avow

USAGE SUMMARY

"avow" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to express a strong declaration or acknowledgment of something, often in a formal context. Example: "She chose to avow her commitment to the cause." Alternative expressions include "declare" and "affirm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Neo-expressivists allow that these practices, while standard, admit of exceptions.[15]) The special role of avowals is not limited to public statements; one can avow "in thought" with the same authority involved in spontaneous verbal expressions (Bar-On 2004: 9; Finkelstein 2003: 103).

SEP

Activists avow that the party's communications are getting slicker.

The Economist

Someone trapped in a conservative cocoon, for whom "liberals" are scary monsters you only read about, would be more likely to regard them as representatives of the "true" liberal position, even if elected officials are too mealy-mouthed to openly avow it.

The Economist

It is self-interested, cynical and drawn up on the back of a fag packet, party figures avow, rightly pointing out that there had been no agreement to link new Scottish devolution to solving the English question.

The Economist

Those who failed to land a job were more likely to avow violence as a tool for political change.The figures are startling.

The Economist

But allies avow that she is becoming friendlier, and more nuanced in her views.

The Economist

This is now an unfashionable approach among economists, who have turned their attention from policies to "institutions": the social and political constraints that weigh on ministers, whatever policies they avow.

The Economist

Right or wrong, I assumed this ground, and now avow it.

The Economist

Collaborative economies, VoC scholars avow, derive their comparative advantages from an institutional eco-system that is greater than the sum of its parts.

The Economist

They avow that the generally older, male voters most drawn to UKIP are concerned about bread-and-butter issues rather than immigration per se.

The Economist

Though shadow ministers avow that they will stick to the government's spending plans, the party generally prefers to avoid the subject, instead calling for greater intervention in markets to boost living standards.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair it with abstract nouns like "belief", "intention", "faith" or "loyalty" to match its formal and high-register tone.

Common error

Do not use "avow" as a simple synonym for "say" or "tell" in everyday conversation. Using it to describe trivial statements (e.g., "He avowed he wanted a sandwich") can sound pompous or ironically dramatic rather than formal.

Linguistic Context

As a transitive verb, "avow" functions to introduce a direct object or a 'that' clause representing a belief or fact being declared. In Ludwig AI examples, it often appears in the infinitive form to describe an intention or a right to speak openly.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "avow" is a powerful verb that bridges the gap between private conviction and public statement. Ludwig AI examples illustrate that it is most effective when describing high-stakes declarations in politics, religion and ethics. Unlike synonyms such as "admit", which can imply guilt, "avow" carries an air of proud and honest disclosure. While it appears frequently in elite publications like The New York Times and The Economist, writers should use it sparingly in informal contexts to maintain its stylistic impact. It remains a crucial tool for any author looking to convey sincerity and bold transparency in formal prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declare

More general and less focused on the personal conviction or bold frankness than the original.

profess

Often implies a public declaration of a belief or feeling that may or may not be sincere.

affirm

Emphasizes the validity or truth of a statement rather than the act of confessing it.

acknowledge

Focuses on accepting the existence or truth of something rather than boldly stating it.

assert

Carries a stronger tone of confidence and authority but lacks the confessional nuance.

swear

Implies a more solemn or legalistic vow, often under oath.

maintain

Suggests a persistent adherence to a statement over time despite opposition.

proclaim

Suggests a loud, public or official announcement often to a large audience.

testify

Specific to providing evidence or a witness account, usually in a legal or religious setting.

admit

Often used when the information revealed is something the speaker was previously reluctant to share.

FAQs

How do I use "avow" in a sentence?

You can use it to show a bold statement of belief, such as: "The activists chose to "avow their support" for the new policy despite the controversy."

What is the difference between "avow" and "admit"?

While both involve revealing truth, "admit" often implies a level of reluctance or pressure, whereas "avow" suggests a proactive, bold and frank declaration.

What is a common synonym for "avow" in professional writing?

In professional contexts, you might use "declare" or "profess" depending on whether you want to emphasize the act of speaking or the belief itself.

Can I use "avow" and "affirm" interchangeably?

They are close, but "affirm" focuses more on the stability and truth of the fact, while "avow" focuses on the speaker's willingness to state it openly.