E. Making Actions via Speech (I promise / I suggest etc.)

Doing Actions with Your Words

Sometimes at work, the act of speaking or writing a word is the action itself. The moment you say the phrase, the action is officially done. These are called performative expressions.

Because these words complete the action instantly, we always use the Present Simple ($I\ promise$) and never use the Present Continuous ($I\ am\ promising$).

1. Making a Guarantee (I promise)

When you give someone your official word, saying “I promise” seals the deal.

  • Correct: “I promise I won’t be late for the client pitch.”

  • ❌ Incorrect: I’m promising I won’t be late…

2. Giving Professional Advice (I suggest)

When a client asks for help, your statement is the advice.

  • Question: “What do you suggest I do about my resume?”

  • Answer: “I suggest that you follow Canexora guidelines.”

3. Other Common Workplace Expressions

We use this exact same pattern with several other professional verbs:

  • I apologize… (The act of saying sorry)

  • I advise… (The act of giving expert guidance)

  • I insist… (The act of being firm and polite)

  • I agree… (The act of accepting an idea)

  • I refuse… (The act of saying no)

💡 Quick Rule of Thumb

If you are doing the action by simply saying the word, do not add -ing. Keep it simple.

PreviousNext