0
HungryHippo1234 Posted 6 years ago
Grammar

Promises

"Don't make promises you can't keep."

I heard this after someone said a promise, but might not be able to uphold the promise (his promise may come true, but it may not).

Shouldn't it be "Don't make promise you might not be able to keep."? As there is a chance this he will uphold his promise?

  

Top answer

Yes, the second statement is more logical. However, the first is a commonplace saying, something you hear a lot. " I hope this helps.

  • Yes, the second statement is more logical.
  • However, the first is a commonplace saying, something you hear a lot.
  • " I hope this helps.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0

Yes, the second statement is more logical. However, the first is a commonplace saying, something you hear a lot. I think it is understood that "promises you can't keep" may mean "promises you can't guarantee you can keep." If the person knows that the promises won't be kept, the saying would be "don't make empty promises."

I hope this helps.

Related Questions