Cool MateI give you my word vs Promise
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
I give you my word
Top 2,000 (common)
Promise
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Most common: Promise
| I give you my word | Promise | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //aɪ ɡɪv jʊ maɪ wɜːd//🇺🇸 //aɪ ɡɪv jʊ maɪ wɜrd// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈprɒmɪs/","/ˈprɒmɪsɪz/","/ˈprɒmɪst/","/ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈprɑːmɪs/","/ˈprɑːmɪsɪz/","/ˈprɑːmɪst/","/ˈprɑːmɪsɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | I promise or assure you something. | A commitment to do something or not do something. |
| Example | I give you my word that I will finish the project on time. | I promise to help you with your homework. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | give you my word, keep my word, my word is my bond, words of assurance, promise my word | faithfully, solemnly, initially, can, cannot, seem to, to, as promised, I can’t promise anything |
| Antonyms | - | lie, break, betray |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'I'll give you my word' - not always necessary to use 'I'll'., Thinking it only means a literal word rather than a promise., Using it in overly formal contexts where simpler phrases are better. | Confusing 'promise' with 'vow' or 'pledge' in terms of strength., Using 'promise' without an object (e.g., 'I promise' should specify what)., Misusing in the past tense (e.g., 'I promised' without a follow-up). |
| Usage notes | Use when you want to make a sincere promise. It can be informal in casual contexts but appropriate in serious situations too. | Use 'promise' when you want to express a vow or assurance. Common in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid in formal legal documents. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: I give you my word vs Promise
What's the difference between I give you my word and Promise?
I give you my word: I promise or assure you something. Promise: A commitment to do something or not do something.
Which is more common: I give you my word and Promise?
Promise is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
I give you my word: I give you my word that I will finish the project on time. Promise: I promise to help you with your homework.
Can I use I give you my word and Promise interchangeably?
Not always. I give you my word and Promise are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.