promised each other

USAGE SUMMARY

"promised each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate two people making a promise to each other. For example: "They promised each other they would always be there for one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We were fine, we promised each other.

The New Yorker

We promised each other a year.

The Guardian - Tech

"We promised each other we would live to be 90.

The New York Times

One week before the divorce we promised each other we would never separate".

The Guardian

Mr. Voigt continued: "The two countries promised each other to stick together.

The New York Times

They were married in 1928 and promised each other never to pilot a plane again.

The New York Times

From the beginning, Ben and I promised each other that we would experiment along the way.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Give Bashar a hundred dollars, he gives me his card, promise each other eternal friendship.

The New Yorker

Then promise each other to be in closer touch, which neither of you will do.

The New York Times

At one stage, Lord and Lady Mountbatten earnestly promise each other that they will "stay on" after independence.

The Guardian - Film

There will be the usual hand-wringing about consultation – the Lib Dems claim to be a democratic party, after all – and they will promise each other not to do this pre-emptive voting again.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "promised each other" to clearly indicate a mutual agreement or commitment between two or more parties. This phrase adds a personal dimension to the agreement, emphasizing the trust and understanding involved.

Common error

Avoid replacing "each other" with "themselves" when the action is reciprocal. "They promised themselves" implies individual promises made separately, not a mutual promise. Use "they promised each other" to convey the mutual agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "promised each other" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual agreement or commitment made between two or more parties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely used in English. The action of promising is performed by each party towards the other.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "promised each other" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that effectively communicates a mutual agreement or commitment. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia, this phrase carries a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. When using "promised each other", ensure clarity in expressing the reciprocal nature of the promise and avoid pronoun confusions. For alternative expressions, consider "made a pact", "vowed to each other", or "gave each other their word" for nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gave each other their word

Emphasizes the sincerity and trustworthiness of the commitment, highlighting personal integrity.

vowed to each other

Suggests a solemn and deeply felt commitment, often used in romantic or high-stakes situations.

pledged mutual support

Specifically indicates a commitment to assist and aid each other, particularly in challenging times.

made a pact

Implies a formal or serious agreement, often with a sense of shared destiny.

committed themselves jointly

Formal and emphasizes a shared dedication towards a common goal or cause.

reached an agreement

Focuses on the outcome of a negotiation or discussion, highlighting the consensus achieved.

assured one another

Highlights the act of providing comfort and confidence through mutual guarantees.

undertook a mutual obligation

Highlights the formal and binding nature of the agreement, often in legal or business contexts.

forged a bond

Suggests a strong emotional connection and a shared commitment arising from that connection.

struck a bargain

Implies a negotiation where both parties benefit, often used in business or transactional contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "promised each other" in a sentence?

You can use "promised each other" to describe a mutual commitment. For example, "They "promised each other" to always be honest".

What is a formal alternative to "promised each other"?

A more formal alternative to ""promised each other"" is "pledged to one another" or "mutually agreed".

Is "promised to each other" grammatically correct?

While understandable, the standard and more common phrasing is ""promised each other"". The inclusion of "to" is redundant.

What's the difference between ""promised each other"" and "made a promise to each other"?

"Promised each other" is a more concise and direct way of expressing a mutual promise, while "made a promise to each other" is more verbose but conveys the same meaning.