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Threats and promises

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Why you can trust SCMP
John Millen

Do you know the difference between a promise and a threat? We use both of them a lot in everyday conversation and it is important to know which is which. A promise is a statement that you will definitely do or not do something: I will buy you a new MP3 player / I will not make dinner tonight.

A threat is a special kind of promise. A threat is a warning or a promise that you will punish or harm someone or something. Threats are not pleasant things, but unfortunately all of us use them at some time or other. Have you threatened anyone during the past week? Think about it - your threat might have been weak and you might not have meant it, or you might have been joking, but the chances are you have used a threat at some time, probably to get your way.

To make a promise, we say 'I will' plus what we are promising: I will arrive earlier tomorrow. To make a promise even stronger, we can say: I promise I will arrive earlier tomorrow / I promise I will not do that again.

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