abandoned to

USAGE SUMMARY

"abandoned to" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use "abandoned to" to indicate that something has been relinquished or left in the hands of another entity or influence. For example, "The ancient castle was abandoned to the ravages of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Abandoned to the tide.

The New Yorker

But she is abandoned to laughter.

The Guardian - Music

Now areas have been abandoned to dereliction.

The Guardian

"I felt abandoned to handle the problem myself," he said.

The New York Times

And I'm abandoned to a wilderness sinkhole of unreconstructed Caucasians.

The New Yorker

Abandoned to lives of squalor, drug addiction, misery.

The New York Times

She was born into poverty and abandoned to an orphanage.

The New York Times

Nor was his music abandoned to history altogether.

The New York Times - Arts

He and his neighbours had been abandoned to their fate.

The Guardian

Flowering clematises will be abandoned to the elements.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Guardian The women abandoned to barrage of online abuse.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "abandoned to" to convey a sense of neglect or relinquishment, emphasizing the state of being left without care or protection. For example: "The old house was abandoned to the elements."

Common error

Avoid using "abandoned to" when the subject willingly enters a situation. "Abandoned to" implies a lack of control or forced submission, so ensure the context aligns with this meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abandoned to" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used in the passive voice to indicate that someone or something has been left without care or protection, as confirmed by Ludwig AI and the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "abandoned to" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe a state of neglect or relinquishment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While its register is typically neutral, the phrase carries a negative connotation, emphasizing the lack of care and potential for adverse outcomes. Remember to use it when conveying a sense of neglect and ensure the subject lacks control over the situation. Considering alternatives like "left to" or "consigned to" can refine your message and ensure accurate representation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

left to

Focuses on the act of leaving something or someone in a particular state or condition.

consigned to

Emphasizes a more formal or definitive act of assigning someone or something to a fate or situation.

surrendered to

Highlights the act of yielding or giving in to a force or circumstance.

relinquished to

Implies a voluntary giving up of something, often a responsibility or possession.

yielded to

Similar to surrendered, but can also imply a natural process of giving way.

exposed to

Highlights the vulnerability and lack of protection from something.

subjected to

Suggests an imposition or enforced experience of something, often negative.

vulnerable to

Emphasizes the susceptibility and defenselessness against something.

at the mercy of

Highlights complete dependence on another entity or force, often with negative implications.

handed over to

Focuses on the physical act of transferring control or possession to someone or something else.

FAQs

How is "abandoned to" used in a sentence?

The phrase "abandoned to" is used to describe someone or something that has been left without care or protection, often to face negative consequences. For example, "The project was "abandoned to" failure due to lack of funding."

What are some alternatives to "abandoned to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "left to", "consigned to", or "surrendered to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "abandoned to" or "left to"?

"Abandoned to" often carries a stronger sense of neglect and potential negative consequences than "left to". The choice depends on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to place on the lack of care.

What is the connotation of "abandoned to"?

The phrase "abandoned to" typically carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of responsibility or care that leads to a detrimental outcome.