Grammar fix
make a promise
promise
to say you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen, often to reassure or commit to someone.
collocationB1common
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- I made a promise to my friend that I would help her move house this weekend.relationships
- In my opinion, it's important to make a promise only if you are sure you can keep it, because trust is very important in relationships.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: make a promise (to someone) (to do something)
WrongHe did a promise to call.
RightHe made a promise to call.
You MAKE/keep/break a promise, never 'do' one.
Patternmake a promise (to someone) (to do something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
Natives 'make a promise' or just 'promise'; 'give my solemn word' is dramatic and old-fashioned.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
make a promisemakekeep a promisebreak a promisea promise to
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'keep a promise' (to do what you promised) and 'break a promise' (to not do what you promised).