swear by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swear by" is correct and commonly used in written English when expressing strong commitment or loyalty to something.
For example, you could say, "I swear by my favorite sports team and never miss a game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I swear by it.

Independent

People swear by it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Truckers swear by it.

The New York Times

Others swear by it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I swear by them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Russians swear by pickle brine.

The New Yorker

I swear by... Balance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some runners swear by gels.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Senior bureaucrats swear by them.

The Guardian

The Taiwanese swear by its healing powers.

The New York Times - Travel

Other retailers swear by the company.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "swear by", ensure the object you are swearing by is something tangible or a proven method.

Common error

Avoid using "swear by" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "strongly recommend" or "highly value" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swear by" functions as a verb phrase indicating strong belief or trust in something, often based on personal experience. Ludwig provides examples where individuals or groups "swear by" particular products, methods, or ideas, showcasing its role in expressing conviction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "swear by" is a versatile and frequently used expression to convey strong confidence or reliance on something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. When writing, use it to express personal convictions based on experience, but be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms like "strongly recommend" or "completely trust" to add variety to your writing. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively incorporate "swear by" into your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely trust

Highlights the aspect of reliance and confidence in something.

firmly believe in

Focuses on a deep-seated conviction about something's worth.

have unwavering confidence in

Underscores the certainty and lack of doubt in something.

have great faith in

Focuses on trust and belief rather than direct experience.

rely heavily on

Stresses the dependence on something for a specific purpose.

strongly recommend

Emphasizes the act of suggesting something based on positive experience.

place great stock in

Suggests assigning significant importance or value to something.

am a strong advocate for

Implies active support and promotion of something.

think highly of

Expresses a favorable opinion or regard for something.

highly value

Implies a personal appreciation or importance attached to something.

FAQs

How to use "swear by" in a sentence?

Use "swear by" to express that you have great confidence in something and highly recommend it. For example, "I "swear by" this new brand of coffee; it's the best I've ever tasted".

What can I say instead of "swear by"?

You can use alternatives like "strongly recommend", "highly value", or "completely trust" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "swear by" in formal writing?

While "swear by" is widely understood, it leans towards informal usage. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "strongly advocate" or "firmly believe in" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "swear by" and "believe in"?

"Swear by" implies reliance and a personal positive experience. "Believe in" focuses more on conviction without necessarily implying personal use or experience. For example, you might "believe in" a cause, but ""swear by"" a particular brand of product.