A pledge is like a very serious promise. When you make a pledge, you are saying you will definitely do something or give something. For example, a student might pledge to study hard for an exam. Someone might also pledge money to help a good cause. It's a strong commitment.
A pledge, at the B2 level, signifies a firm and serious promise, often made publicly or in a formal context.
This commitment can involve undertaking an action, such as a pledge to uphold certain values, or donating something, like a financial pledge to a cause.
It goes beyond a casual promise, implying a strong sense of duty and intention to fulfill what has been declared.
Essentially, it's a solemn commitment that others expect to be honored.
§ Where you actually hear this word
The word "pledge" is quite versatile and can be encountered in various contexts, from formal settings to everyday conversations. Understanding its different uses will help you grasp its meaning more deeply.
§ In the News
You'll frequently hear "pledge" in news reports, especially when discussing politics, international relations, or charity initiatives. When leaders make promises or commitments, the term "pledge" is often used to describe these undertakings.
The president made a pledge to reduce unemployment within his first term.
In the context of international affairs, countries often make "pledges" regarding climate change, aid, or military support. These are formal commitments that carry significant weight.
Several nations issued a joint pledge to limit carbon emissions by 2030.
Charitable organizations also extensively use the word "pledge" when fundraising. Donors make pledges to contribute a certain amount of money, which the organization then relies upon.
The telethon received millions of dollars in pledges for disaster relief.
§ In Work Environments
In a professional context, "pledge" can refer to commitments made by employees or companies. For instance, a company might make a pledge to its customers or stakeholders.
Our company makes a pledge to deliver high-quality products and services.
Employees might also make a pledge of loyalty or commitment to their work or employer. While not always stated explicitly, it's an unspoken understanding of dedication.
The new hires made a pledge to uphold the company's values.
§ In School and Academic Settings
In educational environments, "pledge" can be heard in various situations. Students might make an academic pledge or an honor pledge.
Before the exam, students signed an honor pledge to not cheat.
Fraternities and sororities often use the term "pledge" to refer to the period during which prospective members undergo a probationary process before full initiation. This is a very specific use of the word within a particular social context.
She spent a semester as a pledge before becoming a full member of the sorority.
§ Everyday Life and General Use
While "pledge" can sound formal, it also appears in more casual, everyday situations. People might make personal pledges to themselves or to loved ones.
I made a pledge to myself to exercise more regularly this year.
The "Pledge of Allegiance" in some countries is a common example of a public and patriotic pledge.
Students recited the Pledge of Allegiance every morning.
Understanding these different contexts will help you better interpret the meaning of "pledge" when you encounter it in conversation or in written form.
- Summary of "Pledge" Uses:
- News: Political, international, and charitable commitments.
- Work: Company promises, employee loyalty.
- School: Honor codes, fraternity/sorority initiation.
- Everyday: Personal resolutions, patriotic declarations.
How Formal Is It?
"The two nations signed a covenant to maintain peace and cooperation."
"I made a promise to my friend that I would help them move."
"He made a vow to always be there for his family, no matter what."
"Let's make a pinky promise to be best friends forever!"
"I'll be there, you have my word."
Exemples par niveau
In a historic moment, several nations made a collective pledge to reduce carbon emissions by 30% over the next decade.
En un momento histórico, varias naciones hicieron una promesa colectiva de reducir las emisiones de carbono en un 30% durante la próxima década.
Here, 'pledge' is used as a noun, the object of 'made a collective'.
The CEO reiterated his unwavering pledge to prioritize employee well-being and invest in professional development programs.
El director ejecutivo reiteró su compromiso inquebrantable de priorizar el bienestar de los empleados e invertir en programas de desarrollo profesional.
'Unwavering pledge' emphasizes the strong and consistent nature of the promise.
Despite initial skepticism, the company honored its pledge to donate a significant portion of its profits to local community initiatives.
A pesar del escepticismo inicial, la empresa cumplió su promesa de donar una parte significativa de sus ganancias a iniciativas comunitarias locales.
'Honored its pledge' means to fulfill or keep a promise.
The candidate's campaign platform included a bold pledge to reform the educational system and ensure equal opportunities for all students.
La plataforma de campaña del candidato incluía una audaz promesa de reformar el sistema educativo y garantizar la igualdad de oportunidades para todos los estudiantes.
'Bold pledge' suggests a significant and perhaps challenging promise.
During the fundraising gala, attendees were encouraged to make a pledge to support the hospital's new pediatric wing.
Durante la gala de recaudación de fondos, se animó a los asistentes a hacer una promesa para apoyar la nueva ala pediátrica del hospital.
'Make a pledge' is a common collocation when referring to promising money or support.
The new government faces the challenge of fulfilling its ambitious pledge to create one million new jobs within its first term.
El nuevo gobierno se enfrenta al desafío de cumplir su ambiciosa promesa de crear un millón de nuevos empleos durante su primer mandato.
'Fulfilling its pledge' is another way to say keeping or honoring a promise.
As part of the oath, each member made a solemn pledge to uphold the values and principles of the organization.
Como parte del juramento, cada miembro hizo una promesa solemne de defender los valores y principios de la organización.
