swim

To move through water using your arms and legs, or other body parts.

• Can you swim?
• We swam in the lake yesterday.
• The fish were swimming near the surface.

How to use it: swim in something (We swim in the sea every summer.); swim across something (She swam across the river.)

Common phrases: swim underwater, swim in something, swim across something

To cover a distance through water, use a particular style, or take part in a water race.

• I swim ten laps every morning.
• She swam the channel last year.
• He will swim the freestyle event tomorrow.

How to use it: swim + distance (He swims two kilometres every morning.); swim + stroke (Can you swim butterfly?)

Common phrases: swim laps, swim breaststroke, swim a mile

To be surrounded or covered by a large amount of liquid, or overwhelmed by a feeling.

• The meat was swimming in oil.
• His eyes swam with tears when she left.
• She lay awake, swimming in self-pity.

How to use it: swim in something (The potatoes were swimming in butter.); swim with something (Her eyes swam with tears.)

Common phrases: swim in something, swim with tears

A time when you move through water using your arms and legs.

• Let’s go for a swim.
• We had a refreshing swim before breakfast.
• Did you enjoy your swim in the lake?

Common phrases: a quick swim, go for a swim, morning swim