PLEDGE
verb, noun
1. /pledʒ/
2. B2
3. To make a serious or formal promise (verb); a serious promise or commitment (noun)
4. = vow, promise, swear, commit (verb); oath, commitment, vow, promise (noun)
5. Idea: A pledge is like building a bridge between intention and action, using words as the building blocks.
6. Usage hints and common mistakes:
a) "Pledge" implies a serious commitment, not a casual promise. Don't use it for things like promising to bring snacks to a party.
b) "Pledge to" (+ infinitive/noun) – "I pledge to support you." "Pledge of" (support, allegiance).
c) "Pledge" as a noun can also refer to something given as security for a debt or loan. Think of it like a valuable item you leave with someone until you pay them back.
d) Common phrase "take the pledge" means making a formal commitment.
e) "Keep a pledge" expresses the idea of fulfilling or delivering on the promise (She kept her pledge to donate).
f) "Pledge" is both a verb and a noun. Pay attention to the context to understand which one is being used.
g) The difference between "pledge" and "promise" is formality. A "pledge" is more formal and often involves a public declaration.
h) The Pledge of Allegiance is a promise of loyalty and commitment to the United States and its flag. (Every morning, students in many American schools recite (=say) the Pledge of Allegiance to show their respect for the country).
7. Examples:
The politician pledged to lower taxes if elected, but we all know how these stories usually end.
He made a pledge to donate a significant portion of his earnings to charity.
The couple exchanged rings as a pledge of their commitment to each other.
verb, noun
1. /pledʒ/
2. B2
3. To make a serious or formal promise (verb); a serious promise or commitment (noun)
4. = vow, promise, swear, commit (verb); oath, commitment, vow, promise (noun)
5. Idea: A pledge is like building a bridge between intention and action, using words as the building blocks.
6. Usage hints and common mistakes:
a) "Pledge" implies a serious commitment, not a casual promise. Don't use it for things like promising to bring snacks to a party.
b) "Pledge to" (+ infinitive/noun) – "I pledge to support you." "Pledge of" (support, allegiance).
c) "Pledge" as a noun can also refer to something given as security for a debt or loan. Think of it like a valuable item you leave with someone until you pay them back.
d) Common phrase "take the pledge" means making a formal commitment.
e) "Keep a pledge" expresses the idea of fulfilling or delivering on the promise (She kept her pledge to donate).
f) "Pledge" is both a verb and a noun. Pay attention to the context to understand which one is being used.
g) The difference between "pledge" and "promise" is formality. A "pledge" is more formal and often involves a public declaration.
h) The Pledge of Allegiance is a promise of loyalty and commitment to the United States and its flag. (Every morning, students in many American schools recite (=say) the Pledge of Allegiance to show their respect for the country).
7. Examples:
The politician pledged to lower taxes if elected, but we all know how these stories usually end.
He made a pledge to donate a significant portion of his earnings to charity.
The couple exchanged rings as a pledge of their commitment to each other.