make a promise

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a promise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in any context where a promise is being discussed. For example: "If we make a promise to help each other, we must stick to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make a promise to listen".

The New York Times

By having Republican legislators make a promise.

Independent

And the author must make a promise to his readers.

The New York Times - Books

If I make a promise, I keep it.

The New Yorker

"Let's make a promise to everyone in this room.

The Guardian

"These products do more than just make a promise, they deliver on that promise," she said.

The New York Times

And whenever you make a promise, there will be a responsibility to that promise.

The New York Times

In politics, sometimes you have to lie or you make a promise that you cannot keep.

The New York Times

He went on to make a promise: "In time," he said, "I will reduce corruption".

The New York Times

This is why Save the Children has chosen to make a promise to our supporters.

The Guardian

When people get married they make a promise to each other that this is for life.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a promise", consider the context and choose specific language that reflects the seriousness and intent of the promise. Be clear about what you are promising and the consequences of not fulfilling it.

Common error

Avoid using "make a promise" lightly. Ensure you have the capacity and intention to follow through. Making promises you can't keep erodes trust and damages your reputation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a promise" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of committing to a specific action or behavior. It describes the action of creating an obligation, as evidenced by Ludwig, which confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a promise" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase signifying a commitment to a specific action or behavior. As Ludwig confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and general writing. While versatile, it's important to consider the implications of promising and ensure you can fulfill the commitment. Alternatives like "pledge to do" or "give one's word" can provide different shades of meaning depending on the situation. The key takeaway is to use the phrase thoughtfully and responsibly, ensuring your actions align with your words.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give one's word

Focuses on personal integrity and trustworthiness.

pledge to do

Pledge implies a more solemn or formal promise, often used in public or official settings.

vow to

Vow suggests a deeply personal and often unbreakable promise.

give a commitment

Commitment emphasizes dedication, reliability, and consistency with responsibility.

give an assurance

This alternative focuses on providing a guarantee or certainty, rather than a formal promise.

commit oneself to

This alternative highlights the dedication and responsibility taken when making a promise.

offer a guarantee

This option emphasizes the act of providing a formal assurance, often in a business or legal context.

undertake to

Undertake is more formal and suggests a planned action to fulfill the promise.

solemnly swear

Emphasizes the serious and binding nature of the commitment.

enter into an agreement

This highlights the mutual understanding and commitment aspect.

FAQs

How to use "make a promise" in a sentence?

You can use "make a promise" to express a commitment to do something. For example, "I "make a promise" to help you with your project."

What can I say instead of "make a promise"?

You can use alternatives like "pledge to do", "give one's word", or "commit oneself to depending on the context".

Is it better to "make a promise" or "give an assurance"?

The choice between ""make a promise"" and "give an assurance" depends on the situation. A promise implies a personal commitment, while an assurance is a statement intended to inspire confidence.

What's the difference between "make a promise" and "make a vow"?

"Make a promise" is a general term for committing to something, while "make a vow" suggests a more solemn, often religious or deeply personal, commitment.