Meaning & use
the Pledge of Allegiance
Last updated
Meaning
proper nounproperAmerican
a short patriotic statement recited in the United States, expressing loyalty to the country and its flag.
Grammar: Always used with 'the' and capitalized; it is a singular proper noun.
Patterns
- recite the Pledge of Allegiance
- say the Pledge of Allegiance
Schoolchildren in many U.S. states recite the Pledge of Allegiance each morning.
The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
He stood and placed his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance.
Common combinations
- recite the Pledge of Allegiance
- The students stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
- say the Pledge of Allegiance
- We say the Pledge of Allegiance before class.
- the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag
- The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag is a tradition in many schools.
- during the Pledge of Allegiance
- Everyone remained silent during the Pledge of Allegiance.
Synonyms and how they differ
- oath of allegiance
- A more general term for a formal promise of loyalty, not the specific U.S. pledge.
Commonly confused: the Pledge of Allegiance or pledge?
the Pledge of Allegiance vs pledge
A general promise; 'the Pledge of Allegiance' is a specific named patriotic recitation.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'the Pledge of Allegiance' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option 1 is correct because the Pledge of Allegiance is a statement recited in schools. Option 0 is wrong because it is not a song. Option 2 is wrong because it is not a personal promise to a friend. Option 3 is wrong because it is not food.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “the Pledge of Allegiance”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.