Mastering the Past Tense of ‘Swear’: Forms, Usage, and Examples

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The English verb “swear” is a fascinating and versatile irregular verb with multiple meanings. It can mean to make a solemn promise or oath, such as swearing allegiance or honesty, or it can refer to using offensive or taboo language in informal contexts. Because “swear” is irregular, its past tense forms—“swore” and “sworn”—do not follow the usual -ed pattern, making them tricky for learners.

Choosing the correct past tense form is essential in both speaking and writing. Misusing “swore” and “sworn” can lead to misunderstandings or grammatical errors.

This article aims to clarify these forms, helping you avoid common mistakes and improve your fluency.

This comprehensive guide is perfect for English learners of all levels, teachers looking for clear explanations, writers polishing their craft, and anyone interested in mastering irregular verb forms. You will learn the definitions, verb structures, usage rules, contextual nuances, numerous examples, practice exercises, and advanced insights related to the verb “swear.”

Let’s dive into the fascinating world of this irregular verb and learn how to use its past tense forms with confidence!

Table of Contents

3. Definition Section

3.1. What Does ‘Swear’ Mean?

The verb “swear” has two primary meanings:

  • To make a solemn promise or oath: This is a formal or serious declaration, often used in legal, religious, or ceremonial contexts. For example: “I swear to tell the truth.”
  • To use offensive or taboo language: This refers to uttering curse words or vulgar expressions. For example: “He started to swear when he got angry.”

3.2. Grammatical Classification

“Swear” is an irregular verb, meaning it does not follow the standard pattern of adding “-ed” for the past forms.

Its principal parts are as follows:

  • Base form: swear
  • Past simple: swore
  • Past participle: sworn
  • Present participle: swearing
  • Third-person singular: swears

3.3. Function in Sentences

“Swear” functions mainly as a main verb and can be either transitive or intransitive:

  • Transitive: “He swore allegiance.” (takes an object)
  • Intransitive: “She swore loudly.” (does not take an object)

3.4. Contexts and Nuances

Swearing an oath: Used in formal settings such as courts, citizenship ceremonies, or official promises.

Swearing as cursing: Used in informal, emotional, or offensive speech. It may be considered rude or inappropriate depending on the context.

Register differences: The use of “swear” varies by formality and tone. Formal uses involve promises and oaths, while informal uses often relate to offensive language.

3.5. Summary Table: Basic Forms of ‘Swear’

Base Form Past Simple Past Participle Present Participle 3rd Person Singular
swear swore sworn swearing swares

4. Structural Breakdown

4.1. Irregular Verb Patterns

“Swear” does not end with “-ed” in its past forms. Instead, it changes its vowel sound:

  • Present: swear
  • Past simple: swore
  • Past participle: sworn

This vowel change classifies “swear” as an irregular verb, similar to bear–bore–born or tear–tore–torn.

4.2. Past Simple: ‘swore’

The form “swore” is used to describe a completed action in the past without auxiliary verbs.

Structure: Subject + swore + (object/complement)

Examples:

  • He swore to protect the secret.
  • She swore loudly when she got hurt.
  • I swore I would never lie again.

Often used with time expressions like yesterday, last week, in 2010.

4.3. Past Participle: ‘sworn’

The form “sworn” is primarily used:

  • With auxiliary verbs have/has/had to form perfect tenses
  • In passive voice constructions
  • In participial phrases or as an adjective

4.4. Present and Past Perfect Tenses

  • Present perfect: have/has + sworn
    • She has sworn never to tell.
  • Past perfect: had + sworn
    • They had sworn loyalty before the ceremony.

4.5. Passive Voice with ‘sworn’

In passive constructions, “sworn” is used after a form of be.

  • “The oath was sworn by the witness.”
  • “New officials were sworn in last week.”

4.6. Summary Table: ‘Swear’ Forms in Tenses

Tense Example
Simple Past He swore loudly in the meeting.
Present Perfect She has sworn not to tell anyone.
Past Perfect They had sworn loyalty before leaving.
Passive The oath was sworn yesterday.

5. Types or Categories

5.1. Past Tense in the Sense of Making an Oath

This use is formal and often found in legal, governmental, or ceremonial situations.

Common expressions:

  • swear allegiance
  • swear an oath
  • be sworn in

Examples:

  • The president swore to defend the Constitution.
  • The witness swore an oath before testifying.

5.2. Past Tense in the Sense of Using Offensive Language

This usage is informal and often carries a negative tone.

Common collocations:

  • swear at someone
  • swear loudly
  • swear under one’s breath

Examples:

  • The driver swore at the pedestrian.
  • She swore when she knocked over the vase.

