Cool MateI give you my word vs Vow
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
I give you my word
Top 2,000 (common)
Vow
FormalTop 3,000 (common)C1verb
Most formal: VowMost common: I give you my word
| I give you my word | Vow | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //aɪ ɡɪv jʊ maɪ wɜːd//🇺🇸 //aɪ ɡɪv jʊ maɪ wɜrd// | 🇬🇧 /["/vaʊ/","/vaʊz/","/vaʊd/","/ˈvaʊɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/vaʊ/","/vaʊz/","/vaʊd/","/ˈvaʊɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | I promise or assure you something. | A serious promise to do something. |
| Example | I give you my word that I will finish the project on time. | She vowed never to speak to him again. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | give you my word, keep my word, my word is my bond, words of assurance, promise my word | quietly, silently, to, vow never to do something, vow revenge, vow revenge against somebody |
| Antonyms | - | break, violate |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'I'll give you my word' - not always necessary to use 'I'll'., Thinking it only means a literal word rather than a promise., Using it in overly formal contexts where simpler phrases are better. | Confused with 'cow' — they sound similar but have different meanings., Using in informal contexts — 'vow' is too strong for casual promises. |
| Usage notes | Use when you want to make a sincere promise. It can be informal in casual contexts but appropriate in serious situations too. | Use 'vow' when making a serious commitment, often in formal situations like weddings or ceremonies. Avoid in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: I give you my word vs Vow
What's the difference between I give you my word and Vow?
I give you my word: I promise or assure you something. Vow: A serious promise to do something.
Which is more formal: I give you my word and Vow?
Vow is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: I give you my word and Vow?
I give you my word is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
I give you my word: I give you my word that I will finish the project on time. Vow: She vowed never to speak to him again.
Can I use I give you my word and Vow interchangeably?
Not always. I give you my word and Vow 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.