Using strong language in making a promise (8)
I believe the answer is:
swearing
'a promise' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
'using strong language in' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'in' could be 'wearing' (being in certain clothes) and 'wearing' is located in the answer.
A single letter 's' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'making' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for swearing that I've seen before include "Using bad language" , "Affirming or cursing" , "Foul language" , "Taking an oath" , "blue emissions?" .)