Pledge vs That's a pretty big commitment

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Pledge

FormalTop 2,000 (common)C1verb

That's a pretty big commitment

Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: PledgeMost common: Pledge
 PledgeThat's a pretty big commitment
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //plɛdʒ//🇺🇸 //plɛdʒ//🇬🇧 //ðæts ə ˈprɪti bɪg kəˈmɪtmənt//🇺🇸 //ðæts ə ˈprɪti bɪg kəˈmɪtmənt//
MeaningTo make a serious promise or commitment.It's a significant promise or responsibility.
ExampleShe decided to pledge her support to the charity event.Buying a house really is a pretty big commitment.
RegisterFormalNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 5,000 (fairly common)
CEFR levelC1-
Part of speechverb
Collocationspledge allegiance, pledge support, pledge a donationmake a commitment, big commitment, long-term commitment, serious commitment, financial commitment
Antonymsrenounce, disavow, withdraw-
Common mistakesConfused 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.Using 'commitment' incorrectly as a verb instead of a noun., Confusing 'commitment' with 'agreement' - a commitment is more personal., Overusing 'pretty' in formal speech.
Usage notesTypically used in formal contexts, such as during ceremonies or official statements. Avoid in casual conversations.Use in contexts discussing promises or responsibilities, often when emphasizing importance. It’s suitable for casual conversations, but can be used in formal contexts if necessary.

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Pledge
That's a pretty big commitment

Frequently asked questions: Pledge vs That's a pretty big commitment

What's the difference between Pledge and That's a pretty big commitment?

Pledge: To make a serious promise or commitment. That's a pretty big commitment: It's a significant promise or responsibility.

Which is more formal: Pledge and That's a pretty big commitment?

Pledge is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Pledge and That's a pretty big commitment?

Pledge is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Pledge: She decided to pledge her support to the charity event. That's a pretty big commitment: Buying a house really is a pretty big commitment.

Can I use Pledge and That's a pretty big commitment interchangeably?

Not always. Pledge and That's a pretty big commitment 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.

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