promise to defend

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "promise to defend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a commitment or assurance to protect or support someone or something. Example: "I make a promise to defend my friends in times of need, no matter the circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

They both promise to defend Amtrak's federal subsidy, for example.

The New York Times

But a vague American promise to defend Israel will not quieten mounting anxiety back home.

The Economist

Mr. Perry was assailed by some of his Republican rivals and by Democrats, who promise to defend the program.

The New York Times

Brazilian officials were dismayed when Don Evans, Mr Bush's choice for secretary of commerce, gave a swift promise to defend steel makers against "unfair competition".

The Economist

The vice-president went on to ridicule Mr Kerry's plans to lead a "more sensitive war on terror" and his promise to defend America if it is attacked.

The Guardian

Michael Brune, the Sierra Club's executive director, said he was "thrilled" with Clinton's renewable electricity goal, and her promise to defend Obama's clean power plan.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

(Mr Cameron promises to defend them).

The Economist

But he also promised to defend free expression.

The Guardian - Opinion

David Cameron promised to defend it before flying off last week to Brussels.

The Guardian - Business

A8 Four thousand Serbs rallied in Mitrovica and promised to defend the Serbian district.

The New York Times

They promised to defend companies against super-cheap imports as a way to sugar this free-trade pill.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "promise to defend" when you want to convey a firm commitment to protect or support something. It's effective in political speeches, legal contexts, or personal assurances.

Common error

Avoid using "promise to defend" in casual conversations; it can sound overly dramatic. Opt for simpler phrases like "I'll protect" or "I'll stand by you" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "promise to defend" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing a commitment or assurance. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct. Examples in Ludwig show it used to convey commitments from politicians, organizations, and individuals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "promise to defend" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase expressing a firm commitment to protect or support. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to provide reassurance or make a formal pledge. It is most frequently found in news and media sources. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to professional contexts, as overusing it in informal settings may sound overly dramatic. Alternatives such as "pledge to protect" or "vow to safeguard" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pledge to protect

Replaces "promise" with "pledge" and "defend" with "protect", emphasizing a solemn commitment.

vow to safeguard

Substitutes "promise" with "vow" and "defend" with "safeguard", adding a sense of determination.

commit to guarding

Replaces "promise" with "commit" and uses "guarding" instead of "defend", highlighting active protection.

assure protection of

Changes the structure to emphasize the assurance of protection.

guarantee the safety of

Focuses on guaranteeing safety rather than directly defending.

undertake to shield

Uses more formal language with "undertake" and "shield", indicating a formal agreement.

swear to uphold

Replaces "promise" with "swear" and "defend" with "uphold", suggesting a strong oath.

resolve to secure

Emphasizes a firm decision to secure something.

agree to preserve

Focuses on preserving something through agreement.

undertake the defense of

Formal phrasing that highlights the act of undertaking a defensive role.

FAQs

How can I use "promise to defend" in a sentence?

You can use "promise to defend" to express a strong commitment to protect or support something, as in "The president "promised to defend" the nation's borders" or "I "promise to defend" your honor".

What are some alternatives to "promise to defend"?

Alternatives include "pledge to protect", "vow to safeguard", or "commit to guarding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "promise to defend" and "guarantee to defend"?

"Promise to defend" implies a commitment based on one's word, while "guarantee to defend" suggests a stronger assurance, often backed by a formal agreement or authority.

When is it appropriate to use "promise to defend" in writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing, such as political speeches, legal documents, or when making a serious, heartfelt commitment. However, avoid using it in casual or informal contexts where it might sound exaggerated.