promise me

USAGE SUMMARY

"promise me" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to make a request for assurance. For example, "Promise me you will take care of yourself while I'm away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

'Can you promise me?

The New York Times - Books

"Promise me we'll never be like that".

The New York Times

Oh! promise me / R. De Koven.

Stanford University

Just promise me a sense; national policy.

The New York Times

(If you haven't read it, promise me you will).

The New York Times

I made her promise me she wouldn't do it again.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"You promised me".

The New Yorker

"My husband, you promised me".

The New Yorker

"She promised me that".

The New York Times - Sports

That's what you promised me.

The New Yorker

She promised me they would.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "promise me", ensure the context makes it clear what the other person is promising to do or not do. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "promise me" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more professional alternatives like "assure me" or "guarantee me" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "promise me" primarily functions as an imperative request. It seeks a verbal commitment or assurance from the listener. As evidenced by Ludwig, the phrase directly solicits a pledge or guarantee. It is very common for the structure of "promise me" to be followed by a clause which the promise is for (Promise me to do X).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "promise me" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to request assurance or a verbal commitment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to informal situations. For professional or formal settings, consider alternatives like "assure me" or "guarantee me". When using "promise me", specify the desired action or behavior to avoid ambiguity. Be mindful of the tone and choose appropriate phrasing based on the context. The most authoritative sources that use this term are "The New York Times", "The Guardian", "Huffington Post", "The New Yorker", and "Los Angeles Times".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give me your word

Focuses on the act of giving a verbal commitment or assurance.

assure me

Directly asks for reassurance about something.

guarantee me

Implies a more formal or stronger level of assurance.

swear to me

Asks for a solemn oath or vow, emphasizing the seriousness of the promise.

vow to me

Similar to "swear to me" but can also imply a personal commitment.

give me your solemn promise

Emphasizes the weight and importance of the assurance being given.

can you assure me

Phrases the request as a question seeking confirmation of reassurance.

tell me you will

Focuses on obtaining a statement of intent to perform an action.

give me an undertaking

Implies a formal commitment or pledge.

cross your heart

Invokes a childhood oath, suggesting sincerity and truthfulness.

FAQs

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

You can use "promise me" to ask someone for their word or assurance about something. For example, "Promise me you'll be careful."

What's the difference between "promise me" and "assure me"?

"Promise me" is generally used in more informal contexts to request a personal commitment. "Assure me" is more formal and seeks a guarantee or confirmation. You can use "assure me" in formal contexts.

Which is more appropriate: "promise me" or "give me your word"?

Both "promise me" and "give me your word" are used to seek assurance, but "give me your word" is often considered slightly more formal and emphasizes the reliability of the person's commitment.

Are there situations where I should avoid using "promise me"?

While generally acceptable, avoid "promise me" in very formal or professional contexts. Opt for alternatives that sound more serious, like "guarantee me" or "give me an undertaking".