During your preparation for the IELTS Writing or Speaking test, have you ever wondered: should “promise” be followed by to V or V-ing? This is one of the most common grammar mistakes you need to watch out for, because just one wrong choice after “promise” can cost you valuable points in the examiner’s eyes. In this article, IDP will help you clearly understand the structures “promise + to V” and “promise + V-ing,” how to use them in specific contexts, along with examples and common mistakes to avoid.
1. The concept of “promise” in English
1.1. Definition and examples of “promise”
“Promise” functions as both a verb and a noun in English, used to express a commitment, assurance, or guarantee that an action will be carried out in the future.
Noun:
As a noun, “promise” means a commitment or assurance about a future action or result.
Example:
He made a promise to his parents to study harder.
Verb:
As a verb, “promise” describes the act of committing to do something, usually related to the future.
Example:
I promise to finish this task on time.
1.2. Positions of “promise” in a sentence
Depending on its grammatical role, “promise” can appear in different positions:
After the subject: S + promise + to V
Before the object: S + promise + someone + to V
After adverbs: S + promise + adv
1.3. After “promise”: to V or V-ing?
This is a question that confuses many IELTS learners. In fact, once you understand the core rule, you can easily avoid this common mistake.
👉 The correct answer is: “promise” is always followed by TO V (to-infinitive). 👉 “Promise” does NOT go with V-ing in standard structures.
Many learners mistakenly use V-ing after “promise,” but this is grammatically incorrect:
❌ I promise helping you
❌ She promised going there
These are incorrect because “promise” is not a verb that takes a gerund.
✅ Correct structure to remember: Promise + to V This is because “promise” expresses a future intention or commitment, so it is followed by the to-infinitive.
Example: She promised to improve her English skills.
2. “Promise + to V” or “V-ing”? Structures with “promise” (verb)
2.1. Promise + to V (promise to do something)
This is the most common structure, used to describe a future commitment.
S + promise + (not) + to V
Examples:
I promise to get on with my IELTS preparation as soon as the holiday ends.
I promise to complete this task before the deadline.
2.2. Promise + somebody + something
Used to express promising something to someone.
S + promise + somebody + something
Examples:
I promise you a better result next time.
She promised him a gift.
2.3. Promise + clause
Used to express a complete and clear promise, emphasizing the content.
S + promise + (that) + S + will/would + V
Note: In the past tense (“promised”), “will” changes to “would.” “That” can be omitted in speaking but should be kept in formal writing.
Example:
I promise that I will finish the work on time.
3. Structures with “promise” as a noun
“Promise” is also commonly used as a noun, often appearing in collocations:
Make a promise (to someone): give a promise
Example: He made a promise to his parents to study abroad.
Keep a promise / keep one’s promise: fulfill a promise
Example: She always keeps her promises.
Break a promise: fail to keep a promise
Example: If you break a promise, people may lose trust in you.
Give/make a promise to do something: promise a specific action
Example: She gave a promise to help her friend.
Empty promise: a promise with no intention of being fulfilled
Example: Politicians often make empty promises.
4. Extended structures with “promise”
4.1. Promise in reported speech
Form 1: To-infinitive Used when the subject and the doer are the same.
S + promised + (someone) + to V
Example: Direct: “I will finish the report by tomorrow,” he said. Indirect: He promised to finish the report by the following day.
Form 2: That-clause
S + promised + (someone) + that + S + would + V
Example: Direct: “I will help you,” she said. Indirect: She promised that she would help me.
4.2. Promise in passive voice
Form 1: With object (thing)
Something + be + promised + (to someone)
Example: A bonus was promised to all employees.
Form 2: “It is promised that…”
Used in formal contexts.
Example: It is promised that the new law will improve the economy.
5. Prepositions with “promise”
to:
promise to do something
Example:
She promised to help me.
of:
shows potential
Example:
This project shows great promise of success.
by:
used in passive voice
Example:
The scholarship was promised by the university.
about:
content of a promise (less common)
Example:
He made a promise about improving his performance.
with:
included meaning
Example:
The job comes with a promise of career growth.
6. Synonyms of “promise + to V”
To avoid repetition in IELTS:
Agree to + V:
agree to do something
Assure (someone) that…:
strongly guarantee
Commit to + V-ing:
long-term commitment
Swear to + V:
strong promise
Undertake to + V:
formal commitment
Give one’s word (that):
promise on honor
Pledge to + V:
formal promise (often political)
7. Common idioms with “promise”
a man of his promise → keeps his word
a promise is a promise → a promise must be kept
break one’s promise → fail to keep a promise
cast-iron promise → firm promise
give someone your word → promise on honor
keep one’s promise → fulfill a promise
promise someone the moon → make unrealistic promises
word is bond → words are binding
8. Practice exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the correct verb form
to help
to finish
to arrive
to call
to support
to explain
not to be
to tell
to study
not to forget
Exercise 2: Rewrite sentences
Lan promised to call me as soon as she arrived.
He promised to complete the assignment on time.
My brother promised not to forget my birthday.
The teacher promised to give us extra credits.
She promised to stay with the company for two years.
They promised to provide free Wi-Fi in the library.
I promise to work hard to become a successful content creator.
Our friends promised to attend our wedding.
Ready to conquer IELTS with accurate grammar
Hopefully, after this article, you can confidently answer the question “Promise + to V or V-ing?” and master advanced variations to score well in IELTS. Always remember the key rule:
👉 “Promise” is always followed by TO V, not V-ing.
Mastering grammar, expanding structures, and paraphrasing flexibly will help you:
Avoid unnecessary grammar mistakes
Improve Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Express ideas more naturally and academically
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