swore up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swore up" is not correct and does not stand alone in written English.
It is typically part of the expression "swore up and down," which means to make a strong assertion or promise about something. Example: "He swore up and down that he would finish the project on time."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Susan writes that every editor swore up and down that they wouldn't be leaving anytime soon.

The New Yorker

Let's remember Republicans promised — swore up and down — that the cuts would pay for themselves.

The Washington Post

He swore up and down that he bought the magazine only for the Nabokov short stories that it sometimes carried.

The New York Times

And he swore up and down that he once saw a room key floating in the air.

The New York Times

Ms. Campbell said that, after the third "Scream," "I swore up and down that would be the last.

The New York Times

In June, I'd bought my first lousy marijuana from buddies who swore up and down that it was "killer bud".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

So I slighted Apple left-and-right and swore up-and-down that I'd never purchase another Mac.

TechCrunch

Mr. Caster swears UP and DOWN that he is innocent.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Some swear up and down they are straight.

The New York Times

"Most women swear up and down around the time of their period, they need chocolate".

The New York Times

"It was so obvious, they'd be bloated up but swear up and down they weren't on steroids".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the complete phrase "swore up and down" to convey the intended meaning of making a strong assertion or promise. For example: "He swore up and down that he was innocent."

Common error

Avoid using "swore up" by itself, as it is not a recognized or grammatically correct phrase in English. Ensure you include "and down" to form the complete idiom.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swore up" alone is grammatically incomplete. The intended meaning typically requires the full idiomatic expression "swore up and down", which functions as a verb phrase indicating a strong assertion or promise. As Ludwig AI explains, this full expression is necessary for proper usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "swore up" is grammatically incorrect when used alone. The correct idiomatic expression is "swore up and down", which signifies a strong and emphatic assertion or promise. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's important to use the complete phrase to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy. While various alternatives exist to convey a similar meaning, using the full idiom is essential for correct and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

promised earnestly

Highlights the sincerity and seriousness of the promise.

swore emphatically

Emphasizes the strength and conviction of the oath.

vowed sincerely

Stresses the heartfelt nature of the vow.

declared solemnly

Focuses on the formal and serious nature of the declaration.

affirmed resolutely

Indicates a firm and unwavering confirmation.

asserted firmly

Indicates a strong and confident statement.

stated categorically

Emphasizes that the statement is without exception or condition.

testified truthfully

Implies giving evidence under oath with honesty.

averred confidently

Highlights the speaker's confidence in the truth of their statement.

attested assuredly

Conveys a sense of certainty and confidence in the statement.

FAQs

Is "swore up" grammatically correct?

No, "swore up" is not grammatically correct on its own. The correct idiom is "swore up and down", which means to assert something emphatically.

What does "swore up and down" mean?

The phrase "swore up and down" means to make a solemn and emphatic declaration or promise. It indicates a strong assertion of truth.

How can I use "swore up and down" in a sentence?

Example: "He "swore up and down" that he had never met her before."

What are some alternatives to "swore up and down"?

Alternatives include "promised earnestly", "declared solemnly", or "asserted firmly", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.