true to her words (word)

Quick answer

Say "true to one's word" (singular). It means someone kept a promise or followed through. Common alternatives that often read better: "kept her word," "kept his promise," or "followed through."

"Word" = a promise or commitment (singular), not the literal words someone spoke.
Works with any pronoun: "true to my word," "true to your word," "true to their word."
If "true to her words" appears, swap to the singular or use an active verb for clarity.

The correct idiom: "true to one's word"

The idiom uses the singular noun "word" because it refers to a promise or commitment, not to individual utterances. Saying "true to her words" shifts focus to literal sentences and sounds awkward when you mean "she kept her promise."

Common, clear rewrites:

"She was true to her word."
"He kept his promise."
"They followed through on that commitment."

Keep the idiom intact when you want the idiomatic meaning; use an active verb when you want directness.

Form notes: hyphenation, spacing, and grammar

Hyphenation

The idiom contains no hyphens. Treat "one's word" as two words: a possessive plus a noun. Hyphens are not needed.

Spacing

Watch for accidental splitting or merging when you type quickly. The correct form is two words in the pattern: [adjective] + "to" + [possessive] + "word" (e.g., "true to his word").

Grammar

"True to" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the subject: "She was true to her word." Using "words" is grammatical but nonidiomatic when you mean promise; it makes the phrase sound literal or clumsy.

How it looks in real usage

Seeing the idiom in context helps you spot and fix the wrong version quickly. Below are natural examples across common settings.

Work: "The manager promised updated reports each Friday; she was true to her word."
School: "He said he'd finish the lab early and was true to his word."
Casual: "You can count on Jamie-she's always true to her word."

Wrong → right examples you can copy

Quick substitution pairs make corrections obvious. Use them as templates.

Wrong:
Work: "The team will update the dashboard; they're true to their words."
Right:
Work: "The team will update the dashboard; they're true to their word."
Wrong:
School: "He told the professor he'd submit the paper early and was true to his words."
Right:
School: "He told the professor he'd submit the paper early and was true to his word."
Wrong:
Casual: "She always shows up-she's true to her words."
Right:
Casual: "She always shows up-she's true to her word."
Wrong:
Work: "They promised to finish the audit and were true to their words."
Right:
Work: "They promised to finish the audit and were true to their word."
Wrong:
School: "If you say you'll help, be true to your words."
Right:
School: "If you say you'll help, be true to your word."
Wrong:
Casual: "I'm true to my words."
Right:
Casual: "I'm true to my word."

How to fix your own sentence

Fixes range from a simple swap to a natural rewrite. Read the whole sentence after changing it to ensure tone and flow stay right.

Step 1: Identify whether you mean "promise/commitment" or "literal words."
Step 2: If you mean promise, replace "words" with "word" or use an active verb ("kept," "followed through").
Step 3: Reread for rhythm and tone; adjust pronouns or tense if needed.

Sample rewrites:

Original: "This plan will work if everyone stays late and is true to their words."
Rewrite: "This plan will work if everyone stays late and is true to their word."
Original: "He was true to his words and finished the task." Rewrite (clearer): "He kept his word and finished the task."
Original: "Are you true to your words on this?" Rewrite (natural): "Can I trust you'll keep your word on this?"

A simple memory trick

Associate the idiom with the idea of a single promise. Picture "word" as one compact unit-a pledged commitment-rather than separate spoken phrases. That mental image makes "word" feel right and "words" feel off when you mean a promise.

Picture a handshake or signed note labeled "word."
When you hear the phrase, ask: "Promise or literal phrasing?" If promise → use "word."
Search your document for "true to * words" and fix in bulk.

Similar mistakes to watch for

Form errors often cluster. When you see one, scan nearby text for related slips.

Splitting closed compounds (e.g., "every day" vs. "everyday").
Hyphen confusion (e.g., "re-sign" vs. "resign").
Using plural where the idiom requires singular ("word").
Mixing verb forms instead of choosing a clear active verb ("kept" vs. "was true to").

FAQ + quick rewrite help

Is "true to her words" grammatically wrong?

It's grammatical but nonidiomatic when you mean "kept her promise." Native usage prefers the singular "true to one's word."

Can I say "true to their word" for a group?

Yes. Use the plural pronoun with the singular noun: "true to their word."

When is "words" correct?

Use "words" when referring to literal wording or multiple utterances: "His words were blunt," or "In her words, 'We'll start tomorrow.'"

Short alternatives I can use?

Try: "kept their word," "kept the promise," "followed through," or "honored the agreement."

How to check quickly in a long document?

Search for "true to her words," "true to his words," or "true to words" and replace with "word" or an active verb. Then read key sentences to ensure natural tone.

Quick tip: If a sentence still sounds clumsy after swapping "words" → "word," prefer an active verb rewrite ("kept," "followed through") to restore smoothness.