5.3. Strong vs. Weak Promises

“Swear” can be used idiomatically for emphasis, whether literal or figurative.

  • Literal: She swore on the Bible.
  • Figurative: He swore up and down that he was innocent.

5.4. Affirmative vs. Negative Forms in Past Tense

  • Affirmative: He swore.
  • Negative: He did not swear.
  • Interrogative: Did he swear?

5.5. Table: Categories of ‘Swear’ in Past Tense

Category Example Sentence Usage Context
Oath The president swore to uphold the Constitution. Formal/legal
Curse The driver swore at the pedestrian. Informal/offensive
Idiomatic Promise She swore she would never lie again. Everyday/figurative

6. Examples Section

6.1. Simple Past Examples (swore)

  • She swore to tell the truth.
  • He swore loudly when he stubbed his toe.
  • The witness swore an oath before testifying.
  • They swore revenge on their enemies.
  • John swore never to smoke again.
  • My friend swore that he saw a UFO.
  • The judge swore me in as a juror.
  • She swore she hadn’t taken it.
  • The soldier swore allegiance to the flag.
  • During the fight, Mark swore angrily.

6.2. Present Perfect with ‘sworn’

  • They have sworn secrecy.
  • She has sworn never to return.
  • He has sworn loyalty to the king.
  • I have sworn to quit smoking.
  • The police have sworn to protect the community.
  • Doctors have sworn the Hippocratic Oath.
  • My friends have sworn not to tell anyone.
  • The new recruits have sworn allegiance.
  • She has sworn off sugar.
  • All members have sworn confidentiality.

6.3. Past Perfect with ‘sworn’

  • By the time we arrived, he had already sworn allegiance.
  • She had sworn secrecy before the meeting started.
  • They had sworn off junk food before the new year.
  • He had sworn never to speak to her again.
  • The witness had sworn an oath earlier.

6.4. Passive Voice Examples

  • The new mayor was sworn in last week.
  • An oath was sworn by all members.
  • The witnesses were sworn before testifying.
  • The statement was sworn before a notary.
  • A vow was sworn by the knights.

6.5. Affirmative, Negative, and Interrogative Examples

Type Example
Affirmative He swore during the argument.
Negative She didn’t swear in court.
Interrogative Did they swear loyalty to the leader?
Affirmative I swore I saw him yesterday.
Negative They didn’t swear revenge.
Interrogative Did she swear an oath?

6.6. Idiomatic and Figurative Uses

  • He swore up and down that he was innocent.
  • They swore blind that it was true.
  • I swear by this remedy for headaches.
  • She swore off chocolate after her diet began.
  • He swore on his mother’s grave that he was telling the truth.

6.7. Table 1: 10 Examples of ‘Swore’ (Past Simple Use)

# Sentence
1 He swore he would fix the mistake.
2 Mary swore loudly during the game.
3 The witness swore an oath in court.
4 They swore never to reveal the secret.
5 I swore I would arrive on time.
6 He swore at the referee.
7 The soldier swore allegiance.
8 We swore to support each other.
9 She swore under her breath.
10 Tom swore he saw it happen.

6.8. Table 2: 10 Examples of ‘Sworn’ (Past Participle Use)

# Sentence
1 She has sworn to stay silent.
2 He had sworn loyalty before joining.
3 The oath was sworn yesterday.
4 All doctors have sworn the Hippocratic Oath.
5 They have sworn off fast food.
6 New citizens have sworn allegiance.
7 He has sworn never to gamble again.
8 By then, she had sworn secrecy.
9 The statement was sworn before a judge.
10 They have sworn eternal friendship.

6.9. Table 3: Comparison of Oath vs. Curse Contexts

Context Example Notes
Oath He swore to serve faithfully. Formal, serious
Curse He swore loudly when angry. Informal, emotional
Oath They have sworn allegiance. Perfect tense, formal
Curse She swore at her brother. Simple past, informal

6.10. Table 4: Examples in Passive Constructions

Sentence
The mayor was sworn in on Monday.
The oath was sworn before the ceremony.
The witnesses were sworn before testifying.
A vow was sworn by the knights.
A statement was sworn before the judge.

6.11. Table 5: Affirmative, Negative, Interrogative Examples

Form Example
Affirmative He swore during the discussion.
Negative She didn’t swear at the party.
Interrogative Did they swear an oath?
Affirmative I have sworn to tell the truth.
Negative They haven’t sworn allegiance yet.
Interrogative Have you sworn secrecy?

