empty promise

USAGE SUMMARY

"empty promise" is a phrase that can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a pledge or a commitment that somebody made but did not keep. For example, "He made an empty promise to clean up his room but never did."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's an empty promise".

The New York Times

"Therefore, it's an empty promise.

The New York Times

An empty promise of homecoming.

The New York Times

This could be an empty promise.

The New York Times

It's just an empty promise," she said.

The Guardian

That empty promise invites unending violence.

The New York Times

"Otherwise it is just an empty promise".

The Guardian

The treaties are now seen as this very empty promise.

The New York Times

It turned out to be an empty promise.

The New York Times

But security all too often remains an empty promise.

MIT Technology Review

Celebrity power without staying power is an empty promise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "empty promise", clearly state the specific promise that was broken and the consequences of its failure to materialize. This adds weight and clarity to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "empty promise" excessively in highly emotional or biased contexts. While the phrase is valid, overuse can weaken your argument and make your writing seem less objective. Instead, vary your language and provide specific examples to support your claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "empty promise" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a pledge or commitment that lacks substance or will not be fulfilled. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "empty promise" is a frequently used noun phrase that describes a pledge or commitment that is unlikely to be fulfilled. As Ludwig AI confirms, it often carries a negative connotation, implying deception or a lack of trustworthiness. It commonly appears in News & Media, but it fits formal contexts as well. When using this phrase, ensure you specify the broken promise and its consequences, avoiding overuse in highly emotional contexts. Alternatives include "hollow vow", "false hope", and "broken pledge". By understanding its nuances and common errors, you can effectively use "empty promise" to convey disappointment or criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfulfilled commitment

Underscores the failure to deliver on an expected action or result.

hollow vow

Emphasizes the insincerity and lack of substance behind the commitment.

unkept word

Highlights the failure to honor a verbal commitment.

broken pledge

Focuses on the violation of a formal agreement or commitment.

false hope

Highlights the misleading nature of the promise and the disappointment it leads to.

worthless assurance

Stresses the lack of value and reliability of the given guarantee.

sham guarantee

Emphasizes the fraudulent or deceptive nature of the supposed security.

meaningless declaration

Highlights the lack of genuine intent or impact behind the stated promise.

false pretense

Focuses on the deceptive nature of the promise, often used to mask ulterior motives.

pie in the sky

Suggests an unrealistic or unattainable promise.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "empty promise" in a sentence?

To effectively use "empty promise", ensure you clearly identify who made the promise and what makes it "empty". For instance, "The politician's pledge to lower taxes turned out to be an "empty promise" when the budget revealed increased levies".

What are some alternatives to "empty promise"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "hollow vow", "false hope", or "broken pledge" instead of "empty promise".

Is it always negative to describe something as an "empty promise"?

Yes, describing something as an "empty promise" carries a negative connotation, as it implies deception or a failure to fulfill a commitment. It suggests that the promise was either insincere from the start or impossible to keep.

What's the difference between an "empty promise" and a "misleading statement"?

An "empty promise" specifically refers to a commitment that is not kept, while a "misleading statement" involves providing inaccurate information. While an "empty promise" can be based on misleading statements, the core issue is the failure to follow through.