they abandoned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they abandoned" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe the act of leaving something or someone behind, often implying a lack of intention to return. Example: They abandoned their plans for the weekend. Alternative expressions include "they left behind" and "they forsook."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They abandoned their forts.

The New Yorker

"They abandoned us.

The Guardian

They abandoned the recordings.

Independent

They abandoned him".

The New Yorker

But they abandoned the idea, she said.

The New York Times

Those I never abandoned; they abandoned me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

have they abandoned their sleazebag roots?

The New York Times - Arts

The winter they abandoned Long Point Village -

The New Yorker

But they abandoned the plan.

The Guardian

Then, suddenly, they abandoned it.

The New York Times

"They abandoned upstate New York".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they abandoned", ensure the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to and what was abandoned. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "they abandoned" when the subject is unclear or too distant in the text. Ensure the reader can easily identify the referent of "they" to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they abandoned" functions as a verb phrase in the past tense. It typically describes a completed action where a group or entity ceased to support or maintain something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples of the phrase being used across a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

25%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they abandoned" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for describing the act of leaving something or someone behind. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. While primarily neutral in register, the phrase carries a strong connotation of cessation and potential neglect. Understanding its usage helps improve clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they deserted

Replaces "abandoned" with a term that often implies leaving a place or person without intending to return, often in a disloyal way.

they relinquished

Implies a more formal or willing surrender of something, like a position or right.

they forsook

A more formal and somewhat archaic term for abandoning, often with moral or religious connotations.

they left behind

A more literal way of saying they abandoned something, without necessarily implying intent.

they gave up

Focuses on ceasing an effort or activity, rather than leaving a place or person.

they discarded

Implies something was abandoned because it was no longer useful or wanted.

they ditched

A more informal term for abandoning, often used for plans or relationships.

they evacuated

Specifies the abandonment was due to an emergency or danger.

they withdrew from

Implies a retreat or removal from an involvement or commitment.

they backed out of

Suggests breaking a prior agreement or commitment.

FAQs

How can I use "they abandoned" in a sentence?

Use "they abandoned" to describe a group or entity leaving something behind, either willingly or unwillingly. For example, "They abandoned the project due to lack of funding."

What can I say instead of "they abandoned"?

You can use alternatives like "they deserted", "they relinquished", or "they left behind" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "they abandoned" or "they have abandoned"?

Both are correct, but they have different tenses. "They abandoned" is simple past tense, while "they have abandoned" is present perfect tense. Choose the tense that best fits the timeline of your narrative.

What's the difference between "they abandoned" and "they neglected"?

"They abandoned" means they completely left or gave up on something. "They neglected" means they failed to care for something properly. Abandonment is a complete cessation, while neglect is a lack of proper attention.