I promise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I promise" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to make a commitment to do something, as in "I promise to be there on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I promise, thirteen.

The New Yorker

No, Ned, I promise.

The New Yorker

I promise I won't".

The New Yorker

I promise it.

The New York Times - Sports

"I promise... ndakwijeje".

The New Yorker

"O.K., I promise.

The New Yorker

"Honestly, I promise you".

The New Yorker

I promise you".

The New York Times

I promise that".

Independent

"I promise, it's nothing".

The New Yorker

I promise to ask.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I promise" when you are fully committed to fulfilling the stated action or outcome. Ensure you have the means and intention to follow through.

Common error

Avoid using "I promise" casually for trivial matters. Overusing it can diminish its impact and credibility when making important commitments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I promise" functions as a performative utterance, where the act of saying it constitutes the making of a promise. It is used to commit oneself to a future action or outcome. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

6%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I promise" is a versatile and frequently used phrase to express commitment and assurance. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts, from casual conversations to professional communications, although it's most common in news and media. While it's generally acceptable, be mindful of overusing it and consider more formal alternatives like "I assure you" in certain settings. Always ensure you're able to fulfill the commitment when using this phrase to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I guarantee it

Substitutes "promise" with "guarantee", suggesting a firm commitment.

I swear it

Uses "swear" for a more emphatic, sometimes solemn promise.

I give you my word

Replaces "promise" with "word", emphasizing sincerity.

I can assure you

Adds "can" to emphasize ability to fulfill the promise.

I pledge

Substitutes "promise" with "pledge", a formal commitment.

I vow

Employs "vow" for a serious and resolute promise.

You have my assurance

Uses a more formal noun, "assurance", instead of the verb "promise".

Rest assured

Offers comfort and reassurance that something will be done.

Take my word for it

Asks the listener to trust the speaker's statement.

I give you my solemn oath

Conveys a very serious and unbreakable promise.

FAQs

How can I use "I promise" in a sentence?

Use "I promise" to express a firm commitment or assurance. For example, "I promise I'll be there on time", or "I promise to keep your secret safe".

What can I say instead of "I promise"?

You can use alternatives like "I guarantee it", "I give you my word", or "I assure you" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "I promise" in formal writing?

While generally suitable for most contexts, in highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "I assure you" or "You have my assurance" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "I promise" and "I swear"?

"I promise" indicates a straightforward commitment, while "I swear" suggests a more solemn or emphatic declaration, sometimes implying a higher level of obligation or truthfulness.