vow not to

USAGE SUMMARY

"vow not to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express a strong promise or commitment to not do something. One example could be: "I vow not to give up until I have achieved my goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I vow not to blink.

The New York Times - Magazine

They vow not to stop until their demand is met.

The New York Times

I made a vow not to talk about it.

The Guardian - Books

After Walgett we vow not to use the toilet again.

The Guardian - Travel

Others vow not to surrender and refuse to set aside their guns.

Cornell University

He organized an army in which all who joined had to vow not to fight.

The New Yorker

But this is our vow, not to leave our country to foreigners".

The New York Times

He expressed respect for Mr. Obama's vow not to allow Iran to acquire an atomic bomb.

The New York Times

It's Kilgrave's vow not to hurt a woman he's already brutalized.

The New Yorker

(Unlike the Dirty, the Filthy made no vow not to bathe. They just preferred not to).

The New York Times

And though there have been dozens of arrests, the locals vow not to back down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "vow not to", ensure it reflects a serious and intentional commitment. Choose it when you want to emphasize the strength of your promise or decision.

Common error

Avoid using "vow not to" in casual conversations or lighthearted situations. This phrase carries a sense of gravity and formality that might seem out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "promise not to" or "won't" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vow not to" functions as a declarative expression of commitment, indicating a firm decision to abstain from a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where individuals or groups state their resolute intentions. The phrase essentially asserts a binding promise.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

9%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vow not to" is a powerful declaration of intent, used to express a firm commitment to avoid a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media, academic writing, and even wiki articles. While versatile, its formal tone makes it less suitable for casual conversations. Consider alternatives like "promise not to" or "pledge not to" for less solemn situations. Choosing the right phrase ensures your message is both clear and contextually appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

promise not to

Replaces "vow" with "promise", indicating a commitment but potentially less formal.

pledge not to

Uses "pledge" instead of "vow", suggesting a solemn promise or undertaking.

commit not to

Employs "commit" instead of "vow", highlighting dedication and intention.

resolve not to

Swaps "vow" for "resolve", indicating a firm decision or determination.

undertake not to

Substitutes "vow" with "undertake", signifying a formal agreement or responsibility.

swear not to

Replaces "vow" with "swear", implying a solemn declaration or oath.

give an assurance not to

Expresses a guarantee to not do something.

assure you that I won't

Personalizes the commitment with a direct reassurance.

guarantee not to

Offers a strong guarantee to refrain from an action.

affirm a decision not to

Formally declares a choice to abstain from something.

FAQs

How can I use "vow not to" in a sentence?

Use "vow not to" to express a firm and serious commitment to avoid a particular action. For example, "I vow not to repeat the same mistake" or "They vow not to surrender".

What are some alternatives to saying "vow not to"?

You can use alternatives like "promise not to", "pledge not to", or "commit not to" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "vow not to" than "promise not to"?

Yes, "vow not to" generally carries a stronger and more formal tone than "promise not to". A "vow" suggests a solemn and serious commitment, often made publicly or with deep personal conviction.

When is it appropriate to use "vow not to" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "vow not to" when you want to emphasize the seriousness and determination behind a commitment. This phrase works well in formal writing, speeches, or situations where you want to convey a strong sense of intent.