Welcoming a New President: English for Inauguration Day
In the United States, a new president is chosen every four years. But while Election Day is in November, the following January is when that person officially takes over from the previous president.
The day when this takes place is called Inauguration Day, and this article will explain a bit about it and introduce some useful English vocabulary for talking about it.
What Happens on Inauguration Day?
Inauguration Day happens every four years on January 20 (or January 21 if the previous day is a Sunday). It takes place in Washington D.C., the capital of the United States, about 362 kilometers (or 225 miles) from New York City.
Members of the government and the general public gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building to watch as the new president and vice-president promise to do their duty for the nation. This is known as the swearing-in ceremony, which is when both "take the oath of office."
(Note that before taking this oath, they are officially called the "president-elect" and the "vice-president elect.")
After this, the new president gives a speech before joining a parade. Later in the day, special parties and celebrations take place around the Washington D.C. area.
What is the Oath of Office?
The main event of Inauguration Day is the swearing-in ceremony.
First, the vice-president elect places his or her hand on the Bible and repeats this oath (or promise):
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God."
Let's take a closer look at some of the language in this oath.
"I do solemnly swear …"
To "swear" to something is to make a deep and serious promise. In the oath, the speaker is promising to support and protect the country.
You may also hear this word in English-language films and TV when someone is speaking in a courtroom; witnesses must first reply to the question "Do you solemnly swear that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?"
In casual situations, people sometimes use this word to emphasize that they are telling the truth.
A
What else do you know?
B
I told you everything I know. I swear!
The phrase "I could've sworn ~" means the speaker strongly believes something that doesn't seem to be true.
- I could've sworn I left my keys on the table, but they're not here. What happened to them?
"Swear" originally included a religious nuance, which some people are uncomfortable with. As a result, it is sometimes replaced with "affirm," which has a similar meaning. Unlike "swear," however, "affirm" is not commonly used outside of formal situations.
Also, notice the word "solemnly" before "swear/affirm." "Solemn" is an adjective that means "formal and respectful." In other words, the person taking the oath is making a promise with respect and care.
"... that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same…"
"Allegiance" is a noun that means "loyalty" or "commitment." So swearing your allegiance to a group (such as a country, government or political party) means promising to be loyal to it. "Allegiance" is not common in everyday English.
"I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion"
"Obligation" is a noun for something that someone must do. For example, politicians who take this oath have an obligation to support and defend the country — they have to do it.
- As a parent, I have an obligation to keep my child safe, healthy and happy.
- A teacher's obligation is to help every student do the best they can.
You can be "under" (or "not under") an obligation.
- We didn't sign a contract, so we are under no obligation to work with you.
Notice that the oath says, "I take this obligation freely." This means the speaker is choosing to accept the large responsibility of the job.
"... without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion"
We use "reservation" to talk about plans we make in advance to go to places like restaurants and hotels.
- I made a reservation for us at an Italian restaurant downtown.
However, it also has another meaning: "doubt." If you "have a reservation" about something, it means you are not certain about it.
- Everyone else on the team has agreed to the plan, but I still have reservations about it.
- I was right to have reservations about buying this used car; it's a piece of junk!
"Evasion" is the noun form of the verb "evade," which means "to escape or avoid someone or something."
In the oath, the speaker promises that they will not try to avoid their presidential responsibilities. This word isn't very common in daily conversations, but you may hear or read it in the news.
- The criminal was finally caught after evading the police for months.
After the vice-president is sworn in, the president-elect is next. This is the oath that he or she repeats:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."
As you can see, this oath isn't much different than the one we explained above; the major difference is that it specifically mentions the position: POTUS (President of the United States)!
More Vocabulary for Inauguration Day
Inauguration
"Inauguration" is the noun form of the verb "inaugurate," which means "to hold a formal ceremony to mark the beginning of a leader's term in office."
The adverb form, "inaugural," is more common in daily conversations; it means "the first."
- Jess won our school's inaugural talent show.
Address
After being sworn in, the president will make an inaugural address to the nation. This "address," however, is not the same address that refers to the location of a home or business.
As a verb, "address" can mean "to speak to a person or group."
- You should use polite language when addressing high-ranking members of the company.
In the noun form, "address" is "a formal speech delivered by an official."
- The program will begin with a brief address from the school principal.
Cabinet
You probably have some cabinets in your kitchen; this is where you keep things like plates and glasses. The president also has a "cabinet," but this meaning is different — it's the group of high-level officials who will help him or her control the government.
- After winning the election, everyone is wondering who the president-elect will choose for his cabinet.
Transition
"Transition" is both a noun and a verb that refers to changing from one state or condition to another.
- Inauguration Day is intended to display a peaceful and democratic transition of power between leaders.
It can be used in a variety of other situations as well.
- Over the years, music fans have transitioned from buying records and CDs to streaming their favorite songs. [verb]
- The company will begin the transition to its new overseas headquarters next year. [noun]
Wrap-Up
We hope this article has prepared you to watch, read about and discuss the US presidential inauguration. Is there a similar event in your own country? Why not book a lesson with an Engoo tutor and have a chat about it?
If you'd like to learn more English for American politics, we recommend the following articles:
