Verb form Strong commitment in words, not proof of follow-through
VowingMeaning, examples and usage
Vowing is the -ing form of vow: making a serious or solemn promise.
Say it: VOW-ing · the first syllable rhymes with now
How to use vowing
Vowing to is followed by an action: “vowing to return.” Vowing that introduces a clause: “vowing that the library would reopen.” It is stronger than simply planning or hoping. Save it for a promise that the speaker wants others to take seriously, rather than an ordinary item on a to-do list.
Example sentences
Illustrative examples written for this guide.
Vowing to do something
“She left the workshop vowing to finish the chair she had started.”
The sentence reports her promise; it does not say that the chair was finished.
Vowing that something will happen
“The volunteers began the repairs, vowing that the reading room would open again.”
That introduces the outcome they promised to bring about.
A promise and a practical step
“After vowing to call more often, he set aside time for a weekly conversation.”
The second part tells the reader what he actually did next.
Similar words, different emphasis
- Promising
- The broader everyday word for saying you will do something; promising can also be an adjective meaning likely to succeed.
- Pledging
- Often suits a formal commitment of support, money or action.
- Planning
- Describes an intention or arrangement. A plan is not necessarily a promise to another person.
Does vowing mean the same as doing?
No. Vowing reports a promise. “They are vowing to improve access” does not tell us whether access has improved. If you are describing a dependable colleague, name the action they completed or the promise they kept. Use vowing when the act of making the commitment is what matters.
References and editorial note
The linked dictionary entries support the word meanings. The example sentences and writing suggestions are Ikigain’s own. This is a language guide, not a personality assessment.