'Solemn pledge' emphasizes the serious and formal nature of the promise, often associated with oaths.
The environmental group sought a clear pledge from corporations to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics.
El grupo ecologista buscaba un compromiso claro por parte de las corporaciones para reducir su dependencia de los plásticos de un solo uso.
'Clear pledge' indicates a definite and unambiguous promise.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
When a charity is fundraising, they often ask for pledges from donors, which are promises to donate a certain amount of money.
- make a pledge
- honor a pledge
- fulfill a pledge
During a wedding ceremony, the couple exchanges vows, which are essentially pledges of love and commitment to each other.
- exchange pledges
- pledges of love
- solemn pledge
In politics, candidates often make pledges to the public about what they will do if elected, such as improving education or healthcare.
- campaign pledges
- election pledges
- broken pledges
When joining a fraternity or sorority, new members often take a pledge, signifying their commitment to the organization's values and goals.
- take a pledge
- pledge allegiance
- pledge class
Some companies or organizations ask their employees to sign a pledge of ethical conduct, committing to uphold certain moral standards in their work.
- sign a pledge
- pledge of ethics
- commitment pledge
Amorces de conversation
"Have you ever made a significant pledge, either to a person or an organization? What was it about?"
"In what situations do you think people are most likely to make pledges, and why?"
"What's the difference between a promise and a pledge, in your opinion?"
"Can you think of a time when a public figure made a pledge that had a big impact, either positively or negatively?"
"How important do you think it is for individuals and organizations to honor their pledges?"
Sujets d'écriture
Reflect on a time you made a pledge, big or small. What motivated you to make it, and what was the outcome?
Consider a pledge you wish you had made or a pledge you are glad you didn't make. What were the circumstances?
Write about the concept of 'pledges' in your culture or society. Are there common types of pledges, and how are they viewed?
Imagine you could make a pledge to the future. What would it be, and why would it be important to you?
Think about the difference between a personal pledge and a public pledge. How do the expectations and pressures differ for each?
Teste-toi 30 questions
Think about what a promise is.
A pledge can be about giving something.
A pledge can be a formal commitment.
Read this aloud:
I will always keep my pledge.
Focus: pledge
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
What is your pledge?
Focus: pledge
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
We made a pledge to protect the environment.
Focus: pledge, protect
Tu as dit :
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This sentence means she made a promise.
This means they did what they promised.
This means I promise to give to a charity.
The CEO made a solemn _______ to the shareholders that the company would achieve its financial targets.
A 'pledge' is a solemn promise or undertaking, which fits the context of a CEO's commitment to shareholders. 'Suggestion,' 'request,' and 'hint' do not convey the same level of formal commitment.
During the charity gala, many philanthropists made a _______ of substantial funds to support the new hospital wing.
In this context, 'pledge' refers specifically to a sum of money promised to a charity, often before the actual transfer of funds. While 'donation,' 'contribution,' and 'gift' are related, 'pledge' emphasizes the formal promise aspect.
The new recruits were asked to sign a _______ of allegiance to their country and its constitution.
A 'pledge' of allegiance is a common and formal term for a commitment of loyalty. While an 'oath' is also a solemn promise, 'pledge of allegiance' is a more idiomatic and specific phrase for this context. 'Contract' and 'agreement' are more legalistic and less focused on loyalty.
When you make a pledge, you are essentially making a casual suggestion.
A pledge is a 'solemn promise or undertaking,' not a casual suggestion. It implies a strong commitment and formality.
A financial pledge to a charity typically involves an immediate transfer of funds.
A pledge is a promise to give money; the actual transfer of funds may occur later. The definition states it is a 'sum of money promised to a charity'.
If an organization receives a pledge of support, it means they have been promised loyalty or assistance.
The definition states that a pledge can also refer to 'a commitment of support or loyalty'.
Listen for the commitment made by knights.
Focus on what the company promised to maintain.
Consider the nature of her commitment to social good.
Read this aloud:
The candidate's pledge to eradicate poverty resonated deeply with the electorate.
Focus: eradicate, resonated, electorate
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
He made a solemn pledge to his family that he would overcome his personal struggles.
Focus: solemn, struggles, overcome
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
The nation's pledge to environmental conservation was met with both acclaim and skepticism.
Focus: conservation, acclaim, skepticism
Tu as dit :
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The sentence begins with the possessive pronoun 'His' referring to the subject whose 'pledge' is being described. The 'pledge' is 'to uphold' something, which is 'the company's ethical standards'. The second part of the sentence, 'is a testament to his integrity', completes the thought by explaining the significance of the pledge. The correct order ensures logical flow and grammatical correctness.
The sentence starts with the subject 'The environmental group', followed by the action 'secured a pledge'. The source of the pledge is 'from the government', and the content of the pledge is 'to reduce carbon emissions'. The specifics of the reduction are 'by 20%' and the timeframe is 'over the next decade'. This order creates a clear and complete statement.
The introductory phrase 'Despite financial difficulties' sets the context. The subject 'she' then performs the action 'honored her pledge'. The content of the pledge is 'to donate a substantial sum', and the recipient is 'to the local community center'. This arrangement ensures a coherent and meaningful sentence.
/ 30 correct
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