What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deposit
Example
I need to deposit this check at the bank. [deposit: verb]
Example
The landlord requires a deposit before renting the apartment. [deposit: noun]
Example
The river has deposited a layer of silt on the riverbed. [deposited: past participle]
pledge
Example
I pledge to always be there for you. [pledge: verb]
Example
She made a pledge to donate $100 to the charity. [pledge: noun]
Example
He had to give his watch as a pledge for the loan. [pledge: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deposit is more commonly used than pledge in everyday language. Deposit is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while pledge is less common and usually associated with specific situations such as charity donations or political campaigns.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deposit and pledge?
Both deposit and pledge can be used in formal and informal contexts, but pledge is often associated with more formal situations such as legal agreements or public declarations of support.
