Cool MateOaths vs Pledge
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Oaths
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Pledge
FormalTop 2,000 (common)C1verb
Most common: Pledge
| Oaths | Pledge | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //oʊθs//🇺🇸 //oʊθs// | 🇬🇧 //plɛdʒ//🇺🇸 //plɛdʒ// |
| Meaning | Formal promises, often made publicly. | To make a serious promise or commitment. |
| Example | The witness took several oaths before testifying in court. | She decided to pledge her support to the charity event. |
| Register | Formal | Formal |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | take an oath, swear oaths, make oaths, honor oaths | pledge allegiance, pledge support, pledge a donation |
| Antonyms | dishonor, break a promise | renounce, disavow, withdraw |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'oathes'; the correct plural is 'oaths'., Using 'oath' instead of 'oaths' when referring to multiple promises., Misunderstanding the religious context; not all oaths are religious. | Confused with 'pledged' vs 'pledge' as different tenses., Omitting the object after the verb., Using 'pledge' when referring to a general promise instead of a formal commitment. |
| Usage notes | Used in official or legal contexts. Avoid in casual conversations. 'Take an oath' is a more common phrase. | Typically used in formal contexts, such as during ceremonies or official statements. Avoid in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Oaths vs Pledge
What's the difference between Oaths and Pledge?
Oaths: Formal promises, often made publicly. Pledge: To make a serious promise or commitment.
Which is more common: Oaths and Pledge?
Pledge is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Oaths: The witness took several oaths before testifying in court. Pledge: She decided to pledge her support to the charity event.
Can I use Oaths and Pledge interchangeably?
Not always. Oaths and Pledge 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.