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.
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.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He did a promise to call.
Say: He made a promise to call.
You MAKE/keep/break a promise, never 'do' one.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
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 promise
- make
- keep a promise
- break a promise
- a promise to