cannot afford to abandon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot afford to abandon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the inability to give up or leave something due to financial, emotional, or practical reasons. Example: "In this competitive market, we cannot afford to abandon our loyal customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Google's network, in paid search, is now so large that advertisers cannot afford to abandon it.

The Economist

Mexico has fought the labeling, saying that its fishermen cannot afford to abandon the purse-seining method and that such labels prejudice customers against their tuna.

The New York Times

But they may be the most effective way to protect American values while we continue fighting a war that we cannot afford to abandon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Having made the rhetoric of "death to America" the centerpiece of the revolution, they cannot afford to abandon that cause now.

The New York Times

The figure for Japan is 6.9%.A better argument for Italy's robustness is that its public debt is so vast that investors cannot afford to abandon it: Italian treasuries make up the third-biggest bond market in the world.

The Economist

Israel cannot afford to abandon the search for peace in the Middle East that has lasted more than two decades.. Despite his defeat, Mr. Barak deserves credit for his energetic pursuit of peace.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In response, the Government is urging those living on the mountains to move to safer ground, but many of these families cannot afford to leave, or are reluctant to abandon homesteads that have been in their families for generations.

Unicef

And with the nation's trade deficit at a record high, the United States cannot afford to continue importing goods with abandon for much longer.

The New York Times

Others are abandoned by owners who cannot afford to repair them.

The New York Times

It will also help communities bounce back from disaster, he says, by getting people back in their homes and reducing blight that appears when houses get abandoned because a homeowner cannot afford to rebuild. .

Huffington Post

"Generally, mothers abandon their children because they cannot afford to raise them," says nurse Andra Turbolev, one of the hospital's caregivers trained by UNICEF.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of the writing: "cannot afford to abandon" often implies a sense of urgency or high stakes, so ensure this aligns with your intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot afford to abandon" when a less drastic alternative, such as 'should not abandon' or 'ought not abandon', would be more appropriate. Overstating the necessity can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot afford to abandon" functions as a modal expression indicating a strong necessity or obligation not to give up on something. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase is often used in contexts involving high stakes or significant consequences, and the suggestion of the Ludwig AI that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot afford to abandon" is a grammatically sound and semantically strong expression used to emphasize the critical importance of maintaining a commitment or course of action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, and occasionally in formal business contexts, this phrase conveys a sense of urgency and high stakes. While alternatives exist to soften or shift the emphasis, "cannot afford to abandon" remains a powerful way to underscore the potential negative consequences of giving up. When considering its use, writers should be mindful of the intended tone and ensure that it aligns with the message, as overstating the necessity can weaken the argument. Remember, using this expression carries a significant weight that should be properly used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot risk abandoning

Emphasizes the potential negative consequences of abandoning something.

cannot afford to give up

Highlights the inability to surrender or relinquish something due to its importance.

cannot permit abandonment

Focuses on the lack of permission or allowance for something to be abandoned.

cannot entertain the idea of abandoning

Suggests a rejection of the possibility of abandonment.

must not abandon

Expresses a strong obligation or prohibition against abandoning something.

are compelled to continue

Highlights the forced continuation due to circumstances.

cannot cease pursuing

Focuses on the need to continue striving for something.

have no choice but to maintain

Emphasizes a lack of alternatives other than continuing to maintain something.

are obliged to persist

Focuses on the obligation to continue despite difficulties.

it is imperative to sustain

Highlights the critical importance of maintaining or sustaining something.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot afford to abandon" in a sentence?

Use "cannot afford to abandon" to express the importance of not giving up on something due to potential negative consequences. For example, "We "cannot afford to abandon" our commitment to renewable energy."

What are some alternatives to "cannot afford to abandon"?

Alternatives include "cannot risk abandoning", "must not abandon", or "cannot afford to give up" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "cannot afford to abandon" or "should not abandon"?

"Cannot afford to abandon" implies a stronger sense of necessity and potential negative consequences compared to "should not abandon", which suggests a recommendation. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the gravity of the situation.

What's the difference between "cannot afford to abandon" and "reluctant to abandon"?

"Cannot afford to abandon" emphasizes the practical or necessary reasons for not giving up something, while "reluctant to abandon" focuses on emotional or personal hesitations. They address different aspects of the decision-making process.