make any promises

USAGE SUMMARY

"make any promises" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it as an admonishment or warning to someone not to make any promises they may not be able to keep. For example, you might say to your child, "Don't make any promises unless you're sure you can keep them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I didn't make any promises.

Independent

I can't make any promises".

The New Yorker

After that they cannot make any promises.

The Guardian - Books

Collins could hardly make any promises.

The New York Times - Sports

He was loath to make any promises.

The New York Times

"But we didn't make any promises.

Harvard Business Review

I can't make any promises because of my zany schedule.

The New York Times - Books

Did Trump make any promises to Putin, or vice versa?

The New Yorker

City officials were reluctant to make any promises.

The New York Times

Referring to recruiting, he said: "I can't make any promises.

The New York Times - Sports

But, he said, "I can't make any promises".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make any promises", consider the context and audience to ensure the level of certainty or uncertainty is appropriate. Avoid making promises you cannot keep, as this can damage trust and credibility.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating potential outcomes or benefits when you "make any promises". Be realistic and transparent about what you can deliver to avoid disappointment and maintain integrity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make any promises" functions as a verb phrase typically used to express a lack of commitment, assurance, or guarantee. It often serves as a disclaimer or a statement of caution. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is perfectly valid in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make any promises" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of commitment or assurance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly valid in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to academic and formal settings. The prevalence in News & Media indicates its relevance in reporting situations involving uncertainty or cautionary statements. Related phrases include "offer any guarantees" and "give any assurances", offering alternative ways to convey a similar meaning. When writing, it's essential to be mindful of the context and avoid overpromising, maintaining transparency and managing expectations effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer any guarantees

Focuses on avoiding offering assurances of a certain outcome.

give any assurances

Similar to offering guarantees, but emphasizes providing reassurance.

make any commitments

Emphasizes avoiding binding agreements or obligations.

provide any warranties

Specifically relates to avoiding legal or contractual guarantees.

give any undertakings

Formal way of saying to give a formal promise or pledge.

extend any assurances

Similar to give any assurances, but with a slightly more formal tone.

profess any certainty

Expresses lack of absolute conviction about something.

state any guarantees

Like offer any guarantees, but focuses on the act of stating or declaring.

give any pledges

Similar to commitments, but implies a more solemn promise.

assert any confirmations

Focuses on not affirming or verifying something as true.

FAQs

How can I use "make any promises" in a sentence?

You can use "make any promises" to indicate a lack of commitment or assurance. For example, "I can't "make any promises" about the delivery date, but we'll do our best."

What does it mean when someone says they can't "make any promises"?

It means they are unwilling or unable to guarantee a specific outcome or result. They are being cautious and avoiding setting unrealistic expectations.

What are some alternatives to saying "I can't make any promises"?

Alternatives include "I can't "offer any guarantees"", "I can't "give any assurances"", or "I can't "make any commitments"", depending on the context.

Is it better to "make any promises" or be upfront about uncertainty?

In most situations, it's better to be upfront about uncertainty. Overpromising can lead to disappointment and loss of trust, while honesty builds credibility.