promise to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "promise to do something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a commitment or assurance to perform a specific action in the future. Example: "I promise to do something special for your birthday this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

If we only go somewhere and promise to do something, we'll never do anything.

The New York Times

When you promise to do something in an agreement, you should do it".

The New York Times

A political promise to do something 40 years from now is universally ignored because everyone knows it's totally meaningless.

The Washington Post

Each participant was required to promise to do something concrete to make the world a better place.

The New York Times

— When Mayor Peter Swiderski took office, he vowed to fulfill a campaign promise to do something about the deer, which are seemingly everywhere in this Hudson River village.

The New York Times

If they promise to do something, ask them to send it via email as well, it's impossible to prove anything they have agreed to without written evidence.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Nor are government promises to do something about it.

The Economist

Cameron has promised to do something about EU migration.

The Guardian

What happened to his promises to do something about the environment or immigration or Guantánamo?

The Economist

And Bristolians plumped for a man who promised to do something about traffic.

The Economist

In the midterm elections politicians have promised to "do something" for the middle class.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making a "promise to do something", be specific about what you are promising. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clear expectations.

Common error

Avoid making a "promise to do something" you are unsure you can fulfill. It's better to under-promise and over-deliver to build trust and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "promise to do something" functions as a verbal commitment, expressing an intention to perform a specified action in the future. Ludwig confirms this is correct and usable in written English. It indicates a speaker's willingness to undertake a particular task or fulfill a certain obligation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "promise to do something" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a commitment to future action. As noted by Ludwig, it's widely used in news, encyclopedias and wiki environments, signaling a neutral register adaptable to various settings. When using this phrase, specificity is key to avoid ambiguity and ensure clear expectations. However, it's crucial to avoid over-promising, as failing to deliver can damage trust. Related alternatives include "commit to doing something" and "pledge to undertake action", which may convey different degrees of formality or intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a commitment to act

Expresses the idea of promising using slightly different wording and structure.

agree to perform an action

Uses "agree" instead of "promise" for a less emphatic commitment.

commit to performing a task

Substitutes "promise" with "commit" and "do something" with "performing a task", emphasizing dedication.

pledge to undertake action

Replaces "promise" with "pledge" and "do something" with "undertake action" for a more formal tone.

vow to take action

Uses "vow" instead of "promise" implying a more solemn and determined commitment.

guarantee to accomplish a goal

Replaces "promise" with "guarantee", indicating a higher level of certainty in achieving the intended outcome.

assure that action will be taken

Employs "assure" instead of "promise", focusing on providing reassurance about future action.

undertake to fulfill an obligation

Substitutes the entire phrase with a more formal expression, emphasizing the duty to fulfill a commitment.

resolve to carry out a deed

Replaces "promise" with "resolve", conveying a strong determination to perform a specific action.

give an undertaking to act

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal and slightly indirect expression of commitment.

FAQs

How can I use "promise to do something" in a sentence?

You can use "promise to do something" to express a firm commitment. For example, "I promise to help you with your project" or "The company promise to take action on climate change".

What's the difference between "promise to do something" and "vow to do something"?

"Vow to do something" implies a more solemn and serious commitment compared to "promise to do something". A vow is often made in a formal or emotional context.

What are some alternatives to "promise to do something"?

You can use alternatives like "commit to doing something", "pledge to undertake action", or "guarantee to accomplish a goal" depending on the context and the level of commitment you want to convey.

Is it better to "promise to do something" or "agree to do something"?

"Promise to do something" suggests a stronger level of commitment and personal assurance than "agree to do something", which is a more general expression of consent or acceptance.