C1verb1K

Swing

UK /["/swɪŋ/","/swɪŋz/","/swʌŋ/","/ˈswɪŋɪŋ/"]/US /["/swɪŋ/","/swɪŋz/","/swʌŋ/","/ˈswɪŋɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to move backwards or forwards or from side to side while hanging from a fixed point; to make something do this

In simple words: To move back and forth or side to side.

Examples

The children love to swing back and forth on the playground set.
She tried to swing the bat but missed the ball entirely.
He began to swing his arms vigorously while running to gain momentum.
The economy tends to swing between growth and recession over time.
At the dance, they love to swing to the upbeat jazz music.
The politician's opinion tends to swing depending on public pressure.
The heavy doors swing open smoothly as you push them.

Usage notes

Used in both literal and figurative contexts. In a formal setting, avoid using in a non-literal sense. Informal settings are more flexible.

Grammar pattern

swing + object

Memory hint

Think of a swing set in a park, swinging back and forth.

Collocations

gently
slowly
violently
from
slowly
suddenly
sharply
let something
from
into
towards/toward
swing open
swing shut
slowly
suddenly
sharply
let something
from
into
towards/toward
swing open
swing shut
rapidly
suddenly
wildly
from
to

Synonyms

sway
rock
oscillate
fluctuate
dangle

Antonyms

stay
stop

Common mistakes

Confused with 'swinging' as a continuous action vs. a single swing.
Using 'swing' without a clear object (e.g., swing something).
Mixing up past tense forms, such as using 'swang' instead of 'swung'.