abandoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abandoning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of leaving something behind or giving up on a task, responsibility, or relationship. Example: "After much consideration, she decided that abandoning her old habits was necessary for her personal growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Budget carrier Wizz Air has revived plans to float on the stock market after abandoning the idea last summer because of volatility in the airline industry.

The Guardian - Business

As well as abandoning their own cases on Friday, barristers will refuse to accept returns.

The Guardian

Some MPs are prepared to vote in favour of abandoning the vote if there is enough support to table an amendment to the government motion on Thursday.

The Guardian

Republicans will likely try to make as much of his low numbers as possible – his base "abandoning him"! – but it's almost impossible to predict what his general campaign will bring in once he's given a someone to run against.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not in the way some proponents of anti-western conspiracy theories like to suggest (no, Isis is not a creature of the CIA), but by abandoning the Syrian revolutionaries and failing to provide them with the support that would have allowed them to change the balance of forces on the ground.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite the SDLP's insistence today that it was not interested in abandoning the current power-sharing model, Mr Trimble remained determined to push ahead with his proposals.

The Guardian

Details have emerged of an Australian couple abandoning one of their twins born to a surrogate in 2012, with the family court chief justice, Diana Bryant, alleging the decision was based on the sex of the child.

The Guardian

If the state removes a child's carer and does nothing to check the child is safe, then the state is effectively abandoning children.

The Guardian

The experience – and the guilt he'd felt afterwards about abandoning his friend instead of staying to help – became a defining moment for him, turning him into the type of person who, according to the narrator, would drive out to pick up a friend in the desert in the middle of the night, no questions asked.

The Guardian

He became a Jesuit priest at the age of 32, nearly a decade after losing a lung due to respiratory illness and abandoning his chemistry studies.

The Guardian

His reasoning proceeds from the opinion that a path is now clear to a budget deal which would include Democrats abandoning their insistence on higher taxes for the rich.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about difficult decisions, use "abandoning" to convey a sense of finality or a significant change in direction. Consider the emotional impact of the word, as it often carries negative connotations.

Common error

Avoid using "abandoning" in highly formal or professional writing when a more neutral term like "discontinuing" or "ceasing" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "abandoning" is a verb, specifically the present participle form, often used in continuous tenses or as a gerund. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound. It describes an ongoing action of leaving or giving up something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abandoning" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb form signifying the act of leaving or giving up something. According to Ludwig, it is usable in a wide variety of contexts. While often carrying negative connotations, it can be used neutrally. This guide provides examples, related phrases, and writing tips to help you use "abandoning" effectively and appropriately. It's important to consider the emotional weight and formality of the word when choosing it for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forsaking

Implies renouncing or giving up something valued, often with a sense of regret or moral implication.

deserting

Suggests leaving someone or something in a time of need or obligation, often viewed negatively.

renouncing

Formally declaring the abandonment of a claim, right, or belief.

relinquishing

Indicates formally giving up a claim, right, or possession.

giving up

Suggests surrendering or admitting defeat in a task or endeavor.

ceding

Refers to surrendering control or possession, often unwillingly or under pressure.

vacating

Simply means leaving a place or position, without necessarily implying abandonment of responsibility.

discontinuing

Ceasing a process or activity, without necessarily implying a moral failing.

leaving behind

Physically or metaphorically, to omit or forget something or someone.

ceasing

Stopping an action or behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "abandoning" in a sentence?

You can use "abandoning" to describe the act of leaving something or someone behind, such as "The company is "abandoning its old strategy"" or "They were accused of "abandoning the project"".

What words can I use instead of "abandoning"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "forsaking", "deserting", "relinquishing", or "giving up".

What's the difference between "abandoning" and "leaving"?

"Leaving" is a more general term for departing from a place or situation. "Abandoning" implies leaving something or someone behind, often in a way that suggests neglect or irresponsibility.

Is "abandoning" always negative?

While "abandoning" often carries negative connotations, it can sometimes be used neutrally or even positively when describing the act of letting go of something harmful or unproductive, such as "abandoning bad habits" or "abandoning outdated ideas".