could be abandoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be abandoning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest a possibility of someone or something leaving or giving up on a person, place, or idea. Example: "If the company continues to cut costs, it could be abandoning its commitment to quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Drivers relying solely on their navigational systems to get from here to there could be abandoning both spatial awareness and common sense.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If the talks are still deadlocked in 2014, Turkish officials say privately, they could be abandoned.

The New York Times

Several of those interviewed suggested that their typical transit commutes could be abandoned.

The New York Times

"Please never think it could be abandoned, even for a moment," he said.

The New York Times

Thankfully, this was a big budget show so the skis could be abandoned.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Hammond's intervention is a significant move amid speculation that the project could be abandoned.

The Guardian

The preliminary investigation, which started less than a month ago, could be abandoned long before any charges are filed.

The New York Times

"I always liked the idea that it could be abandoned someday and swallowed up by the jungle," he explained.

The New York Times

The steelworkers' union Community said reports that the turnaround could be abandoned altogether, threatening thousands more jobs, were "deeply concerning".

The Guardian - Business

Canada recently protested after America sold leases for the disputed zone.Canada's lawyers say that its claim to sovereignty is well founded but could be abandoned by dereliction.

The Economist

Repairing or improving flood defences is so expensive that areas of countryside which are still under water could be abandoned if no one lives there.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be abandoning" to suggest a possibility, rather than a certainty. This phrase is most effective when expressing speculation or a potential future outcome.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions with "could be abandoning". Opt for active voice when possible to create a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "The project could be abandoned by the team", consider "The team might abandon the project."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be abandoning" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a possibility or potential action. Ludwig indicates it's usable in written English, suggesting a tentative or speculative abandonment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be abandoning" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that expresses a possibility or potential action of giving up or leaving something behind. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively rare in occurrence, it's found in both news and science contexts, generally maintaining a neutral tone. When writing, it's best practice to employ it to suggest speculation rather than a definite action and avoid overusing passive voice for stronger, more direct communication. Alternatives like "might be forsaking" or "may be relinquishing" can add subtle nuances to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be forsaking

Replaces 'abandoning' with 'forsaking', implying a stronger sense of moral or ethical abandonment.

may be relinquishing

Substitutes 'abandoning' with 'relinquishing', suggesting a more formal and deliberate act of giving something up.

could be deserting

Replaces 'abandoning' with 'deserting', implying a leaving of someone or something in a time of need.

might be leaving behind

Offers a more literal alternative, focusing on the act of physically or metaphorically leaving something.

may be backing out of

Suggests a withdrawal from a commitment or agreement.

could be giving up on

Provides a more colloquial alternative, emphasizing the act of ceasing to believe in the success of something.

might be discontinuing

Implies a formal cessation of an activity or process.

may be dropping

A simpler and less formal way of saying something is being abandoned.

could be ceasing

Replaces the entire phrase to give an alternative with a different tone.

might be forgoing

Implies a sacrifice or conscious decision to do without something.

FAQs

How can I use "could be abandoning" in a sentence?

Use "could be abandoning" to express a potential action of giving up or leaving something behind. For example: "If the company continues to cut costs, it "could be abandoning" its commitment to quality."

What's the difference between "could be abandoning" and "might be abandoning"?

Both "could be abandoning" and "might be abandoning" express possibility, but "could" suggests a slightly higher degree of likelihood than "might". The choice between them often depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

What can I say instead of "could be abandoning"?

You can use alternatives like "might be forsaking", "may be relinquishing", or "could be deserting" depending on the context.

Is "could be abandoning" formal or informal?

"Could be abandoning" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language and the specific situation will further determine the overall level of formality.