swerve
B2neutral
Definition
Meaning
To change direction suddenly, especially to avoid hitting something.
To deviate suddenly from a planned course, path, or principle.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a sharp, quick, and often uncontrolled change of direction. Can be used both literally (physical movement) and figuratively (abandoning a course of action).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. 'Swerve' is understood and used identically in both dialects.
Connotations
Neutral to slightly negative; can imply a loss of control or an unplanned, reactive movement.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] swerved[Subject] swerved + [adverbial of direction][Subject] swerved to avoid [object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “swerve from the path (of truth/virtue/duty)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Figuratively: 'The company will not swerve from its commitment to sustainability.'
Academic
Rare. Used in physics or transport studies to describe motion.
Everyday
Common, especially in driving/road incident narratives: 'I had to swerve to miss a pothole.'
Technical
Used in driving test manuals and road safety reports.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The lorry swerved across the carriageway.
- He didn't swerve from his duty.
American English
- The truck swerved onto the shoulder.
- She never swerved in her loyalty.
adverb
British English
- He pulled the wheel swervingly to the left. (rare/poetic)
American English
- He pulled the wheel swervingly to the left. (rare/poetic)
adjective
British English
- The swerve test is part of the advanced driving course.
- A swerve manoeuvre saved the cyclist.
American English
- The swerve test is part of the advanced driving course.
- A swerve maneuver saved the cyclist.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The car swerved to avoid a dog.
- The ball swerved in the air and went into the goal.
- The politician was accused of swerving from his original promises.
- Her argument swerved erratically, failing to address the core issue.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a car's WHEEL making a sharp, nervous VERGE-to-VERGE movement = SWERVE.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL/IDEOLOGICAL PATH IS A PHYSICAL PATH (e.g., 'He never swerved from his principles').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'свернуть' (to turn/turn off) which lacks the suddenness. Closer to 'резко свернуть' or 'отклониться'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'swerve' for gentle turns. Incorrect: 'The road swerves to the left.' Correct: 'The road bends to the left.'
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'swerve' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be used for any moving object or person (a ball, a runner, a ship) and figuratively for ideas or behaviour.
'Swerve' implies a more sudden, abrupt, and often reactive movement. 'Veer' can be more gradual and describes a change in general direction.
Yes, though less common. Example: 'A sudden swerve of the bus threw passengers off balance.'
Yes, that is a common and correct collocation meaning to turn suddenly and leave the road.