Swore vs. Sworn
Use “swore” for the simple past of “swear” and “sworn” as the past participle, especially after have/has/had. The guide distinguishes the finite past form from the participle in standard verb constructions.
Use “swore” for the simple past of “swear” and “sworn” as the past participle, especially after have/has/had.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Grammar | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| simple past | swore | Use when the verb itself carries past tense. |
| past participle after have/has/had | sworn | Use the participle in perfect constructions. |
| participial/adjectival expression such as sworn testimony or a sworn statement | sworn | Use the participial form. |
Quick tests
Auxiliary test
Is “have,” “has,” or “had” governing the form?
If yes: Use “sworn.”
If no: For the ordinary simple past, use “swore.”
Caveat: This test addresses the past-versus-participle distinction; other senses and constructions of “swear” still follow their own grammar.
Examples
She swore that she had locked the door.
“Swore” is the simple past.
They have sworn to follow the agreement.
“Sworn” is the past participle after “have.”
He gave a sworn statement to the investigator.
“Sworn” is the participial form modifying “statement.”
Further guidance
Core difference
“Swore” is the simple-past form of “swear”; “sworn” is the past participle used in perfect constructions and other participial uses.
Fast Test
If the sentence needs a standalone finite past-tense verb, use “swore.” If have, has, or had governs the verb form, use “sworn.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- swear — Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries · Swear to do for a serious promise; separate intransitive swearing sense