promising anything

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "promising anything" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing commitments or assurances that someone may or may not be willing to make. Example: "In negotiations, it's important to be cautious about promising anything that you may not be able to deliver."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Rudd isn't promising anything.

The Guardian

But Washington wasn't really promising anything.

The New Yorker

Nor did A.T.R. ask anyone for a contribution promising anything or any meeting," Norquist said.

The New Yorker

Britain is not being overtly misgoverned, and nobody else in Labour is promising anything radically different.

The Economist

Neither side is really promising anything beyond hanging on to or gaining office.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The Conservatives are not promising anything more than protecting the NHS budget in real terms.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"Without promising me anything, Arthur said, 'You have no economic training.

The New Yorker

"You're begging her, promising her anything," Mary said, adding that her child did eat broccoli and pears.

The New York Times

Mr. Sharon says he does not want to "reward violence" by promising Mr. Arafat anything in return for a cease-fire.

The New York Times

He isn't promising that anything can be delivered (magically) or that he alone can deliver the changes so many voters clearly want.

The New York Times

They fudge the real nature of the business, in part because they have always been a little embarrassed by advertising (not that there isn't a back office promising advertisers anything they want, and selling it at any price).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In negotiations, avoid "promising anything" without careful consideration. It's better to offer specific commitments that you can confidently fulfill.

Common error

Avoid using "promising anything" when you can only deliver specific results. Overstating your capabilities can lead to mistrust and disappointment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "promising anything" functions as a verb phrase that describes the act of making broad or unspecified commitments. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it suggests a willingness to offer assurances without defining specific terms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "promising anything" is a common phrase used to describe making broad, often non-specific commitments. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general usability. While it can be used effectively in persuasive contexts, it is important to be mindful of the implications of such a wide-ranging assurance. To avoid potential pitfalls, it is best to be specific and transparent about the limitations or conditions of any commitments. As the examples identified by Ludwig demonstrate, the phrase appears frequently in news and media, as well as formal and business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making firm promises

Emphasizes the strength and reliability of the promises.

giving guarantees

Highlights the provision of security or certainty.

making commitments

A more general term for undertaking obligations.

offering assurances

Emphasizes the act of providing reassurance, rather than a concrete promise.

guaranteeing everything

Implies a complete and total assurance, shifting the focus to the extent of the commitment.

undertaking obligations

Focuses on the legal or moral responsibilities assumed.

assuring all things

More formal and emphatic, highlighting the breadth of the assurances being made.

committing to every aspect

Highlights a comprehensive level of dedication and involvement.

pledging commitment

Focuses on the act of making a serious and formal promise.

granting concessions

Suggests yielding to demands or making allowances.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "promising anything" to sound more cautious?

You could use alternatives like "offering assurances" or "making commitments", which suggest a more measured approach.

Is it better to use "promising everything" or "promising anything"?

Both phrases can be used, but "promising anything" implies a lack of specific guarantees, while "promising everything" suggests a comprehensive, albeit potentially unrealistic, level of commitment.

What's the implication of someone "promising anything" to get a deal?

It suggests that the person may be willing to make unsustainable or unrealistic commitments to achieve their immediate goal, potentially leading to future renegotiations or broken promises.

How to avoid "promising anything" when negotiating?

Focus on specific, achievable goals and clearly define the scope of your commitments. Offer incremental concessions and avoid broad, open-ended promises that you may not be able to keep.