abandon conventions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abandon conventions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the idea of breaking away from traditional norms or practices in various contexts, such as art, literature, or social behavior. Example: "In her latest novel, the author chooses to abandon conventions, opting for a nonlinear narrative that challenges readers' expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Monk has lived in a loft space in Tribeca since the early seventies; while the neighborhood has become a fortress of wealth, she has kept alive the dream of a bohemian metropolis, a place in which artists could afford to abandon convention and experiment at will.

The New Yorker

But the campaign has also sought to abandon convention, especially in actively seeking fresh blood, like Calderin, a prolific Instagrammer who says he spent his childhood and early teens as a b-boy in Miami.

Vice

Shange created a number of other theatre works that employed poetry, dance, and music (known as "choreopoems") while abandoning conventions of plot and character development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He abandoned convention, and opened Progress Gallery in Evanston and, within it, The Antique Flashlight Museum.

The New York Times

Yet the best possible reminder of the perils of optimism lay only a couple miles west of the First Union Center at an abandoned convention hall on the other side of the Schuylkill River.

The New York Times

Then again, anyone can throw in high allusions and Munnery doesn't abandon the conventions he wants to subvert.

The Guardian

In a further indication that the bill could receive a rough ride, Lord Bassam, Labour's chief whip in the Lords will abandon the normal convention that holders of his office do not enter legislative debates, when he delivers a highly personal speech invoking his childhood experience of being brought up on a council estate in Essex.

The Guardian

Mr. Nemeth - no, I'm going to abandon Times convention - Louie; Louie always knew he wanted to be a photographer.

The New York Times

But it is rare, historians say, for a large, influential Baptist church to formally vote to abandon the Convention.

The New York Times

At the same time, some Southern delegates threatened to abandon the convention if their demands to keep slavery and the slave trade legal and to count slaves for representation purposes were not met.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They should therefore abandon the convention of thinking through all their options before choosing a single one, and experiment with a number of strategies that are feasible even if they are unsure of the implications.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "abandon conventions", ensure it aligns with the context of innovation or rebellion against outdated practices to emphasize a positive shift.

Common error

Avoid using "abandon conventions" when referring to core principles or ethics, as it can imply a lack of integrity rather than a pursuit of progress. Consider "challenging orthodoxy" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abandon conventions" functions as a verb phrase where "abandon" is a transitive verb and "conventions" is its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, indicating it is a valid and understandable construct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "abandon conventions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies a deliberate departure from established norms or practices. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and understandable phrase often employed to describe acts of innovation, rebellion, or change. While its tone is generally neutral, the implications can range from positive, highlighting progress, to negative, suggesting a disregard for essential principles. When using "abandon conventions", consider the context and ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning, distinguishing it from related phrases like "break with tradition" or "defy norms".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

break with tradition

Focuses on breaking away from established traditions, suggesting a more formal or cultural context than just general conventions.

defy norms

Emphasizes a more active resistance or challenge to existing norms, adding a sense of defiance.

step outside the box

Indicates thinking creatively and unconventionally, moving away from standard approaches.

reject standards

Highlights a conscious rejection of established standards, implying a critical assessment and dismissal.

rebel against the norm

Emphasizes active resistance to what is considered normal or typical.

disregard customs

Indicates a lack of attention or respect for established customs, often suggesting a more social or cultural context.

challenge orthodoxy

Focuses on questioning and disputing established beliefs or doctrines, often in intellectual or religious contexts.

shun practices

Implies a deliberate avoidance of certain practices, often due to moral or ethical reasons.

transcend boundaries

Suggests moving beyond limitations or restrictions, offering a more metaphorical and aspirational take.

move beyond constraints

Highlights overcoming limitations, often in a creative or innovative context.

FAQs

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

You can use "abandon conventions" to describe situations where traditional practices are discarded in favor of new approaches. For example, "The artist chose to abandon conventions and experiment with abstract forms."

What is a good alternative to "abandon conventions"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "break with tradition", "defy norms", or "reject standards".

Is it always positive to "abandon conventions"?

Not necessarily. Whether it's positive depends on the context and the specific conventions being abandoned. It can be positive when outdated or harmful practices are discarded, but negative if it leads to chaos or ethical breaches.

What does it mean to "abandon conventions" in art?

In art, to "abandon conventions" means to reject traditional techniques, styles, or themes in favor of experimentation and innovation. This can lead to groundbreaking and unique artistic expressions.