mere promise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mere promise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a promise that is considered insignificant or lacking in substance. Example: "His assurance was nothing more than a mere promise, with no real commitment behind it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

In austerity-riven southern Europe, the mere promise of job creation is a political boon.

The New Yorker

So far, the mere promise of central bank action has had an effect.

The New York Times

The fruits of this effort are maturing from mere promise to broad and sustainable impact.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A series of studies shows that mere promise impresses more than actual achievement.

Stanford University

The mere promise of divisive speakers like Spencer has previously ignited violent riots.

The Washington Post

In the end, the mere promise was nothing about which to proud.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

And he refused to agree to alter the Antiballistic Missile Treaty based on mere promises of cuts in the American nuclear arsenal.

The New York Times

In other words, they were mere promises to pay in gold or silver at the issuing bank, if such a demand were made.

The New York Times

Yet Mr Rajoy knows that, with the markets in a eurofunk and bond yields at eye-watering highs, mere promises count for little.His victory was in part a tribute to the dogged persistence and quiet moderation of a man who has led his party for eight years.

The Economist

In other words, mere promises, given without consideration, are traditionally not indemnified by the law.

SEP

However, Mere promises a superior experience with its champion machine using compostable single-serve whole bean coffee.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mere promise", ensure the context clearly indicates the promise's lack of substance or reliability. Pair it with descriptive words or phrases that reinforce its insubstantial nature, such as "a mere promise of future benefits" to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid treating a "mere promise" as a binding commitment. Recognize its limited value and potential for non-fulfillment to manage expectations appropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mere promise" functions as a noun phrase, where "mere" modifies the noun "promise", indicating that the promise is insignificant, doubtful, or lacks substance. Ludwig AI supports the use of it, as the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mere promise" is a grammatically sound expression used to downplay the significance or reliability of a commitment. Ludwig AI confirms that it is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly reflects its insubstantial nature. Alternatives such as "empty pledge" or "hollow assurance" can provide similar nuanced expressions. While frequently employed, recognize that a "mere promise" should not be overestimated as a binding commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empty pledge

Highlights the lack of genuine intention or substance behind the promise.

hollow assurance

Emphasizes the lack of sincerity or validity in the assurance given.

insignificant commitment

Focuses on the small degree of dedication or obligation involved.

simple assurance

Highlights lack of complexity or condition related to the assurance.

basic guarantee

Emphasizes the fundamental or minimal nature of the guarantee.

verbal undertaking

Focuses on the fact that it is just spoken and not written, possibly implying weakness.

unreliable declaration

Highlights lack of reliance or credibility in the declaration made.

doubtful avowal

Highlights lack of faith or trust in the avowal.

weak agreement

Focuses on the lack of power or authority behind the agreement.

token gesture

Highlights the symbolic and often insincere nature of the promise, indicating it's done more for appearances than genuine intent.

FAQs

How can I use "mere promise" in a sentence?

You can use "mere promise" to describe something offered that is considered weak, insignificant, or unreliable. For example, "The politician's mere promise of tax cuts failed to convince voters".

What are some alternatives to "mere promise"?

Alternatives include "empty pledge", "hollow assurance", or "insignificant commitment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "mere promise" in formal writing?

Yes, "mere promise" is suitable for formal writing when you need to express skepticism or doubt about the sincerity or effectiveness of a commitment.

What's the difference between "mere promise" and a guarantee?

A guarantee implies a firm commitment with a high likelihood of fulfillment. A "mere promise", on the other hand, suggests a commitment that is weak, uncertain, or potentially insincere.