abandoned early

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abandoned early" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was left or discontinued before its expected or planned completion time. Example: "The project was abandoned early due to lack of funding and support from stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

He abandoned early efforts at literary performances that became unwieldy and sometimes baffling to onlookers.

The New York Times

As for sales of the Standard, Associated has abandoned early claims that sales were unaffected.

The Guardian

Efforts to get the Assembly to apologise were abandoned early because sponsors feared some lawmakers would resist.

Independent

This sort of design is clearly more complex than a pure rocket (one reason why it was abandoned early on).

The Economist

ReprintsThe first "arm" of the trial, in which PRO 2000 formed 2% of the gel, was abandoned early because results elsewhere suggested this was an ineffective mix.

The Economist

But few other institutions have yet joined them, and no prominent college has abandoned early application programs entirely, the surest way to eliminate the fall frenzy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

All of them explain their enthusiasm by remarking that established VC outfits have virtually abandoned early-stage firms.

The Economist

Sri Lanka's executive president, Chandrika Kumaratunga, abandoned earlier talks with the Tigers because of their obduracy.

The Economist

The success of a green candidate, Ralph Nader, in taking presidential votes from Al Gore, who abandoned earlier green positions, is surely a signal, particularly of attitudes among the young.

The Economist

His enthusiasm for Schubert's very first symphony (he was 16 and had abandoned earlier attempts) could be shared only in part.

The New York Times - Arts

Aides noted that Mrs. Rell abandoned earlier efforts to phase out the broader estate tax or amend quirks in it since they lacked support.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "abandoned early", ensure the context clearly indicates what was abandoned and why it was stopped prematurely. Providing specific details will enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "abandoned early" when the subject was merely delayed or postponed, not entirely given up. Ensure the action has truly been ceased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abandoned early" primarily functions as a verb phrase with an adverb, modifying the verb to indicate when the action of abandoning took place. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "abandoned early" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig, to describe the premature cessation of an activity or project. It’s commonly found in news, science and encyclopedic contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various types of writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what was abandoned and the reasons for its early discontinuation. Related phrases include "relinquished early", "discontinued early" and "ended prematurely". Remember to differentiate true abandonment from mere delay or postponement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relinquished early

Replaces "abandoned" with a synonym, suggesting a more formal or voluntary giving up.

left early

Uses a simpler verb to convey the act of discontinuing something prematurely.

discontinued early

Replaces "abandoned" with a more neutral term for stopping an activity.

renounced early

Suggests a formal rejection or disavowal at an early stage.

aborted early

Implies that something was stopped prematurely, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

surrendered early

Suggests giving up or ceasing resistance sooner than expected.

withdrew early

Implies pulling back or retreating from an effort before its natural conclusion.

quit early

Uses a more informal term for ceasing an activity prematurely.

ended prematurely

Focuses on the act of concluding something before its intended time.

halted in its infancy

Emphasizes the early stage at which something was stopped.

FAQs

How to use "abandoned early" in a sentence?

You can use "abandoned early" to describe a project, plan, or activity that was stopped before its expected completion. For example: "The study was "abandoned early" due to ethical concerns."

What can I say instead of "abandoned early"?

You can use alternatives like "relinquished early", "discontinued early", or "ended prematurely" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "abandoned early on"?

Yes, "abandoned early on" is grammatically correct and adds emphasis to the point that the abandonment happened at the beginning of the endeavor. It's a common and acceptable variation.

What's the difference between "abandoned early" and "abandoned later"?

"Abandoned early" means something was stopped in its initial phases, while "abandoned later" implies it was continued for some time before being given up. The key difference is the stage at which the abandonment occurred.