almost abandoned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost abandoned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a place, object, or situation that is nearly deserted or neglected but not completely so. Example: "The old factory stood in the middle of the field, almost abandoned, with weeds growing through the cracked pavement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nine weeks in, Henry felt almost abandoned.

The New Yorker

Matsapha was still, almost abandoned.

The New York Times - Magazine

The stalls were almost abandoned.

The New York Times

This proved so controversial that it was almost abandoned.

The Economist

Painting was almost abandoned in favour of video and photography.

The Guardian - Arts

It has been a remarkable response, considering that the book was almost abandoned.

The New York Times - Health

He almost abandoned the project when Jasper Johns did the same thing with an American flag.

The New York Times - Style

Discouraged, I almost abandoned my plans for a Caribbean summer getaway.

The New York Times - Travel

Which is ironic, since Buckley will not only never know, he almost abandoned the song, unrecorded.

The Guardian - Music

Seemingly friendless, she lives alone in a small, dimly lighted, somewhat emptied out apartment that feels almost abandoned.

The New York Times

And he has almost abandoned weird ideas — unless you count the rather beautiful leather gauntlets with fur at the fingertips.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost abandoned" to describe something that is largely unused or neglected but still retains some minimal presence or function. Be mindful of the subtle difference between something that is truly abandoned and something that is just nearly so.

Common error

Avoid using "almost abandoned" when the subject is entirely deserted with no remaining trace of activity or maintenance. "Completely abandoned" is appropriate for situations where there is no potential for return or revival.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "almost abandoned" is to act as a modifier, specifically describing a noun. It indicates the degree to which something has been deserted or neglected. Ludwig provides examples where it modifies nouns like "stalls", "town hall", and "apartment complex".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost abandoned" effectively communicates a state of near desertion or neglect. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It's important to distinguish this from something being completely deserted. The term is commonly found in news and media, and encyclopedic contexts, highlighting situations that are close to being abandoned. Alternatives like ""nearly deserted"" or ""virtually forsaken"" offer similar meanings with slight differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly deserted

This alternative emphasizes the lack of people or activity, focusing on the state of being empty.

virtually forsaken

This option implies a stronger sense of abandonment, suggesting a complete lack of care or attention.

practically derelict

This phrase focuses on the state of disrepair and neglect due to abandonment.

close to being deserted

A more descriptive alternative that clearly conveys the imminent possibility of complete abandonment.

on the verge of abandonment

This phrase highlights the precarious state, suggesting that abandonment is likely to occur soon.

almost unoccupied

This option focuses on the lack of residents or inhabitants, particularly in the context of buildings or areas.

nearing abandonment

This alternative emphasizes the progression towards a state of being abandoned.

bordering on derelict

Similar to practically derelict, it focuses on the declining condition due to lack of maintenance.

approaching abandonment

This phrase suggests a gradual transition towards a state of abandonment.

effectively deserted

Highlights that while maybe not technically deserted, the effect is the same.

FAQs

What does "almost abandoned" mean?

The phrase "almost abandoned" describes something that is close to being completely deserted or neglected, but still has some minimal presence or function. It suggests a state of near abandonment without being fully abandoned.

What can I say instead of "almost abandoned"?

You can use alternatives like "nearly deserted", "virtually forsaken", or "practically derelict" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "almost abandoned"?

Yes, "almost abandoned" is a correct and usable phrase in English. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes something nearing a state of abandonment.

How do I use "almost abandoned" in a sentence?

You can use "almost abandoned" to describe places, projects, or ideas. For example, "The old house looked "almost abandoned"", or "The project was "almost abandoned" due to lack of funding."