Cool MatePromise vs That's a pretty big commitment
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Promise
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
That's a pretty big commitment
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Promise
| Promise | That's a pretty big commitment | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈprɒmɪs/","/ˈprɒmɪsɪz/","/ˈprɒmɪst/","/ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈprɑːmɪs/","/ˈprɑːmɪsɪz/","/ˈprɑːmɪst/","/ˈprɑːmɪsɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ə ˈprɪti bɪg kəˈmɪtmənt//🇺🇸 //ðæts ə ˈprɪti bɪg kəˈmɪtmənt// |
| Meaning | A commitment to do something or not do something. | It's a significant promise or responsibility. |
| Example | I promise to help you with your homework. | Buying a house really is a pretty big commitment. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | faithfully, solemnly, initially, can, cannot, seem to, to, as promised, I can’t promise anything | make a commitment, big commitment, long-term commitment, serious commitment, financial commitment |
| Antonyms | lie, break, betray | - |
| Common mistakes | 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). | 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 notes | Use 'promise' when you want to express a vow or assurance. Common in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid in formal legal documents. | 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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Frequently asked questions: Promise vs That's a pretty big commitment
What's the difference between Promise and That's a pretty big commitment?
Promise: A commitment to do something or not do something. That's a pretty big commitment: It's a significant promise or responsibility.
Which is more common: Promise and That's a pretty big commitment?
Promise is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Promise: I promise to help you with your homework. That's a pretty big commitment: Buying a house really is a pretty big commitment.
Can I use Promise and That's a pretty big commitment interchangeably?
Not always. Promise 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.