a firm pledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a firm pledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong commitment or promise to do something. Example: "The organization made a firm pledge to support environmental sustainability initiatives in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"I can make a firm pledge," Mr. Obama said in September 2008.

The New York Times

"The Lib Dems talk about compromise, but this was more than just one more policy – it was a firm pledge.

The Guardian

Campaigners say that with an election likely next spring and the forthcoming G8 presidency, there might never be a better time to make a firm pledge.

The Guardian - Business

MOSCOW (Reuters) — Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of Israel apparently failed to win a firm pledge on Tuesday that Moscow would halt advanced weapons sales to Israel's enemies.

The New York Times

There is widespread anticipation that Osborne will back up his words with a firm pledge of money in December's autumn statement.

The Guardian

The new government of former rebels pledged to institute a new system of ethnic self-government that celebrated ethnic diversity with a firm pledge to guarantee basic human rights.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Joseph Slater, a labor professor at the University of Toledo College of Law, said employers generally agree to keep unions updated about the financial health of the company, and the labor leaders could have a case if a firm pledged to funnel tax-cut savings to its workers.

The Washington Post

O'Rouke received a standing ovation at the screening of "Running With Beto" and addressed the historic nature of his campaign, but he failed to nail down any firm pledges on 2020.

HuffPost

In rolling out four funds earlier this month, Forward Funds, a San Francisco firm, pledged only that expenses would never be more than the average of all funds in its peer group.

The New York Times

The new Labour signing has made an immediate impact with a tough question on how the Tory "firm pledge" on immigration was downgraded to an "aim".

The Guardian

Public spending on science and innovation has fallen even faster than feared, despite a firm government pledge to protect spending in this area.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a firm pledge" when you want to emphasize the strength and reliability of a promise or commitment. It conveys a sense of seriousness and dependability.

Common error

While "a firm pledge" is a strong expression, avoid using it in overly casual conversations or informal writing where it might sound too formal or stiff. Opt for simpler phrases like "I promise" or "I guarantee" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a firm pledge" is to act as a noun phrase. It typically functions as the object of a verb (e.g., "make a pledge") or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI confirms its use in expressing strong commitments.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Formal & Business

17%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a firm pledge" is a noun phrase used to convey a strong and reliable commitment. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and is often used in news, business, and academic contexts to express a serious intention. While it's appropriate for formal settings, it's essential to consider the context to avoid sounding overly stiff in casual conversations. Alternatives like ""a solid commitment"" or ""a binding promise"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solid commitment

Emphasizes the dependability and strength of the commitment.

a solemn vow

Suggests a more formal and serious promise, often with moral or ethical implications.

a binding promise

Highlights the legal or contractual aspect of the commitment, making it enforceable.

an unwavering guarantee

Implies a steadfast and unchangeable assurance.

a steadfast assurance

Indicates a reliable and dependable guarantee.

a definite undertaking

Highlights the commitment to initiate and complete a task or project.

a resolute agreement

Focuses on the determined nature of the agreement.

a sworn oath

Implies a very serious and formal promise, often made in a legal or official setting.

a guaranteed word

Emphasizes the reliability of the promise.

a certain assurance

Highlights the confidence and certainty behind the promise.

FAQs

How can I use "a firm pledge" in a sentence?

You can use "a firm pledge" to express a strong commitment. For example: "The government made "a firm pledge" to reduce carbon emissions."

What are some alternatives to "a firm pledge"?

Alternatives include "a solid commitment", "a solemn vow", or "a binding promise", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a firm pledge" or "a strong promise"?

"A firm pledge" and "a strong promise" are similar, but "a firm pledge" often implies a more formal and serious commitment. The best choice depends on the specific context and the tone you want to convey.

What distinguishes "a firm pledge" from "a general promise"?

"A firm pledge" suggests a definite and reliable commitment, whereas "a general promise" may be less specific and carry less weight. A firm pledge is more likely to be upheld and acted upon.