pledge to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pledge to do something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a commitment or promise to undertake a specific action or task. Example: "The organization made a pledge to do something meaningful for the community by launching a new initiative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

His campaign followed a very clear trajectory: identify problem, pledge to do something about it, do something about it.

The Guardian - Opinion

In 2013, more than 189,000 people made their own personal pledge to do something different to improve care.

The Guardian

When he was running for office, Mr Sarkozy was quick to identify purchasing power as a popular concern, and to pledge to do something about it.

The Economist

I pledge to do something similar, one day, but before that take a hard-earned doze by the river as the kids have their afternoon nap, spying an eagle, a kite (I think), pelicans and what look to be budgerigars.

The Guardian - Travel

Thousands of NHS staff are expected to take part in the second NHS Change Day on Monday 3 March, when they will pledge to do something to make the health service better.

The Guardian

People can pledge to do something that should be common practice anyway, such as smiling at patients and always introducing themselves by name, a special one-off project, or something to gain insight into what life feels like for patients.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Both major candidates have pledged to do something to subsidize or pay for medicines under Medicare.

The New York Times - Magazine

From 1 June, thousands who have signed up to the umbrella group's "30 Days Wild" challenge have pledged to do something wild every day for a month.

Independent

"The point is that he pledges to do something against the odds, in order for her, too, to do something against the odds, because she's dying".

The Guardian - Books

The mood against tax havens is running hot and strong, fuelled by extreme examples of tax avoidance by multinationals and rich individuals, and the main governments, including our own, are pledged to do something about it.

Independent

He argues that for too long the crime of kidnapping has been brushed under the carpet by politicians, and that none of the pledges to do something about it has ever been fulfilled.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pledge to do something" to clearly convey a formal promise or commitment to undertake a specific action. It's best used when the action is significant or requires a degree of formality.

Common error

Avoid using "pledge to do something" in casual conversations or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or theatrical. Opt for simpler alternatives like "promise" or "agree" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pledge to do something" functions as an infinitive phrase that typically acts as a noun or adjective within a sentence. It signifies a formal or solemn commitment to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and common occurrence across various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pledge to do something" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a strong commitment or promise. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for use in a range of contexts, particularly in news, business, and formal communications. While it’s a powerful way to express intention, it’s crucial to consider the setting and audience to avoid sounding overly formal. Alternatives such as "commit to doing something" or "promise to undertake" may be more suitable in informal scenarios. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to ensure your message resonates with the intended tone and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commit to acting

Focuses on dedication and engagement in a particular action, differing in emphasis on ongoing effort.

vow to act

Emphasizes a solemn promise to take action, differing slightly in formality and directness.

promise to undertake

Highlights the initiation of a task or project, differing in its formal tone.

guarantee to perform

Indicates assurance that something will be carried out, shifting the focus to reliability.

undertake to achieve

Stresses the commitment to reach a specific goal, altering the emphasis towards accomplishment.

resolve to execute

Emphasizes a firm decision to carry out something, differing in tone and intensity.

assure to fulfill

Highlights the act of giving confidence that something will be completed, shifting the perspective.

swear to accomplish

Indicates a solemn declaration to achieve a specific objective, differing in its intensity and formality.

affirm to carry out

Focuses on stating something firmly as true, emphasizing the execution of a plan or task.

dedicate oneself to acting

Emphasizes the personal commitment and devotion to taking action, altering the focus to self-involvement.

FAQs

How to use "pledge to do something" in a sentence?

You can use "pledge to do something" to express a commitment or promise. For example: "The candidate made a "pledge to do something" about climate change if elected."

What can I say instead of "pledge to do something"?

You can use alternatives like "commit to doing something", "promise to undertake", or "vow to act" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "pledge to do something" in informal settings?

While grammatically correct, "pledge to do something" is generally more suitable for formal or serious contexts. In informal situations, consider using simpler alternatives such as "promise" or "agree".

What is the difference between "pledge to do something" and "promise to do something"?

"Pledge to do something" often carries a stronger sense of commitment and formality compared to "promise to do something". A pledge is often made publicly or in a formal setting, while a promise can be more casual.