an explicit promise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an explicit promise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a clear and definite commitment made by someone. Example: "The contract includes an explicit promise to deliver the goods by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Gove also made an explicit promise to reduce immigration.

The Guardian - Opinion

By the end of the movie, the filmmakers' aestheticism turns into an explicit promise of renewal.

The New Yorker

President Obama campaigned for office on an explicit promise to rein in these abuses.

The New York Times

And without an explicit promise to disband, is the war truly over?

The Guardian

Mr. Bush hinted in September that there might be more reductions to come, although he has never made an explicit promise.

The New York Times

In his behavior, he not only jeopardized his party but betrayed some people who had joined his campaign only after extracting from him an explicit promise that this time he wouldn't fool around.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Khánh said he would relinquish power and return to a purely military rule in two months time, but reneged on an earlier explicit promise to guarantee a purely civilian government, simply stating that the new regime would be one "that has the confidence of the entire people".

Wikipedia

To what other cause, than a full conviction, of the moral evil in this practice, together with some fearful forebodings of punishment therefor arising in the minds of the Congress in the year 1774, can it be imputed, that drew from them at that time, (at least an implied) confession of guilt, and a solemn, explicit promise of reformation?

University of Chicago

Before a European Union summit meeting in Brussels last month on the Greek crisis, President Nicolas Sarkozy of France was reportedly in a rage, unable to push Mrs. Merkel toward a more explicit promise of help for Greece.

The New York Times

Egypt's share will now shrink to two-fifths of Israel's, leaving aside what the Israeli prime minister, Ehud Olmert, describes as a "detailed and explicit" promise to maintain the qualitative edge in military technology that Israel has traditionally held over Arab neighbours.

The Economist

If I vote for a party on the explicit promise that they will shrink the state, cut taxes and step aside, at the crucial moment when I need help, I will be faced with a state which lacks the size, resources and co-ordination to do anything meaningful, let alone prevent the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an explicit promise", ensure the context clearly defines the specifics of the promise to avoid ambiguity. For instance, state exactly what is being promised and under what conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "an explicit promise" when a simple 'promise' suffices. The term 'explicit' should be reserved for situations where the promise's clarity is particularly important, and should not be utilized as a generic qualifier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an explicit promise" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase denotes a clear and definite commitment. The examples show its use in political and legal contexts, indicating a binding agreement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an explicit promise" is a commonly used phrase to denote a clear and definite commitment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It often appears in news, encyclopedias, and wiki articles, indicating its relevance in conveying precise agreements and assurances. When using this phrase, ensuring the context clearly defines the promise is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as “a clear commitment” or “a definite assurance” may be used depending on the nuance desired. Despite the neutral tone, this phrase serves an important function, emphasizing the unambiguous nature of a commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a clear commitment

Focuses on the clarity of the commitment rather than the openness.

a definite assurance

Highlights the certainty and reliability of the assurance.

an express undertaking

Emphasizes the formal and deliberate nature of the commitment.

a specific guarantee

Highlights the protective aspect of the commitment, ensuring a certain outcome.

a stated pledge

Focuses on the declaration or announcement of the commitment.

a firm vow

Implies a solemn and unwavering commitment.

an unequivocal agreement

Stresses the absence of ambiguity or doubt in the agreement.

a direct affirmation

Emphasizes the straightforward and unambiguous nature of the confirmation.

a formal declaration

Highlights the official and structured nature of the promise.

a solemn word

Implies a serious and binding promise.

FAQs

How can I use "an explicit promise" in a sentence?

You can use "an explicit promise" to emphasize that a commitment is clearly stated and leaves no room for misinterpretation. For example, "The contract contained "an explicit promise" of a full refund if the product failed."

What's a good alternative to "an explicit promise"?

Alternatives include "a clear commitment", "a definite assurance", or "an express undertaking". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "an explicit promise" and "an implicit promise"?

"An explicit promise" is clearly stated, while an implicit promise is implied or understood without being directly expressed. For example, there was "an explicit promise" of continued support, whereas an implicit promise could be inferred from their actions.

When is it appropriate to use the term "explicit" in relation to a promise?

Use "explicit" when you want to stress the unambiguous and clearly defined nature of the commitment. It's useful when the promise's details are important or when there's a need to differentiate it from vaguer commitments. It is more appropriate to use the term if there was doubt about the commitment that has now been resolved by "an explicit promise".