Language Research

promise · verb

/ˈprɑm.əs/Full view

promise (SAY)

B1 I or T to say that you will certainly do something or that something will certainly happen

Dictionary examples:

She promised to write to me every week.

He promised faithfully to call me every week.

Paul promised me that he'd cook dinner tonight.

"I'll come by and see you every day," she promised.

Learner example:

I promise that I will cover the work that you've done in class and I will send [it] to you the day after. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Thai)

promise (GIVE)

B1 T to say that you will certainly give something to someone

Dictionary examples:

They promised us a reward.

Grandma's ring was promised to me.

Her parents promised her a new car if she passed her exams.

Learner example:

And as a good friend, he has promised me a[n] invitation to [the] wedding. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Polish)

promise to be sth

B2 If something promises to be good, exciting, etc., people expect that it will be good, exciting, etc.

Dictionary example:

It promises to be a really exciting game.

Learner example:

I'm looking forward to start[ing] this trip with you and Chris. It promises to be very exciting! (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

promise · noun C

/ˈprɑm.əs/

promise

B1 when you say that you will certainly do something

Dictionary examples:

I'll put my things away tonight - and that's a promise!

I'm not sure I can do it so I won't make any promises.

Learner example:

Don't forget your promise to not just visit but stay at my place. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Bengali)

keep/break a promise

B2 to do/not do what you said that you would do

Dictionary example:

If I make a promise, I like to keep it.

Learner example:

In addition, you didn't keep your promise. (First Certificate in English; B2; Turkish)