promising

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "promising" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this word when describing something that looks like it has possibility, potential, or hope. For example: The research team found some promising results in their recent experiment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It all sounds promising.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The $10m payments, revealed in the US indictment, were among the factors that led to the Fifa president Sepp Blatter promising to step down last week.

The Guardian - Sport

The journey is just beginning, but early feedback from patients and clinicians working in these new areas is promising.

The Guardian

But he is trading on the financial ignorance of most savers, who at best may pay more tax and end up poorer in later life, and at worst fall prey to all manner of tricksters and fraudsters promising double digit returns on plausible but fictitious investments.

The Guardian - Money

Which is why the question of his imminent departure looms (the hope is he can develop over another season or two back in the OHL), and why his semi-torrid pace to start the season is promising.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr Berlusconi shrugged off the protest as he began his speech laying out the priorities of Italy's six-month presidency of the EU, promising to work to improve ties with the US following the Iraq war, and to involve Europe in the search for Middle East peace.

The Guardian

A month later it busily put out a command paper, Action for Roads, which was supposed to detail how that would be spent, promising 52 new schemes, including 221 miles of new motorway lane.

The Guardian

The prime minister also tried to parry the Ukip threat by promising to introduce a UK bill of rights instead of the human rights act that incorporates the European Convention in UK law, and place EU rules on the free movement of labour at the heart of his renegotiation strategy.

The Guardian

68ff8d24-c6e8-45f4-8dbd-c453d458b9c9 If anyone's to blame for the modern-day cult of "personal productivity" – the ceaseless barrage of books and listicles promising tips for keeping your head above water in our hyper-busy era – then it's probably David Allen.

The Guardian - Opinion

His vulnerability was shown early in the leadership campaign when, faced with a question from the supporter of a rival candidate on a television debate, he found himself promising to give up his beloved Jaguar.

The Guardian

Outsiders will find little to distinguish between the two parties now promising a progressive alternative to the Conservatives.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "promising", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being promised and to whom. Specificity enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "promising" when the likelihood of fulfillment is uncertain. Overusing it can erode trust and create unrealistic expectations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "promising" is that of a verb in its present participle form, often functioning as an adjective to describe something that shows potential or likelihood of success. Ludwig AI showcases this with multiple examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "promising" is a versatile descriptor used to convey potential and optimism. As Ludwig AI shows, it functions primarily as a present participle, often acting as an adjective. Its frequent use across news, business, and scientific domains underscores its adaptability. While grammatically correct, overusing "promising" without clear grounding can diminish its impact, making specificity crucial. Understanding the nuances between "promising" and alternatives like "showing potential" or "guaranteeing" can refine your writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

showing potential

Focuses on the display of underlying capability rather than a declared intention.

looking hopeful

Emphasizes the optimistic outlook associated with the situation.

indicating likelihood

Highlights the probability of a certain outcome, rather than a firm commitment.

pledging

Implies a formal commitment or vow to undertake a specific action.

assuring

Focuses on instilling confidence or certainty in someone about a future event.

guaranteeing

Conveys a stronger sense of certainty and reliability than "promising".

giving assurances

Emphasizes the act of providing reassurance rather than a direct commitment.

offering hope

Highlights the positive expectations and possibilities that are being presented.

giving an undertaking

More formal and emphasizes a serious commitment to fulfill an obligation.

boding well

Suggests a positive omen or indication for future success or favorable outcomes.

FAQs

How to use "promising" in a sentence?

You can use "promising" to describe something that shows potential or a good chance of success. For instance, "The new drug trial showed "promising" results".

What can I say instead of "promising"?

You can use alternatives like "showing potential", "looking hopeful", or "indicating likelihood" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "promising results" or "promised results"?

"Promising results" indicates potential, while "promised results" implies a guarantee. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "promising" and "guaranteeing"?

"Promising" suggests a good chance of something happening, while "guaranteeing" means something is assured and certain to occur.