7. Usage Rules

7.1. When to Use ‘Swore’

Use “swore” for the simple past tense describing completed actions without auxiliary verbs.

  • She swore never to lie again.
  • They swore loudly during the argument.

7.2. When to Use ‘Sworn’

Use “sworn” as the past participle:

  • With have/has/had in perfect tenses:
  • In passive voice after forms of be
  • As an adjective: sworn enemy

7.3. Common Collocations

  • Swore: swore an oath, swore allegiance, swore at someone
  • Sworn: sworn statement, sworn testimony, sworn enemy

7.4. Irregular Verb Agreement

  • Never use “sweared” (incorrect)
  • Remember vowel change: swear → swore → sworn

7.5. Distinguishing ‘Swore’ vs. ‘Sworn’

Swore: Use for simple past actions without auxiliaries.

Sworn: Use for perfect tenses, passive voice, and adjectives.

Incorrect: I have swore.

Correct: I have sworn.

7.6. Regional and Formality Differences

  • Formal contexts prefer “swore an oath,” “was sworn in.”
  • Informal speech uses “swore” for cursing.

7.7. Summary Table: Usage Rules in Context

Context Correct Form Example
Completed past swore He swore loudly.
Perfect tense sworn She has sworn secrecy.
Passive sworn The oath was sworn yesterday.
Adjective phrase sworn They are sworn enemies.

8. Common Mistakes

8.1. Using ‘Sweared’ Instead of ‘Swore’

Incorrect: He sweared loudly.

Correct: He swore loudly.

8.2. Confusing ‘Swore’ with ‘Sworn’ in Perfect Tenses

Incorrect: I have swore to tell the truth.

Correct: I have sworn to tell the truth.

8.3. Using ‘Sworn’ as Simple Past

Incorrect: She sworn yesterday.

Correct: She swore yesterday.

8.4. Incorrect Passive Constructions

Incorrect: The oath was swore last week.

Correct: The oath was sworn last week.

8.5. Overgeneralizing Irregular Forms

Remember, “swear” does not follow -ed endings and changes vowels instead.

8.6. Mixing Up Contexts (Oath vs. Cursing)

Use “swore an oath” in formal contexts and “swore at” for offensive language.

8.7. Table: Common Mistakes and Corrections

Mistake Correction Explanation
She sweared loudly. She swore loudly. Irregular verb, no -ed ending
I have swore allegiance. I have sworn allegiance. Perfect tense requires past participle
The oath was swore. The oath was sworn. Passive voice uses past participle
She sworn yesterday. She swore yesterday. Past simple uses “swore”

9. Practice Exercises

9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank

  1. She ___ to keep the secret. (Answer: swore)
  2. They have ___ loyalty to the king. (Answer: sworn)
  3. The witness ___ an oath yesterday. (Answer: swore)
  4. He has ___ off alcohol. (Answer: sworn)
  5. By then, she had ___ secrecy. (Answer: sworn)
  6. I ___ I would never do it again. (Answer: swore)
  7. The mayor was ___ in last month. (Answer: sworn)
  8. We have ___ not to tell anyone. (Answer: sworn)
  9. He ___ at the referee. (Answer: swore)
  10. They ___ revenge on their enemies. (Answer: swore)
  11. She has ___ to be honest. (Answer: sworn)
  12. The oath was ___ before the ceremony. (Answer: sworn)
  13. He ___ loudly during the game. (Answer: swore)
  14. The soldiers had ___ allegiance. (Answer: sworn)
  15. They ___ that they were innocent. (Answer: swore)

9.2. Correction Exercises

  1. He has swore on the Bible. (Correction: sworn)
  2. The oath was swore last week. (Correction: sworn)
  3. She sweared during the argument. (Correction: swore)
  4. I have swore never to smoke again. (Correction: sworn)
  5. The mayor was swore in yesterday. (Correction: sworn)
  6. They had sweared allegiance before. (Correction: sworn)
  7. She sworn at her brother. (Correction: swore)
  8. He sweared loudly in class. (Correction: swore)
  9. Have you swore secrecy? (Correction: sworn)
  10. They sworn revenge on him. (Correction: swore)

9.3. Identify the Correct Form

  1. I (swore / sworn) never to lie. swore
  2. She has (swore / sworn) confidentiality. sworn
  3. The oath was (swore / sworn). sworn
  4. They (swore / sworn) an oath yesterday. swore
  5. By then, he had (swore / sworn) loyalty. sworn

9.4. Sentence Construction

  • Write a sentence using “swore” to describe a past event.
    Example: She swore never to forgive him.
  • Write a sentence using “sworn” in the present perfect.
    Example: They have sworn secrecy.
  • Write a passive sentence with “sworn.”
    Example: The new mayor was sworn in on Monday.

