put under oath

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put under oath" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts when someone is required to swear to tell the truth before giving testimony. Example: "The witness was put under oath before providing their statement in court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

"Obviously, I've been put under oath," Pettitte said.

The New York Times - Sports

"We want people put under oath," said Capt.

The New York Times

For most of English and American history, defendents were not put under oath.

The New Yorker

THE PRESIDENT: No, but as far as his cross-examination is concerned, he can be put under oath here.

Yale University

He subpoenaed several hundred people, and put under oath for the first time those who had run the war, including Henry Kissinger.

The New Yorker

Almost none of the witnesses who have testified in private, as Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney did, have been put under oath, said Al Felzenberg, a commission spokesman.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Instead, he suggested that the most important alleged witness of an alleged incident that could decide a Supreme Court confirmation isn't worth putting under oath.

The Washington Post

Only those persons were admitted-generally officers-who had been passed by me, but also a few noncommissioned officers and other ranks who were put under special oath.

Yale University

The discovery as things now stand will eventually lead to depositions and one of the reasons I had reached the point where to get to the point of the story was to have people put them under oath and to have the court put them under oath.

Huffington Post

The agents could have arrested Juraboev on the spot, put him under oath, and sought to discover whether he was a real threat or simply a braggart.

The New Yorker

If the government wants to make sure it is being told the truth, he added, it should put people under oath.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "put under oath" when you want to emphasize the formal legal process of requiring someone to swear to the truth before giving testimony. It is particularly relevant in legal, journalistic, or investigative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "put under oath" in informal settings where a simple promise to tell the truth is sufficient. The phrase carries a weight of legal formality that is inappropriate outside of legal or official contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put under oath" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of formally requiring someone to swear to tell the truth, often in a legal or official context. It is supported by examples from Ludwig indicating its common use in such scenarios.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "put under oath" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts. The phrase signifies the formal act of requiring someone to swear to tell the truth, particularly in legal settings, emphasizing the speaker's obligation to be truthful and the potential legal consequences of lying. Related phrases include "be sworn in" and "give sworn testimony". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the formal tone of legal or official contexts and is not misused in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be placed under oath

A more formal and passive way of saying "put under oath".

swear under oath

Focuses on the act of swearing rather than being put in the position.

testify under oath

Highlights the act of giving testimony while being bound by an oath.

depose under oath

Specifically refers to giving a deposition under oath.

take an oath

Emphasizes the act of formally swearing to the truth.

give sworn testimony

Highlights the act of providing a statement while under oath.

be sworn in

Describes the process of formally administering the oath.

solemnly swear

Emphasizes the seriousness and formality of the oath.

affirm under penalty of perjury

Highlights the legal consequences of lying.

vow to tell the truth

A less formal version, emphasizing the promise of truthfulness.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "put under oath"?

To be "put under oath" means that someone is required to make a formal promise, often in a legal setting, to tell the truth. This promise carries legal weight, and lying after being sworn in can result in charges of perjury.

What is the difference between "be sworn in" and "put under oath"?

While "be sworn in" and "put under oath" are similar, "be sworn in" typically refers to the process of administering the oath, while "put under oath" describes the state of being bound by that oath. They are often used interchangeably, but "put under oath" emphasizes the obligation to tell the truth.

What happens if someone lies after being "put under oath"?

If a person lies after being "put under oath", they can be charged with perjury, which is a crime. Perjury carries serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.

Are there alternatives to saying "put under oath"?

Yes, alternatives include "testify under oath", "give sworn testimony", or "be placed under oath". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.