abandon the argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abandon the argument" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that someone should stop pursuing a particular line of reasoning or debate. Example: "After considering all the evidence, I think it's best to abandon the argument and focus on finding a solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This is important: he had been forced to abandon the argument that his troops could go it alone.

The Guardian

For example, we would have to abandon the argument made earlier that inadequate critical considerations play a role in narrow reflective equilibrium as compared with wide reflective equilibrium.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The administration had initially pressed but later abandoned the argument.

The New York Times

The administration found itself in an awkward position on this question before the Supreme Court, as it had initially pressed but later abandoned the argument.

The New York Times

Technically, the Obama lawyers have not abandoned the argument for broad presidential power, just implied that such authority is unnecessary to get them what they want.

The New York Times

In September 2009, just before the appeals court heard arguments in the case, the Obama administration abandoned the argument that Mr. Bensayah could be detained as a substantial "supporter" of Al Qaeda.

The New York Times

This probably becomes even more of an obstacle if he doesn't connect the idea to some larger overhaul of the tax code or if he abandons the argument altogether after a few weeks, which has to this point been the pattern with the administration's big initiatives.

The New York Times

He moved away from talking about "the other New York," though he made a point of emphasizing that while rebuilding New York after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center was his first priority, he had not abandoned the argument he made from the start of the campaign, that the city had neglected too many New Yorkers during the years of prosperity.

The New York Times

Darwin is drawn to (2), abandoning the argument from design.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

It is also time to abandon the specious argument that China's "special conditions" justify authoritarian one-party rule.

The Guardian - Opinion

McCain's co-opted Obama's argument of change, abandoned the experience argument, demonstrated his adaptability, highlighted his decision-making, BUT: "It doesn't get to how he would govern".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abandon the argument" when you want to convey a deliberate decision to stop supporting a particular viewpoint, often due to new evidence or a change in circumstances.

Common error

Avoid using "abandon the argument" if you intend to temporarily suspend discussion or revisit the topic later. "Abandon" implies a more permanent cessation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abandon the argument" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of ceasing to support or pursue a particular point of view. It is often used in discussions or debates where a previously held position is no longer tenable. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abandon the argument" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of ceasing to support or advocate for a particular viewpoint. While Ludwig confirms its usability, its frequency is relatively uncommon. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, with primary usage in news, media, and scientific discussions. When using the phrase, ensure that you intend to convey a permanent cessation rather than a temporary pause in the discussion. Related phrases include "drop the argument" and "relinquish the argument", each carrying slightly different nuances. Finally, as Ludwig shows, this phrase can be found in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

drop the argument

Replaces "abandon" with "drop", implying a more casual cessation of the argument.

relinquish the argument

Uses "relinquish" to suggest a more formal and deliberate abandonment.

withdraw the argument

Implies a formal retraction or removal of the argument from consideration.

retract the argument

Similar to withdraw, but emphasizes taking back something previously stated.

disavow the argument

Suggests a formal denial or rejection of the argument, often publicly.

forsake the argument

Implies a complete and often emotional abandonment of the argument.

cease to argue

Focuses on stopping the act of arguing rather than abandoning a specific point.

give up arguing

A more informal way of saying cease to argue.

no longer maintain the argument

Emphasizes the lack of continued support or defense of the argument.

back down from the argument

Suggests retreating from a previously held position, often under pressure.

FAQs

How can I use "abandon the argument" in a sentence?

You can use "abandon the argument" to suggest that someone should stop pursuing a particular line of reasoning or debate. For example, "After considering all the evidence, I think it's best to abandon the argument and focus on finding a solution."

What are some alternatives to saying "abandon the argument"?

You can use alternatives like "drop the argument", "relinquish the argument", or "withdraw the argument" depending on the context.

Is it better to "abandon the argument" or "modify the argument"?

Whether to "abandon the argument" or modify it depends on the strength of the counter-evidence or opposing viewpoints. If the fundamental premises are flawed, abandoning it might be necessary. If it can be salvaged with adjustments, modification might be a better option.

What does it mean to "abandon the argument" in a legal context?

In a legal context, to "abandon the argument" means to cease relying on a particular legal theory or line of reasoning in a case. This can happen when the argument is found to be unsupportable or when a more promising strategy emerges.