deserting on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deserting on" is not correct and usable in written English.
It seems to be a misuse of the word "deserting," which typically requires a direct object or a preposition like "from" or "in." Example: "He is deserting his responsibilities."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

These hired soldiers, often greedy, brutal, and undisciplined, were capable of deserting on the eve of battle, betraying their patrons, and plundering civilians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the base, he received a bad conduct discharge a year later after Deserting on two separate occasions and disobeying an order from a commanding officer.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Cemeteries here are all but deserted on weekdays.

The New York Times

They were in a quiet street, deserted on a Sunday evening.

The New Yorker

At the scene of the original crime, the museum was all but deserted on Thursday afternoon.

The New York Times

Those areas seemed deserted on weekends, and she wanted more of a neighborhood.

The New York Times

Lighthouse Beach, a broad expanse of golden sand pounded by breakers, was deserted on Friday.

Independent

ATLANTA — The city blocks that house Atlanta's federal offices were largely deserted on Tuesday morning.

The New York Times

After KT, the highway is almost deserted on the long haul up to the Thai border.

The Guardian - Travel

Souvenir stands that were all but deserted on Wednesday suddenly had long lines.

The New York Times

Normally bustling market areas are eerily deserted on evenings and weekends due to new trading curfews.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "deserting on" in formal writing. Opt for more grammatically sound alternatives like "deserting" followed by an object or a more suitable preposition.

Common error

A common mistake is to assume "on" is always a suitable preposition after "deserting". Check whether a preposition is truly needed, and if so, whether "from" or another preposition is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

"Deserting on" functions as a verb phrase combined with a preposition, but its usage is questionable. Ludwig AI marks it as incorrect, suggesting it's not a standard construction. The verb "deserting" typically requires a direct object or a different preposition like "from" to be grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "deserting on" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, it's better to use "deserting" with a direct object or a more appropriate preposition, such as "from". While some instances may appear in various sources like news articles or encyclopedias, it's advisable to use more grammatically sound alternatives like "abandoning", "forsaking", or "reneging on" to ensure clarity and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

abandoning

This emphasizes leaving something or someone behind completely.

forsaking

This suggests giving up something valued or cherished.

reneging on

This implies breaking a promise or agreement.

defecting from

This indicates leaving a group or cause, often to join an opposing one.

quitting

This is a general term for leaving a job or activity.

leaving behind

This focuses on the act of departing and leaving something or someone.

backing out of

This suggests withdrawing from a commitment or plan.

walking out on

This implies suddenly leaving a responsibility or relationship.

betraying

This emphasizes the act of being disloyal or unfaithful.

failing to fulfill

This highlights the lack of completion or execution of a task or obligation.

FAQs

Is "deserting on" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "deserting on" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It's generally better to use "deserting" followed by a direct object or a more appropriate preposition like "from". For example, "He is deserting his responsibilities."

What can I say instead of "deserting on"?

Alternatives to "deserting on" include "abandoning", "forsaking", or "reneging on", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "deserting on" or "deserting from"?

"Deserting from" is grammatically correct when referring to leaving a place or organization, such as "deserting from the army". "Deserting on" is not typically considered correct.

How can I avoid misusing the word "deserting"?

Always ensure that "deserting" is followed by a direct object or an appropriate preposition. Consider whether another verb, such as "abandoning" or "forsaking", might be a better fit for your intended meaning.