I promise to return

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I promise to return' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when making a commitment or guarantee to do something in the future. Example: "I promise to return the book to the library on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I promise to return after a full recovery".

The Guardian - Music

"If, at any time, you are not 100percentt satisfied with all three steps to happiness, I promise to return you immediately to your present status".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I promised to return for the second round of shooting in March.

The New York Times

In that column I promised to return with an equally absurd Republican example.

The New York Times

We said our goodbyes and I promised to return after the show, with Kiki in tow.

The New Yorker

But my co-worker says that I promised to return it after 21 days — just like a physical book — and I must honor that promise.

The New York Times - Magazine

I promised to return it as soon as my copy arrives, or before he returns to Romania, where he's famous.

The New Yorker

"I ought to return John's gun" (since I promised to return it) and "I ought not to return John's gun" (since he is no longer in his right mind) do not entail "I can both return the gun and not return it".

SEP

I asked why, he said, "I promised to return the cart and I want to help.

Huffington Post

Apropos of which, I promised to return to our own experiment in the pursuit of perfection in the editorial process.

BMC Biology

The candidate was soon overwhelmed and had to promise to return with more chickens.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I promise to return", ensure you genuinely intend to fulfill the commitment, as it carries a strong connotation of reliability and personal integrity.

Common error

While generally acceptable, overuse of "I promise to return" can sound overly dramatic in casual conversations. Opt for less formal alternatives like "I'll be back" or "I'll come back later" in less serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I promise to return" serves as a performative utterance, where the act of saying the phrase constitutes the making of a promise. It is commonly used to offer assurance or a guarantee of future action, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I promise to return" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a firm commitment to come back. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While adaptable to various settings, it carries a tone of assurance and reliability. Its presence is strong in news, science, and wiki sources, marking it as a versatile expression suitable for both professional and casual contexts. When deploying it, remember that authenticity is key, as the phrase carries the weight of a sincere commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I guarantee I will come back

More emphatic, using "guarantee" to strengthen the promise.

I will definitely be back

Adds certainty and conviction to the statement.

I assure you I'll be back

Adds a sense of reassurance to the commitment.

I give you my word I will return

More formal and solemn, emphasizing personal integrity.

I pledge to be back

A formal and strong commitment, often used in serious contexts.

I fully intend to come back

Focuses on the speaker's intention, though less of a promise.

I am committed to returning

Highlights the speaker's dedication to the action.

You can count on my return

Shifts the focus to the listener's expectation and confidence.

I'm bound to return

Implies a sense of obligation or inevitability.

I'm planning to return

More informal; expresses an intention rather than a firm promise.

FAQs

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

You can use "I promise to return" to express a firm commitment to come back to a place, situation, or topic. For example, "I promise to return the book next week", or "I promise to return to this matter later".

What's a more formal way to say "I promise to return"?

A more formal alternative to "I promise to return" could be "I guarantee my return" or "I pledge to return". These alternatives convey a stronger sense of commitment and are suitable for formal settings.

Is it okay to use "I promise to return" in casual conversation?

Yes, it's generally acceptable, but be mindful of the context. In very informal settings, something like "I'll be back" might sound more natural.

What is the difference between "I promise to return" and "I'll be back"?

"I promise to return" is a more formal declaration of intent. "I'll be back" is a contraction of "I will be back" and is generally more casual. The promise conveys a higher level of commitment.