make a promise — promise
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to say you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen, often to reassure or commit to someone.
Say it like a native
Textbook I gave my solemn word that I would attend.
Native I made a promise I'd be there.
Natives 'make a promise' or just 'promise'; 'give my solemn word' is dramatic and old-fashioned.
Pattern: make a promise (to someone) (to do something)
In use
- 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
Common mistake
✗ He did a promise to call.
✓ He made a promise to call.
You MAKE/keep/break a promise, never 'do' one.
Common collocations
make a promise— make, keep a promise, break a promise, a 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).