What is promise? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "promise" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings and ways to use it.

1. As a Verb (To make a commitment):

• Meaning: To assure someone that you will do something; to pledge to do something.
• Examples:
  • "I promise to call you tomorrow." (A simple, future commitment)
  • "She promised to help me with my homework." (An assurance of action)
  • "He promised he wouldn't tell anyone our secret." (A solemn pledge)
  • "Don't promise anything you can't deliver." (Cautionary advice)
• Structure: I/You/He/She/It/We/They + promise + (object – what you'll do)

2. As a Noun (A guarantee or pledge):

• Meaning: A declaration assuring that one will do something or that a particular event will happen. It’s a commitment you’ve made.
• Examples:
  • "I kept my promise and finished the project on time." (Referring to the past commitment)
  • "They made a promise to donate to the charity." (A formal declaration)
  • "He broke his promise to visit." (Meaning he didn't follow through)
  • "She gave me a promise of love." (A romantic pledge)
• Structure: The promise + (can be followed by other words describing details – who it’s to, what it’s about, etc.)

3. Figurative Uses of "Promise"

• "It promises a bright future." (Here, “promises” means suggests or indicates). This is a more formal, slightly old-fashioned way to express potential or hope.
• "This cake promises deliciousness." (Similar to above - suggests something enjoyable).

Key Phrases & Related Words:

• Keep your word: To honor a promise. "Don't make a promise you can't keep. Keep your word!"
• Break a promise: To fail to fulfill a promise.
• Make a vow: A solemn promise, often with religious or legal significance.
• Guarantee: A strong assurance; a promise. (Similar meaning, but "guarantee" often implies a more formal assurance).
• pledge: To promise formally.
• assure: To tell someone confidently that something is true.

Tips for Using "Promise" Correctly:

• Context is important: The meaning of "promise" will be clear from the context of the sentence.
• Be careful with tense: When using "promise" as a verb, pay attention to the tense you use (present, future, past).
• Consider synonyms: Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you might consider using words like "pledge," "guarantee," or "assure."

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

• What are you trying to do with the word "promise"? (e.g., write a sentence, understand a conversation, etc.)
• Can you give me an example sentence where you're using or trying to use "promise"?