we cannot promise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we cannot promise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing uncertainty or limitations regarding a commitment or guarantee. Example: "While we appreciate your interest, we cannot promise that your application will be approved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Frankly, we cannot promise peace between the Koreas.

The New York Times - Sports

"We cannot promise money or use power," Mr. Marazziti said.

The New York Times

However, we cannot promise it will work indefinitely as it will no longer be supported.

The Guardian

We cannot promise anything that is not in our power to deliver.

The Guardian

And we cannot promise to put everything right straight away," he will say.

The Guardian

We cannot promise you anything personally, but then, one never knows.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"We have been forthcoming, but I cannot promise … that we will fund Greece whatever the situation and the amount and the conditions," he said.

The Guardian - Business

"I cannot promise you that we will accomplish all we hope to by 2013, but I can promise that we will try," Mr. Lake told the Executive Board.

Unicef

"As much as I wish to, I cannot promise that we can find them".

Independent

As much as I wish to, I cannot promise that we can find them," he said in a statement.

The Guardian

We will be reviewing messages regularly, but cannot promise each will receive an individual response.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we cannot promise" when you want to be honest and upfront about limitations or uncertainties. It sets realistic expectations and builds trust with your audience.

Common error

Avoid making vague assurances followed by "we cannot promise". This undermines your credibility. Instead, be specific about what you can do before acknowledging the limitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we cannot promise" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing an inability to guarantee a specific outcome or action. Ludwig provides many examples where this expression is used to set realistic expectations. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

26%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

14%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we cannot promise" is a versatile phrase used to express an inability to guarantee a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. While source quality is generally high, it's essential to use this phrase judiciously to avoid undermining credibility or creating false expectations. Alternatives such as "we cannot guarantee" and "we are unable to assure" offer subtle nuances in meaning, allowing for more precise communication depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

We are unable to guarantee

Emphasizes a lack of ability to provide a guarantee.

We cannot assure you

Focuses on a lack of assurance regarding a particular outcome.

We offer no guarantees

Directly states the absence of any guarantees.

It's not something we can promise

Shifts the focus to the specific thing that cannot be promised.

We aren't able to commit to

Indicates an inability to make a firm commitment.

We can't make any promises

Highlights the general inability to make promises.

We are not in a position to guarantee

Implies situational constraints preventing a guarantee.

We cannot predict with certainty

Emphasizes the lack of predictability about the future.

We make no assurances

Similar to "we cannot assure you", but slightly more formal.

It is not within our power to promise

Highlights that the promise is beyond current capabilities.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "we cannot promise"?

Use "we cannot promise" when you are unable to guarantee a specific outcome, service level, or result. It's suitable for situations where external factors or inherent uncertainties exist.

What are some alternatives to "we cannot promise"?

Alternatives include "we cannot guarantee", "we are unable to assure", or "we offer no guarantees". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

How can I use "we cannot promise" effectively in a sentence?

Ensure the statement clearly outlines what you can do or what steps you will take, even while acknowledging the limits of your guarantee. For example, "We will do our best to assist you; however, "we cannot promise" a specific resolution timeframe."

Is it better to say "we cannot promise" or "we don't promise"?

"We cannot promise" is generally preferred as it acknowledges a limitation, whereas "we don't promise" might imply a deliberate refusal to offer assurance. The choice depends on the specific nuance you intend to convey.