be abandoned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be abandoned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something or someone is left behind or deserted. Example: "The old house seemed to be abandoned, with weeds growing all around it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Acta must be abandoned.

The Guardian - Tech

The practice should be abandoned, he said.

The New York Times

Both are believed to be abandoned pets.

The New York Times

Long-term plans tended to be abandoned.

The New Yorker

So it probably had to be abandoned.

The Economist

The event had to be abandoned.

The Guardian

"We thought it might be abandoned.

The New York Times

Unilateralism must certainly be abandoned.

The New York Times - Books

It will never be abandoned".

The Guardian

This secrecy should be abandoned.

The New York Times

It had to be abandoned in 2005.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be abandoned", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being left behind and the reason for its abandonment. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the message.

Common error

Avoid using "be abandoned" with singular subjects, as it implies a passive state affecting multiple entities or a general situation. Instead, use "is abandoned" for singular subjects or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be abandoned" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a state of being left or deserted. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is grammatically sound. The phrase often appears with modal verbs, auxiliary verbs, or as part of a larger clause to describe a past or future state of abandonment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be abandoned" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that describes a state of being left behind or deserted. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. When writing, it's crucial to ensure proper subject-verb agreement and consider the context to clearly indicate what is being abandoned and why. Related phrases such as ""be deserted"" or "be forsaken" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember that while "abandon" is the active verb, "be abandoned" indicates a state or condition resulting from the action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be deserted

Focuses on the act of being left alone or forsaken, often emphasizing the emotional aspect.

be forsaken

Implies a stronger sense of being abandoned, often with a connotation of moral or spiritual abandonment.

be left behind

Indicates that someone or something has not been taken along, often implying unintentional abandonment.

be vacated

Refers specifically to leaving a place or position empty, without necessarily implying abandonment in a broader sense.

be relinquished

Indicates a formal or deliberate surrender of something, such as a right or claim.

be given up

Suggests a voluntary cessation of effort or hope, often implying a decision to stop pursuing something.

be cast aside

Emphasizes the act of rejecting or discarding something, often implying a lack of value or usefulness.

be discarded

Highlights the act of throwing something away, often implying it is unwanted or useless.

be scrapped

Implies that something is discarded or cancelled because it is no longer useful or viable, often used in the context of plans or projects.

be marooned

Implies being stranded or isolated in a remote location, often with a sense of helplessness.

FAQs

How can I use "be abandoned" in a sentence?

You can use "be abandoned" to describe something that has been left behind or deserted. For example: "The old house appeared to "be abandoned" after the family moved away."

What is a synonym for "be abandoned"?

A synonym for "be abandoned" is "be deserted". Both phrases imply that something or someone has been left behind.

What's the difference between "be abandoned" and "abandon"?

"Abandon" is an active verb, meaning to leave something behind, while "be abandoned" is a passive construction, indicating that something is in a state of being left behind. For example: "They abandon the ship" versus "The ship will "be abandoned"."

Is it correct to say "was abandoned" instead of "be abandoned"?

Yes, "was abandoned" is grammatically correct and represents the past tense form of ""be abandoned"". You would use "was abandoned" to describe something that happened in the past.