keep one's word

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep one's word" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when someone has promised or agreed to do something, and the speaker wants to emphasize that they expect the person to keep their promise. For example: "I know John said he'd help, but I need to be sure he'll keep his word."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Of course, to avoid this sort of circularity, the 'contract' invoked by contract theorists can't do its work by appealing to the fact that one has an obligation one to keep one's word in an agreement.

SEP

The curse, a wish to cause harm or misfortune, is usually directed against others, although an important form of curse, associated with oaths, contracts, and treaties, is conditionally directed against oneself, should one fail to keep one's word or tell the truth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's not only the beautiful who deserve not to be betrayed, and the duty to keep one's word isn't contingent upon how attractive one's spouse is.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Texts, in other words, offer more control — and the ability to keep one's feelings at a distance.

The New York Times - Books

We'll have to hire full-time moderators to keep one word out of the running".

TechCrunch

And the hard truth is that if the United States doesn't keep its word, no one else will.

The New York Times

Keep control on your words.

WikiHow

I keep my word.

The New York Times

I asked Nathan Redbone if the blessings were words best kept quietly in one's heart.

The New York Times - Travel

"There is only one thing that you can both keep and give: your word".

Huffington Post

They keep their word.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep one's word" when emphasizing the importance of fulfilling a promise or agreement. It conveys a sense of reliability and integrity.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses when discussing the commitment. For example, don't start with "He promised to help" and then say "he doesn't keep his word". Maintain consistent tense for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep one's word" functions as a verbal expression indicating the fulfillment of a promise or commitment. It emphasizes the act of adhering to what one has said or agreed to do. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep one's word" is a phrase used to emphasize the importance of fulfilling promises and commitments. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, although it appears less frequently in diverse texts. The phrase is suitable for neutral contexts and conveys reliability and integrity. To enhance your writing, maintain consistent tense and consider similar expressions like "fulfill one's promise" to add variety. Ultimately, using "keep one's word" highlights your intention to honor agreements and foster trust.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fulfill one's promise

Focuses on the completion of a promised action.

make good on one's promise

Indicates successful completion of a promised action.

be true to one's word

Stresses honesty and integrity in fulfilling a commitment.

deliver on one's commitment

Emphasizes the successful delivery of an agreed-upon action.

honor one's commitment

Emphasizes the act of fulfilling a commitment or obligation.

not go back on one's word

Highlights the steadfastness and reliability in keeping a promise.

uphold one's end of the bargain

Focuses on fulfilling one's part in an agreement.

act according to one's assurance

Focuses on aligning actions with previous assurances.

stand by one's pledge

Highlights the act of supporting or upholding a pledge.

stay committed to one's obligations

Stresses the continuous nature of fulfilling one's duties.

FAQs

How can I use "keep one's word" in a sentence?

You can use "keep one's word" to emphasize the importance of fulfilling promises. For instance, "It's crucial to "keep one's word" in business relationships to build trust".

What does it mean to "keep one's word"?

To "keep one's word" means to honor a promise or commitment that one has made. It implies reliability and integrity in fulfilling obligations.

Which is more appropriate: "keep one's word" or "fulfill one's promise"?

"Keep one's word" and "fulfill one's promise" are quite similar, but "keep one's word" often emphasizes the moral aspect of honoring a commitment, while "fulfill one's promise" focuses on the action of completing what was agreed upon.

What are some synonyms for "keep one's word"?

Synonyms for "keep one's word" include "honor one's commitment", "be true to one's word", and "stand by one's pledge".