abandon hope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abandon hope" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically implies that any expectations of a positive outcome have been relinquished. For example, "After months of searching, they were forced to abandon hope of finding the missing person."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Maybe the most hopeful action one could take would be to abandon hope altogether.

The New York Times

Never abandon hope.

The New York Times

But she refused to abandon hope.

The New York Times

But optimists should not abandon hope.

The Economist

Also, it helps to abandon hope.

The New Yorker

As for levity, abandon hope of laughter, ye who enter.

The New York Times - Books

Abandon hope, all ye who enter a Strindberg play.

The New York Times

But the average diner need not abandon hope.

The New York Times - Food

Abandon hope of dining off Pine Sherbert Fountains tonight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You've got to abandon hope all ye who enter here".

The Guardian

So abandon hope all ye who enter here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the impact of using "abandon hope" in your writing. It carries a strong emotional weight, conveying a sense of finality and resignation.

Common error

Avoid using "abandon hope" when describing temporary setbacks or challenges. Reserve it for situations where there is a genuine and irreversible loss of expectation for a positive resolution. Using it prematurely can create unnecessary drama and undermine your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abandon hope" functions as a declarative expression to convey the relinquishment of any expectation of a positive outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It describes a shift from optimism to pessimism, often in the face of adversity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "abandon hope" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey the relinquishment of positive expectations. Ludwig AI highlights its typical usage in contexts where a shift from optimism to despair occurs. Primarily found in news and media, the phrase carries a neutral register but implies a serious or contemplative tone. When using "abandon hope", consider the strong emotional impact it conveys, and ensure its appropriateness for the context. Alternatives like "give up hope" or "lose all hope" can offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality and intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relinquish hope

Focuses on the act of giving up hope, similar to "abandon hope" but with a slightly more formal tone.

lose all hope

Emphasizes the complete absence of hope, conveying a strong sense of despair.

give up hope

A more common and informal way of saying "abandon hope", suggesting a yielding to hopelessness.

despair

A single word expressing the state of hopelessness, more concise than "abandon hope".

resign oneself

Implies acceptance of a negative outcome, often involving the abandonment of hope.

succumb to despair

Highlights the overpowering nature of hopelessness, suggesting a yielding to its influence.

forego expectations

Focuses on releasing expectations of a positive result, a component of abandoning hope.

dismiss optimism

Highlights the act of rejecting a hopeful outlook, suggesting a conscious decision to abandon hope.

surrender to hopelessness

Emphasizes the act of yielding to a state of hopelessness, implying defeat and resignation.

accept defeat

Acknowledges failure and the end of hope for a desired outcome, representing a final stage of abandoning hope.

FAQs

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

You can use "abandon hope" to describe a situation where someone stops believing in a positive outcome, such as, "After the doctor's diagnosis, they had to "abandon hope" for a full recovery".

What are some alternatives to "abandon hope"?

Alternatives to "abandon hope" include phrases like "give up hope", "lose all hope", or "relinquish hope", which all convey a similar sense of lost optimism.

Is it ever appropriate to use "abandon hope" in a positive context?

No, "abandon hope" is generally not used in a positive context. It typically signifies a negative situation where expectations for a good outcome have been lost.

What is the origin of the phrase "abandon hope"?

The phrase "abandon hope" is famously derived from Dante Alighieri's Inferno, where the inscription above the entrance to Hell reads, "Abandon hope, all ye who enter here".