discard

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'discard' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean to throw something away or to reject something. For example: "The teacher discarded the student's essay after finding too many errors in it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But not unilaterally say we want to discard all the bits we don't like but only keep the bits we like and you lot have to accede to that, otherwise we will leave.

The Guardian

Coincidentally, both Baggios' careers would end in 1999 (if you discard Roberto's swansong friendly against Spain in 2004).

The Guardian - Sport

Remove the leaves and discard, put the tofu into the same bowl as the aubergine and mix together.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Most of all they'll need to discard the distractions of practice field dust-ups and media fueled speculation about firings.

The Guardian - Sport

Last time Labor moved from government to opposition and was called on to decide what of the past to own and what to discard, Labor made a hash of it.

The Guardian

3 Squeeze out the beak-like mouth from the centre of the tentacles and discard it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In defence of economics it needs to be pointed out that the unwillingness of many economists to discard outworn models is typical of science in general not just economics.

The Economist

(Bond vigilantes don't eliminate this epistemological uncertainty, but they certainly provide a useful indication).I'm not suggesting that America should actively seek to discard its AAA rating; no one can confidently predict the consequences of what was a borderline inconceivable scenario only six months ago.

The Economist

So America had its "gunpowder plot"; and the nun was pretty (and was later to discard her wimple and marry one of the priests).

The Economist

An analysis by Bisnode, a business-intelligence company, estimates average Croatian public sector wages to be 73% higher than average wages in the private sector.Many Croatian economists have called for currency depreciation to support the fledgling export sector, yet both central bank and political leadership discard this possibility.

The Economist

It is best to discard this scenario quickly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "discard" with specific objects or ideas to provide clarity. For example, "discard outdated information" or "discard broken equipment" are more precise than simply "discard."

Common error

While "discard" is versatile, overuse can make writing monotonous. In formal or academic contexts, vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "eliminate", "reject", or "dispose of" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "discard" functions primarily as a transitive verb, requiring an object to complete its meaning. It indicates the action of throwing away, rejecting, or getting rid of something. Ludwig AI confirms this through various examples showcasing its usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Lifestyle

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discard" is a versatile and commonly used verb that signifies the act of throwing away, rejecting, or eliminating something. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage is grammatically sound and prevalent in various contexts, especially in news and media. While it maintains a neutral register, the choice between "discard" and its synonyms like "eliminate" or "dispose of" depends on the desired tone and formality. Use "discard" thoughtfully, considering the specific nuance you wish to convey to enhance the clarity and sophistication of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throw away

Indicates a simple and direct action of getting rid of something unwanted.

get rid of

A more general phrase for eliminating or removing something.

dispose of

A more formal way to say "get rid of", often used for items requiring specific handling.

eliminate

Suggests a more thorough and systematic removal or exclusion.

reject

Implies a refusal to accept or consider something.

abandon

Indicates leaving something behind, often permanently.

scrap

Suggests discarding something because it is no longer useful or valuable.

jettison

A more dramatic term for throwing something overboard or abandoning it.

cast off

Implies a deliberate act of releasing or discarding something, often a responsibility.

write off

To acknowledge that something is a failure or loss and stop investing in it.

FAQs

How can I use "discard" in a sentence?

You can use "discard" to mean throwing something away, rejecting an idea, or dismissing someone from employment. For example: "They decided to "discard" the old furniture", "The committee "discarded" the proposal", or "The company had to "discard" several employees due to budget cuts".

What can I say instead of "discard"?

Alternatives to "discard" include "throw away", "get rid of", "dispose of", "eliminate", and "reject". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct, "discard" or "dispose"?

Both "discard" and "dispose" are correct but have slightly different connotations. "Discard" generally means to throw something away. "Dispose", particularly "dispose of", often implies a more careful or formal method of getting rid of something, especially if it's hazardous or requires specific handling.

What's the difference between "discard" and "reject"?

"Discard" usually refers to physically getting rid of something tangible or intangible. "Reject", on the other hand, typically means refusing to accept something, such as an idea, proposal, or offer. Thus, you "discard" trash, but you "reject" a suggestion.