break your word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break your word" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a situation of someone who does not keep a promise or agreement that they had made. For example: "She had promised to help him, but in the end she broke her word."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It's easier to take the hard vote than it is to break your word".

The New Yorker

When you break your word and fail to protect prosperity, Ebenezer W. -- remember me".

The New York Times

When you're late for an appointment, you break your word and show that you're unreliable.

Forbes

Excuses Eduardo Sometimes you will break your word.

Huffington Post

If you break your word, that's not an honorable thing for a king to do.

HuffPost

If you break your word, be careful about focusing on the other person's upset feelings.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

A.... acttacttacttacttacttacttactta... Q. Genome, you need to break your words apart for a change and speak in complete sentences, O.K.? A. As this is my first appearance I will answer your questions if they are not too unintelligent.

The New York Times - Science

And then, if you don't do that, you are breaking your word.

The Washington Post

"You broke your word to us and that is a deeply lousy and immoral thing to have done," wrote Rudin.

The Guardian

The imperative to preserve the state, and with it the public good, could justify many deeds traditionally regarded as immoral, such as breaking your word.

The Guardian - Books

Trying and failing to do what you said you would isn't exactly "breaking your word," but you get the point.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Before making a promise, carefully consider whether you can realistically fulfill it to avoid having to "break your word" later.

Common error

When you "break your word", avoid focusing on external circumstances. Acknowledge the impact on the other person and take responsibility instead of making excuses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break your word" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of failing to honor a commitment or promise. Ludwig provides examples where it is used to describe individuals or entities not fulfilling their obligations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "break your word" is a common expression used to describe the act of not fulfilling a promise or agreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely understood. While the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. To avoid "break your word", ensure you can realistically deliver on your commitments. If you do find yourself in a position where you cannot honor an agreement, prioritize open communication and take responsibility for your actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fail to keep your promise

Replaces "break your word" with a more explicit description of not fulfilling a promise.

not honor your agreement

Expresses the idea of not fulfilling an agreement using simpler language.

go back on your word

Uses the phrasal verb "go back on" instead of "break", conveying a similar meaning of retracting a promise.

violate your commitment

Changes "word" to "commitment", emphasizing the act of not adhering to an agreement.

renege on your commitment

Replaces "break" with "renege", a more formal term for failing to honor an agreement.

fail to deliver on your promise

Adds the element of "delivering" on a promise, emphasizing the action required to fulfill it.

betray your commitment

Uses "betray" to highlight the negative impact of not keeping a promise.

be remiss in your commitment

This alternative emphasizes the negligence of not fulfilling a commitment.

act in bad faith

Focuses on the intention behind breaking a promise, suggesting dishonesty.

default on your pledge

Uses "default" to imply a failure to meet an obligation or commitment.

FAQs

What does it mean to "break your word"?

To "break your word" means to fail to keep a promise or agreement that you made with someone.

What can I say instead of "break your word"?

You can use alternatives like "fail to keep your promise", "go back on your word", or "violate your commitment" depending on the context.

Is it always bad to "break your word"?

While generally considered negative, there might be rare situations where unforeseen circumstances make it impossible or unethical to keep a promise. However, transparency and communication are key in such situations.

How can I avoid "breaking my word"?

Be realistic about your commitments. Only promise what you can confidently deliver, and communicate proactively if you anticipate difficulties in fulfilling a promise.