promise

A statement that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen.

• You must keep your promise.
• She broke her promise to help me.
• Did he make any promises about the money?

How to use it: promise to do something (She made a promise to call every week.); promise that… (He gave us his promise that the work would be finished.)

Similar words: pledge, vow

Common phrases: make a promise, keep a promise, break a promise, solemn promise

Signs that someone or something could become good or successful.

• The young singer shows promise.
• His early work had great promise.
• This research offers real promise for the future.

How to use it: promise as something (She shows promise as a writer.); promise of something (The results offer promise of a better treatment.)

Similar words: potential

Common phrases: show promise, great promise, early promise

If you say this, you give your word that you will definitely do something.

• I promise to help you.
• He promised me a ticket.
• Have you promised that you will come?

How to use it: promise to do something (I promised to look after the dog.); promise someone something (She promised me a new bike.); promise that… (They promised that the house would be ready.)

Similar words: pledge, vow

Common phrases: promise to help, promise someone something, promise to return

To suggest that something, usually something good, is likely to happen.

• The dark clouds promise rain.
• The evening promises to be enjoyable.
• These early results promise a useful discovery.

How to use it: promise to be something (The trip promises to be exciting.)

Similar words: suggest, foreshadow

Common phrases: promise success, promise to be, promise rain