sworn
B2Formal, Legal, Official
Definition
Meaning
Having taken a formal oath; bound by a solemn promise. Used as the past participle of the verb 'swear'.
Describes a formal commitment to tell the truth (as in a sworn statement) or dedicated allegiance (sworn enemies). Implies a binding, often legally or morally significant, declaration.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As an adjective, it almost always precedes a noun (e.g., a sworn statement, sworn enemies). It denotes a state resulting from the action of 'swearing'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. The phrase 'sworn affidavit' is more common in the US, while 'sworn statement' is universal.
Connotations
Carries strong connotations of legality, duty, and solemn obligation in both variants.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in legal and official contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] sworn in (as + position)[have] sworn to + infinitive/that clause[be] sworn to secrecyVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sworn enemy/foe”
- “sworn to secrecy”
- “take/get sworn in”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to officially documented statements, e.g., 'The contract required a sworn declaration of assets.'
Academic
Used in legal, historical, or political studies regarding oaths of office or allegiance.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Appears in news about officials ('she was sworn in as mayor') or hyperbole ('they're sworn rivals').
Technical
Core term in law for any testimony or document given under penalty of perjury.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The witness has sworn to tell the whole truth.
- They were sworn in during a private ceremony at the town hall.
American English
- He had already sworn allegiance before the judge arrived.
- The new citizens will be sworn in at the federal courthouse.
adjective
British English
- She gave a sworn statement to the solicitor.
- They had been sworn rivals since their university days.
American English
- The detective submitted a sworn affidavit to the court.
- The two gangs were sworn enemies.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The president was sworn in yesterday.
- They are sworn friends.
- Before testifying, you must give a sworn statement about what you saw.
- The two politicians became sworn enemies after the debate.
- The informant was sworn to secrecy concerning the operation's details.
- Her sworn affidavit formed the cornerstone of the prosecution's case.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a knight being 'SWORN' to service – the word contains 'SWORD' and 'OATH', both symbols of a solemn pledge.
Conceptual Metaphor
OATH IS A BOND. The act of swearing creates an invisible, binding tie (sworn to secrecy, sworn brother).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить напрямую как "клятый". "Sworn enemy" — злейший враг, а не "клятый враг". "Sworn statement" — показание под присягой/заверенное заявление, а не "клятвенное заявление".
Common Mistakes
- Using 'sworn' without a following noun ('His testimony was sworn' – correct is '...was sworn' or better '...was a sworn testimony').
- Confusing 'sworn' (adj/participle) with 'swore' (simple past).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sworn' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most common in law and official proceedings, it is also used figuratively (e.g., 'sworn enemies') to indicate a deep, committed opposition.
'Sworn' implies a formal, often public or legal oath, invoking a higher authority or serious consequence. 'Promised' is more general and informal.
As a verb, it is the past participle of 'swear'. It is used with auxiliaries like 'have' or 'be' (e.g., 'I have sworn', 'he was sworn in').
It's a phrasal verb for a formal induction ceremony. Use it as: [Person] + [be verb] + sworn in + (as + [title]). Example: 'The mayor was sworn in as the chair of the committee.'