solemn oath

USAGE SUMMARY

"solemn oath" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a serious and sincere promise or pledge that is made under oath. It is often used in legal or formal settings. Example: During the court proceedings, the witness was asked to take a solemn oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Herein we examine whether the traditional real-world institution of the solemn oath can improve preference elicitation.

Journal of Environmental Economics and Management

I just tell everyone, I swore a solemn oath, and I obeyed orders".

The New York Times - Magazine

I once took a SOLEMN OATH to defend the CONSTITUTION against ALL enemies, foreign and Domestic.

The Guardian

Even if Salmond were to make a solemn oath that he was retiring from politics altogether, would anyone believe him?

Independent

But one of the S.A. took a solemn oath over the grave of Grübnau to avenge his death.

Yale University

Felice stubbornly lives out her gritty existence as a solemn oath of self-punishment, one she never speaks of (that's part of the penance).

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

From the solemn oath-taking to the seemingly endless parade of marching bands from red states and blue, everything underscored the message of legitimacy and acceptance.

The New York Times

Raptures, solemn oaths.

The New York Times - Books

The Rt Rev Libby Lane has been made the bishop of Stockport with solemn oaths, high ceremony, and a sermon that drew on Call the Midwife in York Minster.

The Guardian

And, rather than being under the command of the pope, the knights were controlled by Alexios, to whom they swore solemn oaths over precious Christian relics as they passed through Constantinople.

The New York Times

If you're some sort of contrarian Flintstone with a rock for a TV and a toucan for a phonograph, that might sound like a gross generalisation, but open any women's magazine, eavesdrop in a coffee shop, talk to your mother on the phone, log into Facebook or tune into a daytime talk show, and you'll be bombarded with weight-loss advertisements, advice and solemn oaths.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "solemn oath", ensure the context aligns with a formal or serious promise, such as those made in legal, military, or official capacities. Avoid using it casually.

Common error

Avoid using "solemn oath" in trivial situations. Overusing it can diminish its impact and appear melodramatic. The phrase implies a significant commitment, so reserve it for appropriately serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solemn oath" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb, describing the formal pledge or promise that is being made. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment and is supported by various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "solemn oath" is a commonly used noun phrase that signifies a formal and serious promise. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news articles, encyclopedias, and academic texts. Its primary function is to emphasize the binding nature of a commitment, often within legal, governmental, or military contexts. Alternative phrases include "sacred vow" and "formal pledge", offering nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. While versatile, remember that using "solemn oath" casually diminishes its impact, so reserve it for appropriately grave situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sacred vow

Emphasizes the religious or spiritual dimension of the commitment.

formal pledge

Highlights the structured and official nature of the promise.

sworn commitment

Focuses on the act of swearing to uphold a promise.

binding promise

Stresses the legal or moral obligation created by the promise.

firm assurance

Suggests a strong and reliable guarantee.

earnest word

Implies sincerity and deep conviction in the promise.

vow of honor

Connects the commitment to a sense of personal integrity and reputation.

legal attestation

Highlights the legal validity and consequences of the promise.

certified declaration

Underlines the official and verified character of the statement.

irrevocable guarantee

Emphasizes that the promise cannot be taken back or changed.

FAQs

How is "solemn oath" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "solemn oath" is used to describe a formal and serious promise. For example: "He took a "solemn oath" to defend the constitution."

What phrases can I use instead of "solemn oath"?

You can use alternatives like "sacred vow", "formal pledge", or "sworn commitment" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between a "solemn oath" and a "solemn vow"?

While both imply a serious promise, a "solemn vow" often carries a stronger religious or personal connotation, while a ""solemn oath"" is more common in legal or official settings.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "solemn oath"?

The phrase "solemn oath" is appropriate when referring to a formal, legally binding, or deeply significant promise, such as those taken by government officials, military personnel, or witnesses in court.