break a promise

USAGE SUMMARY

"break a promise" is a correct and common phrase in written English.
It means to fail to keep a promise or to not fulfill a promise that was made. Example: "He promised to never leave me, but he ultimately broke that promise when he moved away for a job opportunity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Similarly, if a promise to do an act is an attempt to make an audience believe that the promiser will do the act, then to break a promise is for a promiser to make false a belief that the promiser created.

SEP

It is always politically risky to break a promise.

The Guardian - Opinion

MR. KING: Senator McCain, did you break a promise?

The New York Times

Would that break a promise to those who risked their lives for the country?

The New York Times

"But we also understand that sometimes circumstances change and that it's O.K. to break a promise.

The New York Times

She knew that Kino wasn't the type of person to break a promise.

The New Yorker

He didn't change his "position," but he did break a promise.

The New Yorker

"They know that they can't be seen to break a promise so that's why they're pretending they didn't break a promise," Weatherill said.

The Guardian

Clegg would not be the first party leader to break a promise of this kind.

The Guardian

Did you break a promise to arrange credit insurance for BHS?

The Guardian - Business

And three, the most revealing: Chris doesn't like to break a promise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "break a promise" to describe situations where a previously made commitment is not fulfilled. Ensure the context clearly indicates who made the promise and to whom.

Common error

Avoid using "break a promise" when the 'promise' was more of an aspiration or intention rather than a firm commitment. The term is most appropriate when there was a clear and explicit agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break a promise" functions as a verb phrase where "break" is the verb and "promise" is the direct object. It describes the action of violating or failing to uphold an agreement. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and common in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

14%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break a promise" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of failing to fulfill a commitment. Ludwig highlights its prevalence in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about who made the promise and to whom. Alternatives like "go back on your word" or "fail to honor a commitment" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember that consistently keeping promises builds trust, while repeatedly breaking them erodes it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go back on your word

Implies reneging on a verbal commitment; focuses on the personal aspect of not keeping one's word.

fail to honor a commitment

Highlights the failure to fulfill a pledge or obligation.

renege on an agreement

Suggests a more formal or legal context where an agreement is violated.

violate an undertaking

Conveys a sense of formally breaching an obligation or duty.

default on a pledge

Emphasizes the failure to fulfill a solemn promise or assurance.

not deliver on assurances

Highlights the failure to provide something that was guaranteed.

act in bad faith

Indicates a deliberate intention to deceive or mislead by not fulfilling a promise.

be disloyal

Focuses on breaking trust and fidelity, often implying a betrayal of a promise.

betray a trust

Implies a violation of confidence and reliance placed in someone.

prove false

Suggests a promise turning out to be unreliable or untrue.

FAQs

What does it mean to "break a promise"?

To "break a promise" means to fail to do something that you said you would definitely do. It implies a lack of reliability and can damage trust.

What can I say instead of "break a promise"?

You can use alternatives like "go back on your word", "fail to honor a commitment", or "renege on an agreement" depending on the context.

Is "break a promise" formal or informal language?

"Break a promise" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and the situation.

How can I avoid having to "break a promise"?

Before making a promise, carefully consider whether you can realistically fulfill it. Avoid making commitments you are unsure about, and be honest about your limitations.