pledge not to

USAGE SUMMARY

"pledge not to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use "pledge not to" when you want to make a promise or commitment that you will not do something. Example: I pledge not to give up until I achieve my goals.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They pledge not to use hair dryers.

The New York Times - Magazine

I pledge not to sign any other pledges".

The New York Times

The union has yet to pledge not to strike.

The New York Times - Sports

Often they were forced to sign a pledge not to protest again.

The New York Times

Many men have been forced to sign a pledge not to protest again, residents said.

The New York Times

At its April policy meeting the bank withdrew its pledge not to raise rates.

The Economist

I had to pledge not to open a zoo, swimming pool or aquarium.

The New York Times

How is it possible to govern a country with a pledge not to raise taxes?

The New York Times

"I have learnt from my mistakes and pledge not to act in the same way again.

Independent

They called on people to take a lifelong pledge not to text and drive.

The New York Times - Tech

The military's pledge not to fire on the Egyptian people will be tested as well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "pledge not to" with a clear statement of the action being avoided. Clarity enhances the impact of the commitment and prevents misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "pledge not to" in casual or trivial situations. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pledge not to" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically expresses a formal commitment or promise to avoid a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pledge not to" is a frequently used phrase to express a formal commitment to avoid a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media and formal business contexts, it conveys a sense of solemnity and strong intent. When writing, reserve "pledge not to" for situations that require a strong, definitive promise. While similar phrases like "promise not to" exist, "pledge not to" is more suitable for conveying a significant commitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

promise not to

Replaces "pledge" with "promise", a more common synonym, slightly reducing the formality.

commit not to

Uses "commit" instead of "pledge", suggesting a firm decision or undertaking.

vow not to

Employs "vow", indicating a solemn and serious promise.

undertake not to

Offers a more formal alternative using "undertake", suitable for legal or official contexts.

assure not to

Uses "assure" to convey a guarantee that something will not happen, focusing on reassurance.

guarantee not to

Replaces "pledge" with "guarantee", implying a firm assurance and responsibility.

resolve not to

Indicates a firm decision or determination not to do something, emphasizing personal resolve.

swear not to

Employs "swear", conveying a solemn declaration, often invoking a higher power.

give an assurance not to

Adds "give an assurance", making the commitment more explicit and formal.

make a commitment not to

Expresses the idea of making a commitment, highlighting the act of formally binding oneself.

FAQs

How to use "pledge not to" in a sentence?

Use "pledge not to" to express a solemn promise or commitment to avoid a specific action. For instance, "I pledge not to reveal your secret" indicates a serious assurance of confidentiality.

What can I say instead of "pledge not to"?

You can use alternatives like "promise not to", "commit not to", or "vow not to" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "pledge not to" formal or informal?

"Pledge not to" is generally considered a formal expression. While understandable in informal contexts, it's best reserved for situations where a strong, serious commitment is being made. More casual alternatives, like "promise not to", may be more appropriate in less formal settings.

What's the difference between "pledge not to" and "promise not to"?

While both phrases express a commitment, "pledge not to" suggests a more solemn and formal undertaking than "promise not to". A pledge often implies a deeper level of conviction or a public declaration of intent.