a pledge given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pledge given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a commitment or promise that has been made, often in formal or legal contexts. Example: "The contract was signed, and a pledge given to uphold the terms agreed upon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The alliance's soldiers were stopped two miles outside Kabul by commanders who appeared intent on keeping a pledge given to Washington that they would not enter the capital.

The New York Times

The militant group, in turn, is now under pressure as nations in West Africa have vowed to dislodge it by force from Mali, a pledge given preliminary approval by the United Nations Security Council last week.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

By the same token, Ms. Gillard was haunted during her rocky three-year tenure as leader by a simple pledge given during a television interview in the run-up to the 2010 election: "There will be no carbon tax under the government I lead".

The New York Times

The so-called Wilson Doctrine technically bans the tapping of UK MPs' and peers' telephones following a 1966 pledge given by Harold Wilson, then prime minister.

Independent

In one ad, O'Connor says he stands "against any cuts to Social Security and Medicare" — potentially an unrealistic pledge, given the burdens placed on old-age programs by the retirement of the baby-boom generation.

The Washington Post

His speech of eight years ago amounted to a pledge of allegiance to a United States of America a pledge given rare force by his eloquence, his poise and a sort of a post-racial self-confidence that promised to heal old divisions by rising loftily above them.Mr Obama in 2012 still carries a promise about him that race does not have to be the end of the argument, and that is no small thing at all.

The Economist

The SRP began as an election-time pledge given by unpopular authoritarian elites, who appropriated the SRP to garner votes in the underdeveloped Jeolla provinces in the southwest.

Ocean & Coastal Management

On Saturday, the Democrats removed any explicit mention of a "tax increase" from a draft of the pledge given to them by the county executive, Thomas S. Gulotta, Mr. Gulotta said.

The New York Times

But it will be a struggle to uphold that pledge, given the maddening nature of his opponents.

The New York Times

$40 and $50 pledges net funders a Kindle 3 or iPad case, with a $20 pledge giving you a $5 discount code that can be used later on.

TechCrunch

The minimum pledge is $3£1.9090), with a $15 pledge giving you access to a proof-of-concept application for the Mac, and pledges from $20 and up gaining you two years of Taper cloud service.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pledge given" when you want to emphasize the formal or official nature of a promise or commitment. It often implies that the promise was made in a deliberate or ceremonial manner.

Common error

Avoid using "a pledge given" in casual contexts. It is more appropriate for formal situations involving serious commitments or promises. Consider using simpler phrases like "a promise made" in informal scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a pledge given" is to act as a noun phrase functioning as a subject complement or part of a larger noun phrase. It describes a specific type of commitment. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pledge given" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the formality and seriousness of a commitment. Although Ludwig identifies it as correct, it is a relatively rare expression found primarily in news and scientific contexts. According to Ludwig AI, consider using simpler alternatives like "a promise made" in informal situations. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, and its usage often implies a deliberate and ceremonial making of the promise. Therefore, it is best suited for formal writing or speech involving significant commitments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a commitment made

Replaces "pledge" with "commitment" and "given" with "made" maintaining a similar level of formality.

a promise offered

Substitutes "pledge" with "promise" and "given" with "offered", slightly altering the nuance to an offering rather than a firm commitment.

a commitment undertaken

Simple rephrasing that focuses on the action of committing to something.

an assurance provided

Uses "assurance" in place of "pledge" and "provided" instead of "given", shifting the emphasis towards guaranteeing something.

a guarantee issued

Replaces "pledge" with "guarantee" and "given" with "issued", which suggests a more formal and official undertaking.

an undertaking presented

Uses "undertaking" instead of "pledge" and "presented" for "given", suggesting a formal agreement or project.

a vow declared

Replaces "pledge" with "vow" and "given" with "declared", implying a solemn and often public declaration.

a word of honor extended

Uses a more elaborate phrasing to emphasize the sincerity and personal investment in the commitment.

a solemn oath sworn

This alternative uses "oath" instead of "pledge" and "sworn" instead of "given", conveying a highly formal and binding promise.

a binding agreement established

Focuses on the legally enforceable aspect of the commitment, using more formal terminology.

FAQs

How is "a pledge given" different from "a promise made"?

"A pledge given" implies a more formal and solemn commitment compared to "a promise made", which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

What are some situations where I might use "a pledge given"?

You might use "a pledge given" when describing formal agreements, oaths of office, or significant commitments that carry a sense of duty or obligation.

Can I use "a pledge given" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a pledge given" is more suited for formal writing or speech. In everyday conversation, simpler phrases like "a promise made" or "a commitment given" are generally preferred.

What's a good alternative to "a pledge given" that still sounds formal?

Alternatives like "an assurance provided" or "a guarantee issued" can maintain a formal tone while varying your vocabulary.