отказаться от', 'бросить'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it without an object: 'I have sworn off.' (Incomplete) | Using the wrong preposition: 'swear from'.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'swear off' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal to neutral. It's common in spoken English and informal writing but would be replaced by 'renounce' or 'abstain from' in very formal contexts.
Yes. The pattern 'swear off + gerund' is common. For example: 'I've sworn off eating after 8 PM' or 'He swore off gambling.'
'Swear off' emphasizes the promise or vow aspect. 'Quit' is more neutral and direct. 'Swear off' often implies a more public or solemn commitment.
Yes, it can be used in continuous/progressive forms to emphasize the ongoing nature of the commitment. E.g., 'I am swearing off sugar this month.'