To formally admit someone to an official position or role by administering a legal oath.
To officially make someone take a special promise (an oath) so they can start an important job or legal role.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To formally admit someone to a public office or official role by having them take an oath.
"The Chief Justice swore in the new president on the steps of the Capitol."
I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States.
— Barack Obama, Presidential Oath of Office, Inauguration Ceremony, Washington D.C., January 20, 2009
To formally admit a witness, juror, or other legal participant by having them take an oath to tell the truth or fulfil their duty.
"The judge asked the clerk to swear in the jury before the trial began."
To swear someone in (to their new role/office).
To officially make someone take a special promise (an oath) so they can start an important job or legal role.
Used in legal, governmental, and military contexts. A judge is typically the person who swears in a president, official, or witness. The passive form 'be sworn in' is very common: 'She was sworn in as president.' Common in news reporting.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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