a major pledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major pledge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant commitment or promise made by an individual or organization. Example: "The company made a major pledge to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% over the next decade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Abolishing the controversial overtime working law was a major pledge in François Hollande's successful presidential campaign.

The Guardian

Word that the Juilliard School had lost financing for a prized musical training program for black and Latino children has brought forth numerous offers of help, including a major pledge from the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation of Los Angeles, school and foundation officials said on Friday.

The New York Times - Arts

A major pledge of the Trump Administration was cutting red tape and boosting America's infrastructure.

Forbes

Support for development goals At a news conference earlier in the day, the Government of Norway unveiled a major pledge to reduce maternal and child deaths.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

However, there is no expectation of any major pledges of cash at Tuesday's meeting.

BBC

Not only did Target pledge $20 million to install gender-neutral restrooms in stores across the country, but it did so despite facing a major boycott pledge from the American Family Association signed by over 1.4 million consumers.

Huffington Post

The struggle to get a major manifesto pledge through Westminster contrasts markedly with the experience in Scotland, where a comprehensive new act has changed the face of housing.

The Guardian

This week's money is the first part of a major $50bn pledge made by SoftBank's chief executive Masayoshi Son to invest in US businesses.

The Guardian

Nick Watt's analysis: With the NHS regularly listed as the main concern among voters the Tories know they must close the gap, or at least neutralise, Labour's lead by offering a major funding pledge Lift the cap on university places.

The Guardian

Indeed, said LACMA board President Weisman, he wouldn't expect a donor to commit a major capital pledge to paper until "you've priced things.

Los Angeles Times

I also can't remember the last time I heard a politician transparently muse about backing down from a major campaign pledge by citing his own popularity as the reason.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major pledge", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being pledged and the expected outcome. Specificity enhances the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a major pledge" for minor commitments. Reserve it for promises with substantial impact or resources involved to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major pledge" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a significant promise or commitment, often made publicly or formally, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major pledge" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant promise or commitment. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, including news, formal business, and academia. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, when used, it emphasizes the importance and scale of the promise being made. Remember to reserve "a major pledge" for substantial commitments to avoid overstating the significance of less impactful promises.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant promise

Replaces 'pledge' with 'promise', maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning, but subtly alters the nuance.

a substantial commitment

Substitutes 'pledge' with 'commitment', emphasizing dedication and responsibility rather than a verbal promise.

a firm undertaking

Uses 'undertaking' to highlight the act of committing to something, adding a slightly more formal tone.

a solemn vow

Implies a more serious and binding promise, often associated with oaths or declarations.

a considerable guarantee

Focuses on the assurance aspect of the pledge, suggesting a level of certainty.

a key assurance

Highlights the importance of the pledge, emphasizing its role as a guarantee.

a vital agreement

Shifts the focus to the agreement aspect of the pledge, suggesting a mutual understanding.

a large-scale guarantee

Replaces "major" with a more explicit definition that focuses on size and scope

a hefty promise

Replaces "major" with a more explicit definition that focuses on substance

a serious proposition

Emphasizes the gravity of the commitment, implying a deliberate and thoughtful promise.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major pledge" to describe a significant promise or commitment made by an individual or organization. For instance, "The government made "a major pledge" to reduce carbon emissions." Make sure that the context implies a formal commitment.

What are some alternatives to "a major pledge"?

You can use alternatives such as "a significant promise", "a substantial commitment", or "a firm undertaking" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a major pledge" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a major pledge" carries a level of formality. In informal writing, consider using simpler terms like "a big promise" or "a serious commitment" for better tone.

What distinguishes "a major pledge" from a simple promise?

"A major pledge" implies a promise of significant scale, scope, or importance. A simple promise might be a personal commitment, while ""a major pledge"" typically involves broader implications and more substantial resources or effort.