serious promise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious promise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when emphasizing the sincerity or weight of a commitment or assurance being made. Example: "I give you my serious promise that I will always support you, no matter what challenges we face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He was slow to show serious promise.

The Guardian - Sport

No presidential candidate has made a serious promise to cut overall government spending since Ronald Reagan.

The New York Times

This series shows serious promise, but it's not one for the squeamish: there are a lot of Aussie guts on show.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But, over the course of the semester, the students' work gets better, and one of them shows serious promise she didn't know she had.

The New Yorker

And Mr. Violette, an accomplished young artist of serious promise, moves beyond the youth-cult images he is associated with toward some further dimension of the nihilist sublime.

The New York Times

If the administration sticks to this trajectory, all bets are off for the political future of a president who rode into office blessed with more high hopes, good will and serious promise than any in modern memory.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

They were able to head off another protest scheduled for last weekend, in part by making serious promises to opposition leaders to resolve their major complaints.

The New York Times

New Panasonic batteries make serious promises (and need serious work).

TechCrunch

The other serious candidates promise the world.

The New York Times

In forgiving, you will benefit from doing the following: Assess how serious the promise breach actually was.

WikiHow

Voters should make certain any serious candidate promises to set up a truly independent and genuinely nonpartisan commission for redistricting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious promise" to emphasize the importance and sincerity of a commitment you are making, setting a clear expectation for its fulfillment.

Common error

Avoid using "serious promise" in everyday, low-stakes situations. Its weight can feel disproportionate and insincere if applied too broadly. Instead, opt for lighter phrases like "I'll try my best" or "I'll make an effort" in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious promise" functions as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies the noun "promise." It serves to emphasize the weight, importance, and sincerity of the commitment being made, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI. This highlights the intention to fulfill the promise diligently.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious promise" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, typically functioning as a noun phrase to denote a weighty and sincere commitment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for emphasizing the importance of an assurance. While not extremely common, its usage spans across news, formal business contexts, and general articles, highlighting its versatility in conveying earnest intent. When aiming for precision in your writing, "serious promise" effectively communicates a commitment that carries significant weight and consequence. Consider alternatives like "solemn pledge" or "firm commitment" to subtly adjust the tone. Overall, "serious promise" is a reliable tool in your linguistic toolkit for scenarios requiring an emphasis on sincerity and responsibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solemn pledge

Emphasizes the gravity and formality of the promise.

firm commitment

Highlights the steadfastness and dedication implied in the promise.

earnest vow

Focuses on the sincerity and heartfelt nature of the promise.

genuine assurance

Stresses the authenticity and reliability of the promise.

sincere undertaking

Highlights the personal responsibility and dedication involved.

binding agreement

Emphasizes the legally or morally obligatory nature of the promise.

unwavering guarantee

Underscores the certainty and reliability of the promise being kept.

resolute declaration

Highlights the firmness and decisiveness behind the promise.

determined intention

Focuses on the resolved mindset and commitment to fulfilling the promise.

categorical commitment

Stresses the unconditional and absolute nature of the promise.

FAQs

How can I use "serious promise" in a sentence?

You can use "serious promise" to emphasize the weight and sincerity of a commitment, such as "The politician made a "serious promise" to reduce taxes" or "I give you my "serious promise" that I will always be there for you".

What are some alternatives to "serious promise"?

Alternatives to "serious promise" include "solemn pledge", "firm commitment", or "earnest vow", which can add different nuances to the commitment being made.

Is it more appropriate to say "make a serious promise" or "give a serious promise"?

Both "make a serious promise" and "give a serious promise" are acceptable, but "make a serious promise" is more common. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

What distinguishes a "serious promise" from a regular promise?

A "serious promise" implies a higher level of commitment, weight, and consequence than a regular promise. It suggests that the promise is not made lightly and carries significant responsibility for its fulfillment.