vowed not to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vowed not to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong commitment or promise to refrain from doing something in the future. Example: "After the incident, she vowed not to make the same mistake again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Roosevelt vowed not to back down.

The New York Times

And he vowed not to repeat it.

The New York Times

Members have vowed not to budge.

The New York Times

Mrs. Thatcher vowed not to back down.

The New York Times

He vowed not to change his mind.

The New York Times

He vowed not to postpone unpleasant decisions.

The Economist

She vowed not to return.

The Guardian - Books

He has vowed not to resign.

The New York Times

She has vowed not to marry again.

The New York Times - Style

He has vowed not to raise taxes.

The New York Times

He vowed not to let go.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vowed not to" when you want to emphasize a strong, often public, commitment to avoid a certain action. It adds a sense of determination and formality to your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "vowed not to" can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. Consider using more informal alternatives like "promised not to" or "decided not to" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vowed not to" functions primarily as a declarative expression of intent. It signifies a firm and often public commitment to abstain from a specific action, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "vowed not to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a strong commitment to avoiding a particular action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it is more appropriate for formal or serious settings, where its emphasis on determination adds weight to the message. When a less formal tone is desired, alternatives such as "promised not to" or "decided not to" may be more suitable. Remember to use "vowed not to" when you truly want to highlight a firm resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pledged not to

Emphasizes a formal and serious promise, akin to taking an oath.

promised not to

A more common and less formal way of expressing a commitment.

swore not to

Implies a solemn declaration, sometimes with a religious connotation.

resolved not to

Indicates a firm decision and determination to avoid something.

determined not to

Highlights the strength of will in avoiding a particular action.

made a commitment not to

Focuses on the act of making a promise or pledge.

gave an assurance not to

Emphasizes the act of providing reassurance that something will be avoided.

undertook not to

A more formal way of saying that one has taken responsibility for avoiding something.

bound oneself not to

Suggests a self-imposed obligation or restriction.

refused to

A straightforward expression of unwillingness to do something, implying a decision was made not to do it.

FAQs

What does "vowed not to" mean?

The phrase "vowed not to" indicates a solemn promise or firm decision to refrain from doing something. It suggests a strong commitment.

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

You can use "vowed not to" to express a strong commitment to avoid a specific action. For example, "After the accident, he "vowed not to" drive drunk again."

What are some alternatives to "vowed not to"?

Alternatives to "vowed not to" include "promised not to", "pledged not to", "swore not to", or "resolved not to". The best choice depends on the context and level of formality.

Is "vowed not to" formal or informal?

"Vowed not to" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "promised not to" or "decided not to". It is suitable for serious or official contexts.