having been promised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having been promised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a promise was made in the past and is relevant to the current situation or context. Example: "Having been promised a promotion, she worked diligently to prove her worth to the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

A Romanian artist, having been promised an exhibition, was abducted.

The New Yorker

We are kept waiting till the end, having been promised the only "proper" interview.

The Guardian - Sport

For his third album, Captain Beefheart signed to Frank Zappa's Straight label, having been promised complete artistic freedom.

The Guardian - Music

The ethnic Malay villagers gave their blessing to the scheme and say they are pleased with it, having been promised a small rent by the planters.

The Economist

It was his employer, the Ministry of Defence, that effectively leaked his name – after he came forward, having been promised anonymity – to his bosses.

The Guardian

He was shaking with anger as he told how he had moved to Portsmouth from the north-west of England having been promised a safe job.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

More redesigns have been promised.

The New York Times - Tech

Champagne and caviar have been promised.

The New York Times

Already, more sops have been promised next year.

The Economist

Officers coming forward have been promised anonymity.

The Economist

More powers and cash have been promised.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "having been promised" to clearly indicate that a past promise influences a current situation or decision, adding context and explaining motivations.

Common error

Avoid using "having been promised" when referring to ongoing promises. This phrase signifies a completed promise in the past that affects the present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having been promised" functions as a participial phrase, specifically a perfect passive participle. It modifies a noun or pronoun by providing background information about a prior assurance. This use is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase sets the stage for subsequent actions or states.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "having been promised" is a grammatically correct and commonly used participial phrase. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it effectively provides context by indicating a past promise that influences a present situation. Its use spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, Wiki, and Formal & Business settings, generally holding a neutral to formal tone. While versatile, it's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring that the promise is indeed completed and relevant to the ongoing narrative. Numerous reputable sources employ this phrase, solidifying its standing as a reliable element in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after being assured

Focuses on the assurance received, rather than the promise itself.

on the understanding that

Highlights the agreement or condition upon which an action was taken.

with the expectation of

Emphasizes the anticipation of a certain outcome based on a prior agreement.

as a result of a promise

Clearly indicates a cause-and-effect relationship stemming from a previous promise.

in receipt of a guarantee

Highlights the formal aspect of the promise as a guarantee.

based on the pledge of

Emphasizes the solemnity or commitment behind the promise.

given an assurance of

Focuses on the act of providing reassurance.

on the basis of a commitment

Stresses the binding nature of the promise.

after receiving assurances

Highlights the reception of multiple assurances.

being guaranteed beforehand

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of being guaranteed before something else happened.

FAQs

How can I use "having been promised" in a sentence?

Use "having been promised" to show that a past promise is influencing a current action or situation. For example, "Having been promised a bonus, she worked harder than ever".

What are some alternatives to "having been promised"?

Alternatives include "after being assured", "on the understanding that", or "with the expectation of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "having been promised"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Starting a sentence with "having been promised" creates a participial phrase that modifies the subject of the main clause.

What's the difference between "having been promised" and "after being promised"?

"Having been promised" emphasizes the state resulting from the promise, while "after being promised" emphasizes the sequence of events. The former is often used to provide context or justification, while the latter focuses on chronology.