ask for the pledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for the pledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting someone to make a commitment or promise, often in contexts related to agreements or support. Example: "During the meeting, we will ask for the pledge from all members to support the new initiative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I was afraid to ask for the pledge money.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

John Winn of the Community Awareness Program, a watchdog group that asked for the pledges, said vote-buying had been a political tradition in Louisiana and in Abbeville for decades.

The New York Times

On Wednesday, Fire Chief Daryl Osby, who asked for the investigation, pledged to overhaul hiring procedures as a measure against nepotism and cheating.

Los Angeles Times

"We are asking for that pledge and hope people take it seriously," he said.

The New York Times

Did the president or any representative ask for a pledge of loyalty, a promise not to embarrass him or any such other phrase that might convey he wanted something in return for the nomination?

The Washington Post

Justice Scalia, in his dissent, said that the government had every right to ask for a pledge — that it was no more intrusive than a decision not to turn over tax money to shady characters like Hamas or "cigar aficionados".

The New Yorker

While it's probably true that Mayer didn't ask for a pledge expecting Airey, Savitt, and Reses to depart, we disagree that the pledge "backfired". Managers and employees have to build relationships based on trust and clear expectations, especially when an organization is going through significant changes.

Harvard Business Review

Instead of charging an entry fee to an event, say, ask for a pledge instead.

The Guardian

Some fundraising pitches ask for specific pledges to cover the cost of a weapon, for example, or to finance an operation.

The Washington Post

He went to Davos to reveal his plan and asked for the globe's leaders to pledge more money.

HuffPost

That was before George Papandreou, the Greek prime minister, bowed to the inevitable on April 23rd and asked for the €30 billion ($40 billion) loan pledged by Greece's euro-zone partners, of which Germany's share is about €8 billion.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In political discourse, using "ask for the pledge" can emphasize accountability and commitment from candidates or parties regarding specific policy issues.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying what kind of pledge is being requested (e.g., financial, loyalty, action) to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for the pledge" functions as a verb phrase. It typically introduces a request for a commitment or promise, often with the expectation of future action or support. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ask for the pledge" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to solicit a commitment or promise. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to academic discussions. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, specifying the type of pledge helps ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings. Exploring alternatives like "request the promise" or "solicit a commitment" can provide nuanced options for expressing the request.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Request the promise

Uses a more formal verb and noun, emphasizing the act of formally requesting something promised.

Solicit a commitment

Employs a more formal verb and a noun suggesting a binding agreement.

Seek an assurance

Focuses on obtaining a guarantee or certainty about future actions.

Appeal for a vow

Uses a verb implying an emotional request for a solemn promise.

Invite a pledge

Replaces "ask" with "invite," suggesting a more welcoming and less demanding approach.

Call for commitment

Emphasizes the need for a dedication or engagement from the person

Seek a guarantee

Focuses on obtaining a formal promise for future actions.

Enlist a promise

Implies action taken to formally get a promise from someone

Secure a commitment

Focuses on the act of safely getting a commitment.

Obtain a vow

Stresses the act of formally getting a solemn promise.

FAQs

What does it mean to "ask for the pledge"?

To "ask for the pledge" means to request a commitment or promise from someone, often in the context of soliciting support, donations, or agreement to a specific cause or action.

What can I say instead of "ask for the pledge"?

You can use alternatives like "request the promise", "solicit a commitment", or "seek an assurance" depending on the context.

How do I use "ask for the pledge" in a sentence?

You can use "ask for the pledge" in a sentence like, "The organization will ask for the pledge from its members to support the new initiative."

What's the difference between "ask for the pledge" and "demand the pledge"?

"Ask for the pledge" implies a request, while "demand the pledge" suggests a forceful or authoritative insistence on receiving the commitment.