promise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "promise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a commitment or assurance to someone about a future action or outcome. Example: "I promise to help you with your project this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It includes the line "staring at the faces in the rear-view mirror, looking at the promise of the promised land".

The Guardian

you'll always mean the world to me, I promise to do you proud, I love you with all my heart".

The Guardian

Ministers promise to provide for "appropriate oversight arrangements and safeguards", but there is no immediate detail on how the complex web of intelligence and surveillance commissioners and parliamentary oversight might be strengthened.

The Guardian

To date the politician – one of Greece's canniest operators – has managed to maintain approval ratings of close to 70% despite rolling back on almost every promise he has made.

The Guardian

The prime minister will be unable to table his demands for the repatriation of powers before the next election because Clegg has dismissed this strategy as "a false promise wrapped in a union jack".

The Guardian

Only the US – which borrowed massively, restructured its banks and printed money on a historic scale – enjoys anything like a sustainable recovery, and even that's being sustained only by the promise that quantitative easing will go on ad infinitum.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Australian prime minister, Tony Abbott, was among the first world leaders he called to promise an "open, independent investigation" of the tragedy, Poroshenko said.

The Guardian

The Labor member for Canberra, Gai Brodtmann, said Monday's announcement amounted to a broken promise.

The Guardian

"I know for a fact that the people behind the report insisted the definition of rape be restricted to women," he says, adding that one of the RLP's donors, Dutch Oxfam, refused to provide any more funding unless he'd promise that 70% of his client base was female.

The Guardian

In a later email, another promise is given: "If the needs be I will look into it on a bigger scale eg your salary package".

The Guardian - Business

The government is said to have learned that breaking its 2010 election promise to have no more top-down reorganisations of the NHS was politically costly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "promise" to indicate a commitment, clearly state the action or outcome you are assuring. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "promise" when the outcome is beyond your control. Instead, use phrases like "I will try" or "I will do my best" to convey effort without guaranteeing results you cannot ensure.

Linguistic Context

The word "promise" functions primarily as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it signifies committing to an action or outcome. As a noun, it represents an oath, affirmation, or potential. Ludwig's examples show its diverse uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Opinion

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Lifestyle

3%

Sport

3%

Travel

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "promise" is a commonly used word that functions as both a verb and a noun, signifying commitment, assurance, or potential. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in news, media, and formal business contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word follows standard grammar rules and holds diverse applications, ranging from personal commitments to expressions of future possibilities. When writing with "promise", it's important to ensure clarity and avoid overusing it in unrealistic scenarios. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively communicate their intentions and expectations with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give your word

Emphasizes the personal credibility behind the promise.

make a commitment

Emphasizes the dedication and obligation undertaken.

pledge

A formal and solemn declaration of intent.

assure

To give confidence by removing doubt.

give an assurance

Focuses on the act of providing certainty or confidence.

guarantee

Assures a specific outcome or quality.

vow

A serious and often emotional promise.

undertake

To commit oneself to and begin (a task or enterprise).

give hope

Suggests potential or a positive future outcome.

hold out prospects

Highlights the potential for future success or positive developments.

FAQs

How can I use "promise" in a sentence?

You can use "promise" to make a commitment, like "I "promise" to help you with your project this weekend" or to indicate potential, such as "The new technology shows "promise" for future advancements."

What words can I use instead of "promise"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "pledge", "guarantee", or "assure". For instance, instead of saying "I "promise" to be there", you could say "I "guarantee" I will be there".

Is it better to say "I promise" or "I assure you"?

Both phrases convey assurance, but "I "promise"" is often considered more personal and direct, while "I "assure you"" is more formal. The best choice depends on the context and your relationship with the person you are addressing.

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

While both involve making a commitment, a "vow" is generally a more solemn and serious promise, often made in a formal or ceremonial setting. A ""promise"" can be more casual and is used in everyday situations.