Cool MatePromise vs You gave us your word
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Promise
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
You gave us your word
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Promise
| Promise | You gave us your word | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈprɒmɪs/","/ˈprɒmɪsɪz/","/ˈprɒmɪst/","/ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈprɑːmɪs/","/ˈprɑːmɪsɪz/","/ˈprɑːmɪst/","/ˈprɑːmɪsɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //jʊ ɡeɪv ʌs jɔː wɜːd//🇺🇸 //ju ɡeɪv ʌs jʊr wɝːd// |
| Meaning | A commitment to do something or not do something. | You made a promise or commitment. |
| Example | I promise to help you with your homework. | When you said you'd help, you gave us your word. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | faithfully, solemnly, initially, can, cannot, seem to, to, as promised, I can’t promise anything | give your word, break your word, keep your word, take someone's word, trust someone's word |
| 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). | Confused with 'You gave us your words' - 'word' in this context is singular., Using it when informal language is more appropriate., Misunderstanding the nuance of 'word' as a promise versus literal words. |
| 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. | Typically used to emphasize trust or commitment. Suitable in both spoken and written language, often in serious or personal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Promise vs You gave us your word
What's the difference between Promise and You gave us your word?
Promise: A commitment to do something or not do something. You gave us your word: You made a promise or commitment.
Which is more common: Promise and You gave us your word?
Promise is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Promise: I promise to help you with your homework. You gave us your word: When you said you'd help, you gave us your word.
Can I use Promise and You gave us your word interchangeably?
Not always. Promise and You gave us your word 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.