swear positively

USAGE SUMMARY

"swear positively" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to emphasize certainty in a statement or promise. Example: "I swear positively that I will attend the meeting." Alternative expressions include "swear firmly" and "swear definitely."

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He positively swears he couldn't run his business without her".

The New Yorker

By thinking positively, you are removing the need to swear altogether.

WikiHow

It was seen that the shutting out of his sworn evidence could be positively hurtful to the accused, and that inno- cence was in fact aided, not prejudiced, by the opportunity of the accused to testify under oath.

Cornell University

I swear!

Princeton University

"Well, I swear, I swear, I swear," Dominy continued, slowly.

The New Yorker

If you want to swear, swear aloud.

The New Yorker

Xiao Lu doesn't swear.

Columbia University

Hoover agrees: "Never swear.

Independent

"Pinky swear".

Forbes

People swear by him.

Forbes

We swear.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swear positively" when you want to emphasize the absolute truth of your statement, leaving no room for doubt.

Common error

Avoid using "swear positively" too frequently, as it can sound repetitive and insincere. Opt for varied expressions of certainty to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swear positively" functions as an emphatic declaration, where the adverb "positively" intensifies the verb "swear". While Ludwig notes its grammatical acceptability, its rare usage suggests alternative phrasing might be more appropriate.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while grammatically sound, the phrase "swear positively" is infrequently used and may sound unusual to native English speakers. Ludwig's analysis shows that while the components are correct, the specific combination lacks robust support in common usage. Considering alternatives like "affirm with certainty" or "declare unequivocally" can enhance clarity and naturalness. When aiming to emphasize conviction, prioritize word choice for maximum impact and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Affirm with certainty

Replaces "swear" with a more formal affirmation, maintaining the emphasis on certainty.

Declare unequivocally

Substitutes both words with stronger synonyms, emphasizing the lack of ambiguity.

Assert categorically

Replaces both words with formal synonyms, creating a more assertive tone.

Vouch with conviction

Replaces "swear" with "vouch", highlighting the speaker's personal belief and assurance.

Promise with assurance

Replaces "swear" with a promise, maintaining the element of personal commitment and confidence.

Avow unreservedly

A more formal alternative to swearing, indicating a sincere and open declaration.

Pledge with certainty

Similar to a promise, but with a stronger sense of commitment and assurance.

Guarantee without doubt

Shifts from swearing to guaranteeing, emphasizing the reliability and absence of uncertainty.

Testify truthfully

Emphasizes the honesty and veracity of the statement, especially in formal or legal contexts.

State definitively

Offers a more neutral and authoritative alternative, removing the emotional weight of "swear".

FAQs

How can I use "swear positively" in a sentence?

While "swear positively" isn't a common phrase, you might use it to emphasize the truthfulness of a statement. For example, "I "affirm with certainty" that I completed the task."

What are some alternatives to "swear positively"?

You can use phrases like "declare unequivocally", "assert categorically", or "vouch with conviction", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "swear positively"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, though uncommon. The adverb "positively" can modify the verb "swear" to emphasize the certainty of the statement. However, there might be better word choices.

What does "swear positively" imply?

It implies a strong declaration of truth, leaving no room for doubt or interpretation. It's a way to emphasize the veracity of a statement.