a pledge to keep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pledge to keep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a commitment or promise that one intends to uphold or maintain. Example: "The organization made a pledge to keep the environment clean and sustainable for future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

He also has a pledge to keep.

The Economist

But he declined to respond to questions, maintaining a pledge to keep silent until December.

The New York Times

During the campaign, Mr Toledo signed a pledge to keep the city's electricity firm in state hands.

The Economist

Then there is Mr. Gomez's refusal to sign a pledge to keep undisclosed outside money out of the race.

The New York Times

Analysts are focused on the bank's ability to pay dividends after it abandoned a pledge to keep increasing the payouts.

The Guardian - Business

A central bank could not credibly commit itself to a 4% inflation target having broken a pledge to keep inflation close to 2%.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

After nine years of Dianne Feinstein's moderate politics, Art Agnos, a liberal former social worker, became this city's 39th mayor Friday with a Populist pledge to keep it from becoming an enclave for the rich.

Los Angeles Times

By this time I'd made a firm pledge to keep money out of the relationship -- a promise I've kept to this day.

HuffPost

Assad's largely successful efforts have come despite a 2017 cease-fire deal, signed by the United States and Russia, that included a Russian pledge to keep the Iranians at least 50 miles away from the area.

The Washington Post

FirstGroup has made a heroic pledge to keep increasing annual revenue by more than 10%.

The Economist

While Mr. Boehner scrambled to unify his party, Mr. Obama faced unrest as well from liberals who said he had broken a campaign pledge to keep Social Security out of the deficit-reduction talks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a pledge to keep", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being kept. Specificity strengthens the commitment and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a pledge to keep" for trivial matters. Reserve it for significant commitments to maintain the seriousness and impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pledge to keep" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a commitment or promise to maintain a specific condition or action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pledge to keep" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a firm commitment to maintain something. Ludwig AI validates its wide use across various news and formal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what is being kept, and reserve it for significant promises to maintain its impact. While alternatives like "a commitment to uphold" or "a promise to fulfill" exist, "a pledge to keep" often carries a slightly more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a commitment to uphold

Replaces "pledge" with "commitment" and "keep" with "uphold", emphasizing a dedication to maintain something.

a promise to fulfill

Substitutes "pledge" with "promise" and "keep" with "fulfill", emphasizing the completion of the commitment.

an undertaking to maintain

Substitutes "pledge" with "undertaking" and "keep" with "maintain", highlighting a formal promise.

a vow to honor

Uses "vow" instead of "pledge" and "honor" in place of "keep", conveying a sense of deep commitment and respect.

a guarantee to preserve

Replaces "pledge" with "guarantee" and "keep" with "preserve", stressing the assurance of maintaining something in its original condition.

an assurance to safeguard

Employs "assurance" for "pledge" and "safeguard" for "keep", highlighting the protection aspect of the commitment.

a resolution to abide by

Uses "resolution" for "pledge" and "abide by" in place of "keep", conveying a firm decision to adhere to the commitment.

an agreement to adhere to

Replaces "pledge" with "agreement" and "keep" with "adhere to", stressing a mutual understanding and commitment.

an oath to observe

Employs "oath" for "pledge" and "observe" for "keep", conveying a formal and solemn promise.

a compact to respect

Substitutes "pledge" with "compact" and "keep" with "respect", emphasizing mutual consideration and maintenance.

FAQs

How can I use "a pledge to keep" in a sentence?

You can use "a pledge to keep" when you want to express a firm commitment or promise to maintain something, as in "The company made "a pledge to keep" its environmental impact to a minimum".

What are some alternatives to "a pledge to keep"?

Alternatives to "a pledge to keep" include "a commitment to uphold", "an undertaking to maintain", or "a promise to fulfill".

Is there a difference between "a pledge to keep" and "a promise to keep"?

While "a pledge" and "a promise" are similar, "a pledge to keep" often implies a more formal or public commitment than "a promise to keep". The nuance depends on context.

When is it appropriate to use "a pledge to keep"?

It's appropriate to use "a pledge to keep" when emphasizing a formal or solemn commitment to maintain or preserve something, especially in contexts involving ethics, promises or preservation efforts.