Cool MateI know i broke my oath vs Pledge
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
I know i broke my oath
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Pledge
FormalTop 2,000 (common)C1verb
Most formal: PledgeMost common: Pledge
| I know i broke my oath | Pledge | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //aʊθ//🇺🇸 //oʊθ// | 🇬🇧 //plɛdʒ//🇺🇸 //plɛdʒ// |
| Meaning | I promised to do something and didn't. | To make a serious promise or commitment. |
| Example | I know I broke my oath to protect the kingdom. | She decided to pledge her support to the charity event. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | honor an oath, take an oath, break an oath | pledge allegiance, pledge support, pledge a donation |
| Antonyms | - | renounce, disavow, withdraw |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'oath' with 'oath of office', which is specific to political positions., Using 'broke' incorrectly with non-physical items; it applies to commitments., Mispronouncing 'oath' as it is not spelled phonetically. | Confused with 'pledged' vs 'pledge' as different tenses., Omitting the object after the verb., Using 'pledge' when referring to a general promise instead of a formal commitment. |
| Usage notes | Use in discussions about promises, commitments, or moral obligations. It's neutral but may be serious depending on context. | Typically used in formal contexts, such as during ceremonies or official statements. Avoid in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: I know i broke my oath vs Pledge
What's the difference between I know i broke my oath and Pledge?
I know i broke my oath: I promised to do something and didn't. Pledge: To make a serious promise or commitment.
Which is more formal: I know i broke my oath and Pledge?
Pledge is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: I know i broke my oath and Pledge?
Pledge is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
I know i broke my oath: I know I broke my oath to protect the kingdom. Pledge: She decided to pledge her support to the charity event.
Can I use I know i broke my oath and Pledge interchangeably?
Not always. I know i broke my oath and Pledge 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.