can be abandoned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be abandoned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is no longer needed or can be left behind. Example: "The old project can be abandoned in favor of new initiatives that align better with our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Maybe national prejudices can be abandoned for good.

The New York Times

"They treat the park as something that can be abandoned".

The New York Times

A reminder that if the wind peaks above 24.4 knots, the race can be abandoned.

The New York Times

If not, then it can be abandoned before any more expensive tests are conducted.

The Economist

Nothing real is at stake: the exchange can be abandoned at any point.

The Guardian

But the syrup, the thickening, and certainly the fire can be abandoned.

The New York Times - Food

Italy had been paradise, or rather a proof that paradise exists and can be abandoned.

The Guardian - Books

"Maybe national prejudices can be abandoned for good," he wrote in an op-ed article in The New York Times.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Thought to make up 10% of all marine litter, fishing gear can be lost accidentally during storms, but it can also be abandoned deliberately.

The Guardian

No con can truly be abandoned.

The Guardian

The committee decreed that North Korea's "nuclear armed forces represent the nation's life, which can never be abandoned as long as the imperialists and nuclear threats exist on Earth".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be abandoned", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being abandoned and the reason for doing so.

Common error

Avoid using "can be abandoned" when a temporary suspension or pause is intended. Abandonment implies a complete and often permanent cessation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be abandoned" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility or permissibility of discarding or relinquishing something. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears in diverse contexts, from discussing strategies to physical objects, indicating broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Huffington Post

12%

Forbes

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be abandoned" is a versatile construction used to express the possibility or permissibility of discarding or relinquishing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules and appears very frequently in various contexts, including News & Media and scientific publications. The phrase implies that something is no longer necessary or useful, making it acceptable to discontinue or discard it. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being abandoned and why, and be mindful of the subtle differences in meaning compared to related phrases like "may be discarded" or "can be relinquished".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may be discarded

This suggests a possibility or permission to throw something away, differing slightly from the implication of being forsaken.

can be relinquished

Focuses on the act of giving up or surrendering something, implying a more formal or intentional abandonment.

can be forsaken

Emphasizes the act of leaving or deserting someone or something, often with negative connotations of neglect or betrayal.

may be dropped

Indicates something can be stopped or discontinued, differing from a complete abandonment.

could be terminated

Implies a formal ending or cessation, usually referring to contracts, agreements, or projects.

can be discontinued

Suggests stopping something temporarily or permanently, often used in the context of services or products.

can be scrapped

Indicates something can be discarded or rejected as useless, especially in the context of plans or projects.

is able to be shelved

Implies putting something aside for later consideration, not necessarily a complete abandonment.

can be jettisoned

Refers to the act of throwing or dropping something from a moving object, often in an emergency.

can be written off

Implies recognizing something as a loss or failure, especially in financial contexts.

FAQs

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

Use "can be abandoned" to describe something that is permissible or able to be discarded or given up. For example: "The old strategy "can be abandoned" in favor of a more effective one."

What are some alternatives to "can be abandoned"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "may be discarded", "can be relinquished", or "can be forsaken" as alternatives to "can be abandoned".

Is it appropriate to use "can be abandoned" in formal writing?

Yes, "can be abandoned" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing processes, plans, or strategies that are no longer viable or necessary.

What's the difference between "can be abandoned" and "should be abandoned"?

"Can be abandoned" implies the possibility or permissibility of abandonment, while "should be abandoned" suggests a recommendation or necessity for abandonment. The latter carries a stronger implication of obligation or advisability.