abandon attempts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abandon attempts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating the decision to stop trying to achieve something or to give up on efforts. Example: "After several failed trials, the team decided to abandon attempts to fix the outdated software."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

They agreed to abandon attempts to free Gordievsky's family and expel "25 identified Soviet intelligence officers".

The Guardian

Not only did they twice have to simply abandon attempts at musical eviction, they looked pretty bad for trying.

The Guardian - Film

However, he still works to hide the stroke's impact when in front of the camera, and has had to abandon attempts to get about on a tricycle.

The Guardian

This is one of the problems Mr Jaczo was warning of, and it fits with reports that the police had to abandon attempts to fill the ponds using water cannon because radiation levels prevented them from getting close enough.

The Economist

Weeks of negotiations with the opposition proved fruitless, however, and after more than two months Hariri announced that he would abandon attempts to form the government and would step down as prime minister-designate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They might, for example, undermine the role of the IMF and World Bank, abandon attempts to expand free trade or even just ride roughshod over aid conditions in poor countries.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

In his notes for one book, he wrote: "Abandon attempt to make it all chime - life doesn't".

The Guardian - Books

Comment out abandoned attempts rather than erasing them.

Stanford University

Friend rubbed his eyes and abandoned attempts to stifle yawns.

The New York Times - Magazine

Abandoning attempts to address America's real problems would be a grave mistake for the party.

The Economist

Ministers say they have not abandoned attempts to hit carbon targets.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "abandon attempts", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific efforts are being stopped to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify the object of the attempts, such as "abandon attempts to negotiate a deal".

Common error

Avoid using "abandon attempts" without specifying the object. Saying simply "they abandoned attempts" can leave the reader wondering what exactly was being attempted. Always clarify the target of the attempts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abandon attempts" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of ceasing to try or pursue something. As Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, the primary grammatical function is to express the termination of an action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "abandon attempts" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the cessation of efforts toward a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and versatility across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the specific efforts being abandoned are clearly defined. Consider related phrases like ""cease attempts"" or ""give up trying"" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cease attempts

Suggests a more formal or abrupt stop to trying.

abandon efforts

Uses a synonym for "attempts", broadening the scope slightly.

abandon seeking

Focuses on the act of searching or striving.

drop attempts

Implies a more casual or less formal abandonment.

give up trying

A more common and informal way to express the same idea.

quit trying

Another informal and direct synonym.

relinquish efforts

More formal and suggests a deliberate surrender.

desist from trying

A more legalistic or official-sounding alternative.

forego attempts

Suggests a deliberate decision to abstain.

discontinue trying

Emphasizes the cessation of an ongoing process.

FAQs

What does "abandon attempts" mean?

The phrase "abandon attempts" means to stop trying to do something or achieve a goal. It implies that previous efforts have been unsuccessful, leading to the decision to give up.

How can I use "abandon attempts" in a sentence?

You can use "abandon attempts" to describe a situation where someone or a group of people decide to stop trying to achieve a certain outcome. For example, "After several failed negotiations, the company decided to "abandon attempts" to reach an agreement".

What can I say instead of "abandon attempts"?

You can use alternatives like "cease attempts", "give up trying", or "drop attempts" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "abandon efforts" or "abandon attempts"?

Both "abandon efforts" and "abandon attempts" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific context. "Abandon efforts" might sound slightly broader, while "abandon attempts" is often used for more specific, defined trials.