should be abandoned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be abandoned" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used in the context of offering advice or making a suggestion about a given situation. For example, you could say: "The old factory should be abandoned and replaced with a modern, more efficient facility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The practice should be abandoned, he said.

The New York Times

This secrecy should be abandoned.

The New York Times

How right that she should be abandoned!

The Guardian - Books

Therefore, they say, selection should be abandoned on egalitarian grounds.

The Economist

"But we weren't saying it should be abandoned.

The New York Times - Science

It is false construct that should be abandoned, not redefined.

The New York Times

Plans for this proposed phase-out should be abandoned.

The New York Times

But that doesn't mean the effort should be abandoned.

The Economist

Though skeptical, Horvath isn't saying that research should be abandoned.

The New Yorker

GWOT should be abandoned: it's externally divisive and internally treacherous.

The New York Times

Finkelstein suggests that annual conferences should be abandoned.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be abandoned", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being abandoned and the reasons for doing so. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the argument.

Common error

While "should be abandoned" is in passive voice, overuse can weaken your writing. Consider whether an active voice construction (e.g., "we should abandon this approach") would be more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be abandoned" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a recommendation or advice regarding the discontinuation of something. It suggests that, based on certain reasons or evidence, ceasing a particular action or belief is advisable. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to advocate for the cessation of various practices or ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be abandoned" serves as a recommendation to discontinue a practice, idea, or project. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. Its neutral to formal tone makes it suitable for diverse writing purposes. Related phrases, such as "ought to be discarded" or "needs to be discontinued", offer alternative ways to express similar ideas with varying degrees of formality. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what is being abandoned and the rationale behind it. Be mindful of overusing passive voice to maintain a strong and direct writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be discarded

Replaces "should" with "ought to", maintaining a similar level of obligation but sounding slightly more formal.

needs to be discontinued

Emphasizes the necessity of stopping something, rather than a suggestion.

must be terminated

Highlights the imperative to end something, often implying a formal or official decision.

should be relinquished

Suggests giving up control or possession of something, adding a sense of loss or sacrifice.

should be dropped

A more informal way to say something should be stopped or removed from consideration.

should be repealed

Specifically refers to the revocation or annulment of a law or regulation.

should be axed

An informal and forceful way to say something should be eliminated, often due to cost or inefficiency.

should be abolished

Indicates that something should be completely done away with, often referring to systems or institutions.

is best to discontinue

Shifts the focus to what is the best course of action, presenting it as a recommendation.

it's time to give up on

Implies that efforts have been exhausted and it is now appropriate to cease trying.

FAQs

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

The phrase "should be abandoned" is used to express that something is advisable or necessary to discontinue. For example: "This outdated method "should be abandoned" in favor of a more efficient one."

What are some alternatives to "should be abandoned"?

You can use alternatives like "ought to be discarded", "needs to be discontinued", or "must be terminated" depending on the context.

Is "should be abandoned" formal or informal?

"Should be abandoned" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "ought to be discarded" might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

What does it mean when something "should be abandoned"?

It signifies that continuing with a particular practice, idea, or project is no longer beneficial or viable, and that it's advisable to stop it.