to make a pledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make a pledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of committing to a promise or assurance, often in a formal context. Example: "The organization decided to make a pledge to support environmental sustainability initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Australia has ruled out contributing but Canada is expected to make a pledge.

The Guardian

Ask people to make a pledge, says Richard Parker, client relationship manager at The DoNation.

The Guardian

The only way to get it is to make a pledge to the station.

The New Yorker

The Conservative MP Philip Davies urged her to make a pledge not to pay any money into the EU budget.

The Guardian

14. (S) AbZ express concern over Saudi Arabia's decision not to make a pledge at the Tokyo conference.

The Guardian

Borrowing a technique from online merchants like Amazon and Fresh Direct, repeat donors do not need to resubmit their credit card information to make a pledge.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Speaking after Ukip's manifesto launch on Wednesday, Farage said: "What I'm saying is, albeit reluctantly, he [Cameron] has been forced in to making a pledge on a referendum.

The Guardian

But this sort of campaign erases that timeline, allowing citizens to instantly make a pledge to hold that elected official responsible for their actions.

HuffPost

Most of the alternative sites give guests the opportunity to make a financial pledge toward things a couple might want.

The New York Times

The plan did call on Congress to make a nonbinding pledge to reach net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2030.

The Washington Post

The Liberal Democrats will today become the only major political party to make a manifesto pledge to protect education spending in real terms after the next election.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to make a pledge", clearly state the specific action or commitment being promised. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the pledge is meaningful.

Common error

Avoid using "to make a pledge" without a clear follow-through. Empty promises can damage credibility. Ensure that there's a tangible plan or commitment backing up the pledge.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to make a pledge" functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence, often serving as the object of a verb or part of a more complex grammatical structure. It indicates the act of committing to a promise or assurance, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to make a pledge" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase that signifies committing to a promise or assurance. As Ludwig AI underlines, this phrase appears most commonly in news, academic, and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral to professional tone. Related phrases include "to give an undertaking" or "to commit oneself", offering alternatives depending on the desired level of formality. Remember to ensure any pledge is followed by concrete action to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to give one's word

Emphasizes personal integrity and reliability.

to promise solemnly

Highlights the seriousness and formality of the promise.

to make a vow

Focuses on a personal, often spiritual, commitment.

to give an undertaking

Emphasizes a formal promise or agreement.

to give an assurance

Focuses on providing confidence and certainty.

to commit oneself

Focuses on the personal commitment and dedication involved.

to take an oath

Indicates a formal and often legally binding promise.

to vow to

Suggests a solemn and serious promise.

to assure

Implies a guarantee or certainty about a future action.

to guarantee

Suggests a firm and reliable commitment.

FAQs

How can I use "to make a pledge" in a sentence?

You can use "to make a pledge" when describing a commitment or promise. For example: "The candidate decided to make a pledge to reduce taxes".

What are some alternatives to "to make a pledge"?

Alternatives include "to give an undertaking", "to commit oneself", or "to vow to", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it better to "make a pledge" or "give a promise"?

"To make a pledge" often implies a more formal or public commitment than "give a promise". The best choice depends on the specific situation and the desired level of formality.

What does it mean "to make a pledge" in a fundraising context?

In fundraising, "to make a pledge" typically means to commit to donating a certain amount of money, often to be paid over a specific period. It's a promise of future financial support.