sworn foes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sworn foes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals or groups that have a deep-seated enmity or hostility towards each other, often implying a formal or serious commitment to being adversaries. Example: "Throughout history, the sworn foes clashed on the battlefield, each determined to defeat the other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The general, as a servant of the state, earns plaudits for the battle that he wages — at times single-handed — against the Volscians, sworn foes of Rome.

The New Yorker

"McCain has absolutely courted some of our -- he's fraternized with some of the worst people, politically speaking, they're our sworn foes," Mr. Engler said in an appearance on "Face the Nation" on CBS.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Spielberg remains a sworn foe of narrative confusion, and, as for potting, nobody does it better.

The New Yorker

The second included Mayor Edward I. Koch, a sworn foe of subway graffiti.

The New York Times

All it can give us is a rendering of the functionally insane — insanity being the sworn foe of the coherent.

The New Yorker

Is it Fritz, or could it be the nicely named Father Burner, already his sworn foe when the tale begins?

The New Yorker

If he is a scourge of neo-capitalism, he is also a sworn foe of liberal pluralism and political correctness.

The Guardian - Books

All it can give us is a rendering of the functionally insane insanity being the sworn foe of the coherent.

The New Yorker

Breitbart News was supportive of Trump and a sworn foe of House speaker Paul Ryan, who has close ties to Priebus, also from Wisconsin.

The Guardian

Saudi failure in Yemen follows strategic reverses in Syria, where Russia's autumn intervention reinforced Bashar al-Assad, Syria's president and Riyadh's sworn foe.

The Guardian

But he became a sworn foe of Mr. Blair's plan, under which, he felt, peers were sent packing without precisely agreed-upon long-term provisions for replacing them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of the phrase. "Sworn foes" implies a level of commitment and seriousness to the opposition, making it suitable for describing conflicts with significant stakes or historical depth.

Common error

Avoid using "sworn foes" in casual or trivial situations. The phrase's gravitas can feel out of place when describing minor disagreements or rivalries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sworn foes" functions as a noun phrase where "sworn" acts as an adjective modifying "foes". It describes a specific type of enemy, one bound by a deep or formally declared animosity. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing long-standing political and military rivalries.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sworn foes" is a noun phrase used to describe a state of deep and committed animosity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While relatively infrequent in general usage, as found on Ludwig, it is commonly employed in news and media contexts to highlight significant and enduring conflicts. The phrase carries a neutral tone and emphasizes the intensity and permanence of the opposition. Therefore, use "sworn foes" when you want to underscore the seriousness of a rivalry, but avoid it in informal or trivial situations where its weight might feel misplaced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bitter rivals

Emphasizes the intensity of the competition or animosity.

Arch enemies

Highlights a long-standing and profound hatred.

Mortal enemies

Implies a conflict that could result in death.

Implacable adversaries

Suggests an unwillingness to be appeased or reconciled.

Inveterate antagonists

Indicates a deeply rooted and persistent opposition.

Long-standing adversaries

Focuses on the duration of the conflict.

Sworn enemies

Similar but broader, encompassing any form of enmity.

Rivals in perpetuity

Emphasizes the unending nature of the rivalry.

Irreconcilable foes

Highlights the impossibility of resolving the conflict.

Constant adversaries

Focuses on the continual nature of the opposition.

FAQs

How can I use "sworn foes" in a sentence?

You can use "sworn foes" to describe individuals or groups with a long-standing and deep-seated enmity. For example, "The two nations have been "sworn foes" for centuries, engaging in numerous wars over disputed territory".

What are some alternatives to "sworn foes"?

Alternatives include "bitter rivals", "arch enemies", or "mortal enemies". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "sworn foes" in a lighthearted context?

Generally, no. "Sworn foes" carries a weight of seriousness and animosity that is typically unsuitable for lighthearted or humorous situations.

What distinguishes "sworn foes" from "enemies"?

"Enemies" is a general term for those who are hostile, whereas "sworn foes" suggests a more formal or deeply committed level of animosity, almost as if an oath or strong declaration has been made.