abandoned children

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abandoned children" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing child welfare, social issues, or legal matters regarding children who have been left without care or guardianship. Example: "The organization is dedicated to providing support and resources for abandoned children in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Children's Law Center of California: CLC represents abused neglected or abandoned children.

Forbes

There Wotan discovers his beloved and abandoned children asleep together.

The New York Times - Arts

Feral, abandoned children hovered in packs around uncollected refuse heaped outside the building.

The New York Times - Books

Some 78,000 orphaned or abandoned children are housed in 500 Children's Villages in 124 countries.

The New York Times - Sports

Later, when I became a novelist, orphans and abandoned children turned up in my work, unbidden.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the worlds they inhabit, families are shattered, lovers abandoned, children abused.

The New York Times - Books

McEwan now wonders if the agency had learned of the trail of abandoned children.

The New Yorker

The government recently promised the EU a better life for Romania's 90,000 abandoned children.

The Economist

It is instead "an endless parade of... sham marriages, failing bodies and abandoned children".

Independent

There was a home for abandoned children, a leper colony and an old people's home.

The New York Times

The haunting faces of abandoned children at the beginning of the second act bring tears.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "abandoned children", consider the specific context and choose language that accurately reflects their situation. Avoid generalizations and focus on the individual needs and experiences of these children.

Common error

Instead of simply referring to "abandoned children" as a collective group, acknowledge their individuality and the unique circumstances that led to their abandonment. Use specific details or personal stories to create a more empathetic and informative narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abandoned children" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "abandoned" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "children". It identifies a specific group of children who have been deserted or left without care. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "abandoned children" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe children who have been deserted or left without care. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news reports, formal documents, and academic discussions. While the phrase is widely accepted, it is important to use it with sensitivity and awareness of the individual circumstances of the children involved. Alternatives like "neglected children" or "forsaken children" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Always consider the individual stories and needs of these children when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

neglected children

Focuses on the lack of care and attention, rather than the act of being left.

forsaken children

Emphasizes a sense of being deserted or given up on.

deserted children

Highlights the act of being left behind or abandoned.

unattended children

Focuses on the lack of supervision, which can lead to abandonment.

homeless children

Highlights the lack of a stable home environment, often a consequence of abandonment.

orphaned children

Refers to children who have lost their parents, which can overlap with abandonment.

children in care

Describes children under the protection of social services due to various circumstances, including abandonment.

children without parents

A broader term encompassing orphans and abandoned children.

vulnerable children

A general term for children at risk, which can include those who are abandoned.

children at risk

A general term for children at risk, which can include those who are abandoned.

FAQs

How can I use "abandoned children" in a sentence?

You can use "abandoned children" to describe children who have been deserted or left without care by their parents or guardians. For example, "The charity provides support for "abandoned children" in the local community."

What are some alternatives to saying "abandoned children"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "neglected children", "forsaken children", or "deserted children". Each term carries slightly different connotations.

Is it appropriate to use the term "abandoned children" in formal writing?

Yes, the term "abandoned children" is acceptable in formal writing, particularly when discussing social issues, child welfare, or legal matters. However, ensure that the language used is sensitive and avoids perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Always prioritize respectful and accurate terminology.

What support services are available for "abandoned children"?

Support services for "abandoned children" often include foster care, adoption agencies, shelters, and various non-profit organizations that provide food, shelter, education, and emotional support. These services aim to ensure the well-being and development of these vulnerable children.