vow to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vow to do" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to express a strong promise or commitment to do something. Example: "The president vowed to do everything in his power to protect the rights of citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We splurge; we vow to do better tomorrow.

The Washington Post

He should vow to do more in his second term.

The Guardian - Opinion

WHAT did President Obama vow to do during a speech on Thursday?

The New York Times

WHAT did President Obama vow to do with respect to those automatic cuts?

The New York Times

I periodically vow to do something about this – usually at new year – but generally nothing happens.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It has run ads around the world featuring Mr. Eckert's vow to do better.

The New York Times

We will enter the second round with a vow to do better".

The New York Times

There are usually several entries that I feel sorry for not knowing, and I vow to do better next time.

The New York Times

But he repeated the central bank's vow to do "everything necessary" to maintain stability in the euro zone.

The New York Times

She does not vow to do that but reaffirms her general commitment to upholding the Fed's dual mandate.

The Guardian - Business

Whoever succeeds Mr. Mbeki must look long and hard at all that has gone wrong and vow to do better.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the action following "vow to do" is specific and achievable to maintain credibility. Avoid vague or unrealistic commitments.

Common error

While "vow to do" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly dramatic or formal in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "I'll do it" or "I plan to do it" in informal settings to avoid sounding unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vow to do" functions primarily as a declarative infinitive phrase, expressing a firm and determined intention to perform a specific action. As shown by Ludwig, this conveys a strong commitment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "vow to do" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to express a strong commitment or intention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammar rules and is frequently used in news, formal business, and academic contexts. While highly versatile, it's important to note that this expression carries a certain weight, making it more appropriate for formal declarations or serious commitments. Alternatives like "promise to do" or "pledge to do" may be better suited for informal settings. Remember to always consider your audience and the tone you wish to convey when employing the phrase "vow to do".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pledge to do

Replaces "vow" with "pledge", maintaining the sense of a formal promise.

Promise to do

Substitutes "vow" with "promise", offering a more general expression of intent.

Commit to doing

Shifts the focus to commitment, changing the structure to a gerund phrase.

Undertake to do

Replaces "vow" with "undertake", suggesting a more formal and official obligation.

Resolve to do

Emphasizes a firm decision and determination, replacing "vow" with "resolve".

Determine to do

Highlights the decisiveness in taking action, swapping "vow" with "determine".

Swear to do

Uses "swear" instead of "vow", intensifying the commitment with an oath-like quality.

Give an assurance to do

Focuses on providing reassurance of intent, expanding the phrase structure.

Give one's word to do

Emphasizes the personal guarantee behind the action, altering the phrase significantly.

Be determined to do

Shifts the focus to the state of being determined, using a passive construction.

FAQs

How can I use "vow to do" in a sentence?

You can use "vow to do" to express a solemn promise or determination. For example, "The company "vows to do" everything possible to reduce its carbon footprint".

What are some alternatives to "vow to do"?

Alternatives to "vow to do" include "promise to do", "pledge to do", and "commit to doing", each carrying slightly different connotations of formality and commitment.

Is "vow to do" suitable for informal communication?

While grammatically correct, "vow to do" is more suited for formal or serious contexts. In informal communication, simpler phrases like "I'll do" or "I plan to do" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "vow to do" and "promise to do"?

"Vow to do" implies a deeper, more solemn commitment than "promise to do". A vow often carries a sense of duty or moral obligation, while a promise is generally a simpler declaration of intent.