Cool MateCommit vs Promise me
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Commit
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Promise me
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Commit
| Commit | Promise me | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kəˈmɪt/","/kəˈmɪts/","/kəˈmɪtɪd/","/kəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kəˈmɪt/","/kəˈmɪts/","/kəˈmɪtɪd/","/kəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈprɒmɪs miː//🇺🇸 //ˈprɑːmɪs mi// |
| Meaning | To promise to do something or to dedicate oneself to a decision. | Say you'll do something or keep a secret. |
| Example | I need to commit to a healthier lifestyle this year. | Please, promise me you'll be there tomorrow. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | commit a crime, commit to a plan, commit resources, commit fully, commit yourself | make a promise, keep a promise, broken promise, if you promise, promise to |
| Antonyms | abandon, withdraw, distract | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'submit' — 'commit' refers to dedication, while 'submit' means to turn in something., Using 'commit' without an object — remember to specify what you are committing to. | 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 | Use 'commit' when referring to making a strong promise or dedication, often in serious contexts like relationships or projects. Avoid using it in casual situations unless it's about a commitment to a plan. | Typically used in informal contexts. Avoid in overly formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Commit vs Promise me
What's the difference between Commit and Promise me?
Commit: To promise to do something or to dedicate oneself to a decision. Promise me: Say you'll do something or keep a secret.
Which is more common: Commit and Promise me?
Commit is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Commit: I need to commit to a healthier lifestyle this year. Promise me: Please, promise me you'll be there tomorrow.
Can I use Commit and Promise me interchangeably?
Not always. Commit 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.