gave a word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave a word" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of providing someone with a promise, assurance, or a specific piece of information. Example: "He gave a word that he would help us with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Would Kazan give a word of apology?

The Guardian - Film

"I cannot give a word for what's happened".

The New York Times

Those fit together to give a word that matches the definition.

The Guardian

It is understood that the officer involved has been given a "word of advice" but will not face disciplinary action.

The Guardian

Palmer was one of the few men to have given a word new meaning in golf's lexicon.

The Guardian - Sport

In other words, it is the user's intent that gives a word meaning.For Tottenham fans, Yid became an expression of unity with a targeted minority group.

The Economist

Then participants were given a word puzzle and told they could nibble from bowls of potato chips, chocolates, grapes and cherry tomatoes.

The New York Times

"Sometimes I just have to gesture to you, or move you, and I just give a word here or there to direct you," he explained.

The New York Times - Arts

Given a word sequence s ̄, denote the t-th word as w t.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

You are given a word that you need to describe to your opponent — say "roses".

TechCrunch

Given a word or a string of text, PMs can be determined quite accurately with an automatic segmentation tool [13].

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gave a word" when you want to convey a sense of personal assurance or commitment. It's often more impactful than simply saying someone provided information.

Common error

Avoid using "gave a word" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise terms like "provided confirmation" or "issued a guarantee" for clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave a word" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the act of offering a promise, assurance, or piece of information. Although Ludwig provides contexts, it is important to consider the nuances of each situation when applying this phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gave a word" signifies the act of offering a promise, assurance, or piece of information with a personal commitment. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English, though examples are limited and the phrase is considered to be used in neutral to slightly informal contexts. While grammatically correct, its frequency is low and it is important to consider alternative phrases like "made a promise" or "offered an assurance" for greater clarity or formality. Therefore, it is best to use "gave a word" when conveying a sense of personal assurance and to avoid it in highly formal or technical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offered one's word

Focuses on the personal guarantee of honesty and reliability.

made a promise

Emphasizes the commitment aspect, focusing on the act of promising.

gave an undertaking

Emphasizes a formal promise or agreement to do something.

offered an assurance

Highlights the act of providing certainty or confidence.

provided confirmation

Focuses on supplying evidence or verification.

extended a guarantee

Stresses a formal commitment to fulfill a condition.

expressed commitment

Emphasizes the act of showing dedication or resolve.

pledged support

Focuses on a formal declaration of assistance or backing.

vowed secrecy

Highlights a solemn promise to keep something confidential.

swore an oath

Implies a formal and serious promise, often in a legal or religious context.

FAQs

What does "gave a word" mean?

The phrase "gave a word" typically signifies offering a promise, assurance, or a piece of information with sincerity and commitment. It suggests a personal guarantee or undertaking.

How can I use "gave a word" in a sentence?

Example: "He "gave a word" that he would help us with the project," indicating he promised to assist.

What can I say instead of "gave a word"?

You can use alternatives like "made a promise", "offered an assurance", or "provided confirmation" depending on the context.

Is "gave a word" formal or informal?

"Gave a word" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. For highly formal situations, consider alternatives like "issued a guarantee" or "extended a commitment".