Cool MatePledge vs Promise me
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Pledge
FormalTop 2,000 (common)C1verb
Promise me
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Pledge
| Pledge | Promise me | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //plɛdʒ//🇺🇸 //plɛdʒ// | 🇬🇧 //ˈprɒmɪs miː//🇺🇸 //ˈprɑːmɪs mi// |
| Meaning | To make a serious promise or commitment. | Say you'll do something or keep a secret. |
| Example | She decided to pledge her support to the charity event. | Please, promise me you'll be there tomorrow. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | pledge allegiance, pledge support, pledge a donation | make a promise, keep a promise, broken promise, if you promise, promise to |
| Antonyms | renounce, disavow, withdraw | - |
| Common mistakes | 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. | Confused about who can promise - both people can make a promise., Using it without a specific object or context., Overusing it in casual conversations. |
| Usage notes | Typically used in formal contexts, such as during ceremonies or official statements. Avoid in casual conversations. | Typically used in informal contexts. Avoid in overly formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Pledge vs Promise me
What's the difference between Pledge and Promise me?
Pledge: To make a serious promise or commitment. Promise me: Say you'll do something or keep a secret.
Which is more formal: Pledge and Promise me?
Pledge is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Pledge: She decided to pledge her support to the charity event. Promise me: Please, promise me you'll be there tomorrow.
Can I use Pledge and Promise me interchangeably?
Not always. Pledge and Promise me 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.