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vouch for

B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To tell people 'I know this person is good/trustworthy' or 'I know this thing is true' because you have personal experience.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: 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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

character integrity ability quality honesty identity

Forms

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

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Synonyms

guarantee endorse attest to confirm certify stand behind

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