abuses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abuses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to mistreatment or improper use of something, often in a context discussing harmful behavior or actions. Example: "The report highlighted various abuses within the organization that needed to be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The relationship made it uncomfortable for the US and EU to speak out about human rights abuses in Uzbekistan.

The Guardian

The reason is that there were real abuses of the system; organised gangs behind bulk claims; shady advisers cooking up scams.

The Guardian - Opinion

While those abuses impacted people overseas, Homan Square – said to house military-style vehicles, interrogation cells and even a cage – trains its focus on Americans, most often poor, black and brown.

The Guardian

Refugee advocates said the substandard conditions in PNG's Manus Island detention centre, the very high crime rates in the country and "daily pervasive human rights abuses" were evidence the new arrangements contravened Australia's basic obligations to help refugees who come here.

The Guardian

"The government and its allies need to step up their protection, support services, and prosecutions of abuses to stop this cycle of terror".

The Guardian

Related: Thousands jailed in Uzbekistan on politically motivated charges, report says Human rights groups also lambasted the election as unconstitutional and unfair, while also noting the Karimov regime's track record of abuses and repression of criticism.

The Guardian

Torture and other serious human rights abuses are widespread in the custody of Sri Lankan security forces, including the police.

The Guardian - Opinion

While reports of abuses committed by regional military forces pursuing Kony have surfaced, Sawyer said Human Rights Watch has not documented any committed by the Ugandan troops working with the United States.

The Guardian

We can only surmise the PR offensive has come ahead of the screening in Australia of the HBO documentary Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief, which alleges abuses and corruption in the church.

The Guardian

He questions why the totalitarian state is often seen as a source of amusement, despite well-documented human rights abuses, and thinks westerners would not feel as comfortable poking fun at Syrian president Bashar al-Assad or laughing at the eccentricities of Islamic State (Isis).

The Guardian

The former international criminal court judge said her encounters with serious human rights abuses, which included serving on the Rwanda tribunal, did not make her take online privacy less seriously.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "abuses", be specific about the type of abuse, the context, and the parties involved to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of just mentioning "abuses", specify "human rights abuses" or "financial abuses".

Common error

Avoid using "abuses" as a vague term. Provide concrete examples or details to support your claims. Saying 'there were abuses' without specifying what they were weakens your argument and can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "abuses" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple instances of harmful or improper treatment. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples, showcasing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abuses" functions as a plural noun referring to multiple instances of mistreatment or improper use. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts, to highlight unethical behavior. While acceptable in both formal and informal settings, specificity is key to ensuring clarity. Related phrases like "maltreatment" or "violations" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maltreatment

Focuses specifically on the harmful or cruel treatment of someone or something.

misuses

Emphasizes the improper or incorrect use of something, often deviating from its intended purpose.

violations

Highlights the act of breaking rules, laws, or agreements.

wrongdoings

Refers to unethical or illegal actions.

infringements

Stresses the act of trespassing or encroaching upon someone's rights or boundaries.

exploitations

Focuses on the selfish or unfair use of someone or something for personal gain.

oppressions

Highlights prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control.

depredations

Emphasizes the act of plundering or looting, often involving violence or destruction.

transgressions

Refers to acts that violate moral or religious laws.

improprieties

Highlights actions that are inappropriate or unethical, often in a professional context.

FAQs

How can I use "abuses" in a sentence?

You can use "abuses" to refer to instances of mistreatment or improper use. For example, "The report detailed numerous human rights "abuses" within the prison system".

What are some synonyms for "abuses"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "maltreatment", "misuses", or "violations" as alternatives to "abuses".

Is it correct to use "abuses" in both formal and informal contexts?

While "abuses" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal writing, consider using more specific terms in formal contexts to provide greater clarity and precision.

What is the difference between "abuse" and "abuses"?

"Abuse" is a singular noun referring to a single instance of mistreatment or improper use, while "abuses" is the plural form, referring to multiple instances. For example, "There was one reported case of "abuse"", versus, "There were several reported cases of "abuses"".