Complete Guide to Using “I promise not to + (verb)” in English

The phrase “I promise not to + verb” is used to make a strong commitment that you will not do something. This construction helps assure others of your intentions to avoid certain actions.

“I promise not to” Usage Examples

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation	Context Type
1	I promise not to tell.	मैं वादा करता/करती हूँ कि नहीं बताऊँगा/बताऊँगी।	Secret keeping
2	I promise not to be late.	मैं वादा करता/करती हूँ कि देर से नहीं आऊँगा/आऊँगी।	Punctuality promise
3	I promise not to interrupt.	मैं वादा करता/करती हूँ कि बीच में नहीं बोलूँगा/बोलूँगी।	Conversation respect
4	I promise not to forget.	मैं वादा करता/करती हूँ कि नहीं भूलूँगा/भूलूँगी।	Memory commitment
5	I promise not to cheat.	मैं वादा करता/करती हूँ कि धोखा नहीं दूँगा/दूँगी।	Honesty promise
6	I promise not to complain.	मैं वादा करता/करती हूँ कि शिकायत नहीं करूँगा/करूँगी।	Positive attitude
7	I promise not to waste time.	मैं वादा करता/करती हूँ कि समय बर्बाद नहीं करूँगा/करूँगी।	Productivity
8	I promise not to give up.	मैं वादा करता/करती हूँ कि हार नहीं मानूँगा/मानूँगी।	Determination
9	I promise not to judge.	मैं वादा करता/करती हूँ कि आलोचना नहीं करूँगा/करूँगी।	Open-mindedness
10	I promise not to disappoint you.	मैं वादा करता/करती हूँ कि तुम्हें निराश नहीं करूँगा/करूँगी।	Reliability

Alternative Positive Promises (“I promise to”)

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation
1	I promise to tell the truth.	मैं वादा करता/करती हूँ कि सच बताऊँगा/बताऊँगी।
2	I promise to be on time.	मैं वादा करता/करती हूँ कि समय पर आऊँगा/आऊँगी।
3	I promise to call you.	मैं वादा करता/करती हूँ कि फोन करूँगा/करूँगी।
4	I promise to help you.	मैं वादा करता/करती हूँ कि मदद करूँगा/करूँगी।
5	I promise to improve.	मैं वादा करता/करती हूँ कि सुधार करूँगा/करूँगी।

Key Grammar Rules

1. Structure:
   • “Promise not to” + base verb form
   • Correct: “I promise not to go”
   • Incorrect: “I promise not going”
2. Positive Form:
   • “Promise to” + verb (for commitments to do something)
   • Example: “I promise to come”
3. Tense Consistency:
   • Always present tense for the promise
   • Future action implied
4. Emphasis:
   • Can add “I really promise…” for stronger commitment
   • Example: “I really promise not to tell anyone”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

“I promise to not tell”
“I promise not to tell” (more natural word order)

“I promising not to go”
“I promise not to go” (simple present tense)

“I promise I not telling”
“I promise not to tell” (correct infinitive form)

Cultural Usage Notes

1. In Western cultures, promises are taken seriously – don’t promise lightly
2. In Indian culture, “वादा” (vaada) carries strong emotional weight
3. Business contexts often use more formal language:
   • “I assure you I won’t…”
   • “You have my word that I won’t…”