1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To confirm that a person is honest, reliable, or of good character, often from personal experience.
"I can personally vouch for James — he's one of the most trustworthy people I've ever worked with."
inseparable
vouch for
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To confirm or guarantee the honesty, quality, or truth of someone or something based on personal knowledge.
In plain English
To tell people 'I know this person is good/trustworthy' or 'I know this thing is true' because you have personal experience.
What does "vouch for" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To confirm that something is true, genuine, or of good quality.
"I can vouch for the accuracy of these figures — I checked them myself."
inseparable
3 C1 idiomatic formal
(Legal/formal) To formally testify or act as surety for someone in an official setting.
"His employer agreed to vouch for him at the immigration hearing."
inseparable
Usage tip
Always followed by 'for' and an object (a person or thing). The speaker puts their own reputation behind the claim. Common in legal, professional, and social contexts. You cannot 'vouch for' something you have no personal knowledge of.
Words that pair with "vouch for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
character integrity ability quality honesty identity
How to conjugate "vouch for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
vouch for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
vouches for
he/she/it
Past simple
vouched for
yesterday
Past participle
vouched for
have + pp
-ing form
vouching for
continuous
Hear "vouch for" in the wild
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Other ways to say "vouch for"
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