be given a promise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be given a promise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of receiving a commitment or assurance from someone. Example: "In order to feel secure in this partnership, I need to be given a promise that our interests will be protected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We discussed it and Gorbachev was given a promise, though it was not registered anywhere.

The New York Times

Cohen made clear to the reporters that he would provide the information only if he was given a promise of confidentiality.

Cornell University

In fact, most of his characters seem resentful of their good looks, as though they had been given a promise never fulfilled.

The New York Times

The second episode of "Blue Mountain State," a comedy about a college football team, featured a plotline in which the star running back, who had been given a promise ring by his girlfriend, loses it in a strip club.

The New York Times - Arts

To be sure, the audience is given a promise that the marriages will ultimately take place, after the gentlemen have had a year to think about themselves and come to maturity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The first part is probably true: The Saudis helped to finance Pakistan's nuclear weapons programme and believe that they were given a promise that the weapons would be used to defend the Saudi kingdom if need be.

The Guardian

The senator cited a settlement in a suit against the maker of Bridgestone and Firestone tires, in which the lead plaintiffs received $2,500 while others were given a promise that the manufacturer would make safer tires and initiate a safety program.

The New York Times

If they know they're part of a team trying to achieve objectives, they'll be more likely to succeed than if they're given a promise of money.

BBC

If you are giving a promise ring as a sign of friendship, or to someone you've only recently been dating, pick something simple and inexpensive.

WikiHow

The odds of the UK voting to leave the EU have been lengthened amid growing pressure for 16- and 17-year-olds to be given a say in a promised referendum.

Independent

About a third of the subjects were told they'd be given a small bonus, another third were promised a medium-level bonus, and the last third could earn a high bonus.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be given a promise" when emphasizing the act of receiving an assurance, especially when the source of the promise is important or noteworthy. For example, "The community was given a promise by the mayor to improve local infrastructure."

Common error

Avoid using "be given a promise" when the focus is on the action of promising rather than the receipt of the promise. For example, instead of "The company was given a promise by the CEO", it's clearer to say "The CEO promised the company".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be given a promise" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something is the recipient of an assurance or commitment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and found in diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be given a promise" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to describe the receipt of an assurance or commitment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and although its frequency is relatively low, it appears in various contexts, especially News & Media, Academia and Science. When writing, it's important to focus on the act of receiving rather than giving the promise, and to avoid the passive voice if the emphasis should be on the promisor. The alternatives, such as "receive a guarantee" or "be assured of a commitment", can offer more formal or informal options depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive a guarantee

Focuses on receiving a formal assurance, often legally binding.

be assured of a commitment

Highlights the feeling of confidence gained from the commitment.

be granted an assurance

Suggests a formal or official granting of an assurance.

be offered a pledge

Emphasizes the voluntary nature of the promise.

be promised a vow

Suggests a solemn promise or oath.

be given an undertaking

Implies a formal agreement or responsibility.

be given an avowal

Focuses on open declaration or affirmation of commitment.

have a guarantee extended

Focuses on the fact that a pre-existing guarantee has been prolonged

be given surety of something

Indicates assurance of something happening or being true.

be given an oath

Suggests that a person or entity has officially been administered a formal and solemn promise.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be given a promise" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "receive a guarantee" or "be granted an assurance", which suggest a formal or official undertaking.

What are some less formal alternatives to "be given a promise"?

Less formal options include "be assured of a commitment" or "be offered a pledge", which convey a sense of personal assurance or voluntary commitment.

In what situations is it best to use the passive voice construction "be given a promise"?

The passive voice is effective when the receiver of the promise is more important than the giver, or when the giver is unknown or unimportant. For instance, "The refugees were given a promise of safe passage" emphasizes the refugees' situation.

Is there a difference in meaning between "be given a promise" and "make a promise"?

Yes, "be given a promise" focuses on the act of receiving an assurance, while "make a promise" emphasizes the act of giving the assurance. They represent opposite sides of the same interaction.