9.5. Advanced Transformation

Convert active to passive voice:

  • Active: The president swore the oath.
  • Passive: The oath was sworn by the president.

9.6. Answers Section

9.1. Fill-in-the-Blank Answers:

  1. swore
  2. sworn
  3. swore
  4. sworn
  5. sworn
  6. swore
  7. sworn
  8. sworn
  9. swore
  10. swore
  11. sworn
  12. sworn
  13. swore
  14. sworn
  15. swore

9.2. Correction Exercises Answers:

  1. sworn
  2. sworn
  3. swore
  4. sworn
  5. sworn
  6. sworn
  7. swore
  8. swore
  9. sworn
  10. swore

9.3. Multiple Choice Answers:

  1. swore
  2. sworn
  3. sworn
  4. swore
  5. sworn

9.4 & 9.5: Review the examples and practice writing your own sentences using the correct forms.

10. Advanced Topics

10.1. Participial Adjectives: ‘Sworn’ as an Adjective

“Sworn” can describe a person or thing with a formal or emotional commitment.

  • Sworn enemy: someone who is a dedicated opponent
  • Sworn statement: a legally binding declaration
  • Sworn testimony: evidence given under oath

10.2. Reported Speech with ‘Swear’

  • Direct: He said, “I swear I didn’t do it.”
  • Reported: He said that he swore he hadn’t done it.

Note how “swear” shifts to “swore” in reported speech about a past statement.

10.3. Idiomatic Expressions Involving ‘Swear’

  • Swear by: strongly believe in something
    Example: I swear by this old remedy.
  • Swear off: decide to stop doing something
    Example: She has sworn off sugar.
  • Swear up and down: emphatically insist
    Example: He swore up and down that he was innocent.
  • Swear blind: insist very strongly
    Example: She swore blind that it was true.

10.4. Historical and Etymological Insights

“Swear” originates from Old English swerian, related to Old Norse sverja and German schwören. Historically, it has meant both to take an oath and to use profane language for centuries.

10.5. Regional Dialects and Slang

In British English, “swear” is commonly used for cursing, while in American English, “curse” or “cuss” may be more informal synonyms. Cultural attitudes towards swearing vary widely.

10.6. Legal and Formal Language Nuances

In legal documents, “sworn” is standard:

  • Sworn affidavit
  • Sworn statement
  • Sworn testimony

These carry legal weight and require formal oaths.

11. FAQ Section

  1. What is the past tense of “swear”?
    The simple past tense is “swore.”
  2. What is the difference between “swore” and “sworn”?
    “Swore” is the simple past form, while “sworn” is the past participle used in perfect tenses, passive voice, or as an adjective.
  3. Is “sweared” a correct past tense form?
    No, “sweared” is incorrect. The correct past simple is “swore.”
  4. When do I use “sworn” instead of “swore”?
    Use “sworn” in perfect tenses (have/has/had sworn), passive voice, or as an adjective.
  5. Can “sworn” be used as an adjective?
    Yes, in phrases like “sworn enemy” or “sworn statement.”
  6. How do I use “swear” in the passive voice?
    Use a form of be + sworn, e.g., “He was sworn in.”
  7. What are common idioms with “swear”?
    Swear by, swear off, swear up and down, swear blind.
  8. Is “swear” always offensive language?
    No, it also means to make a formal promise or oath.
  9. What are examples of “swear” in a formal context?
    “She swore an oath.” “The mayor was sworn in.”
  10. How do I avoid confusing “swore” and “sworn”?
    Remember: swore = simple past; sworn = past participle.
  11. Are there regional differences in how “swear” is used?
    Yes. For example, British English often uses “swear” for cursing, while American English may also use “curse” or “cuss.”
  12. Why is “swear” considered an irregular verb?
    Because it does not take the -ed ending but changes vowels: swear → swore → sworn.

12. Conclusion

Mastering the past tense forms of “swear”—“swore” and “sworn”—is essential for clear and correct English. Remember to use swore as the simple past in statements about completed actions, and sworn as the past participle with perfect tenses, passive voice, or as an adjective.

Practice these forms across different contexts: formal oaths, informal speech, idioms, and legal language. Pay attention to common errors, and review the examples and exercises regularly to build confidence.

Understanding and correctly using this irregular verb will greatly improve your grammar accuracy and overall fluency. Keep practicing, and soon, choosing between “swore” and “sworn” will become second nature!

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