Cool MateGuarantee vs Promise me
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Guarantee
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Promise me
Top 2,000 (common)
| Guarantee | Promise me | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɡærənˈtiː/","/ˌɡærənˈtiːz/","/ˌɡærənˈtiːd/","/ˌɡærənˈtiːɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɡærənˈtiː/","/ˌɡærənˈtiːz/","/ˌɡærənˈtiːd/","/ˌɡærənˈtiːɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈprɒmɪs miː//🇺🇸 //ˈprɑːmɪs mi// |
| Meaning | A promise that something will happen or be done. | Say you'll do something or keep a secret. |
| Example | I can guarantee that you will enjoy this movie. | Please, promise me you'll be there tomorrow. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | absolutely, personally, constitutionally, be able to, can, be fully guaranteed, absolutely, almost, practically | make a promise, keep a promise, broken promise, if you promise, promise to |
| Antonyms | doubt, uncertainty, dispute | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'ensure' — 'guarantee' implies a stronger promise., Incorrectly using 'guarantee' without a direct object — always specify what is guaranteed., Mixing up 'guaranteed' as an adjective instead of a past participle. | 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 'guarantee' when you want to express certainty about an outcome. It's suitable for both written and spoken English, but avoid in casual conversations where simpler words like 'promise' may suffice. | Typically used in informal contexts. Avoid in overly formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Guarantee vs Promise me
What's the difference between Guarantee and Promise me?
Guarantee: A promise that something will happen or be done. Promise me: Say you'll do something or keep a secret.
Can you show an example of each?
Guarantee: I can guarantee that you will enjoy this movie. Promise me: Please, promise me you'll be there tomorrow.
Can I use Guarantee and Promise me interchangeably?
Not always. Guarantee 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.