they were abandoning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were abandoning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of leaving something or someone behind, often implying a sense of neglect or giving up. Example: "As the storm approached, they were abandoning their plans for the outdoor event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and NikkoCiti said in a joint statement that they were abandoning the deal.

The New York Times

But, after NAFTA, Democrats became sensitive to the charge that they were abandoning their roots.

The New Yorker

They rejected the idea that they were abandoning their civic duty.

The New York Times

After the vote, GTac issued a brief statement that they were abandoning their interest in the Wisconsin mine.

The New York Times - Magazine

This week, the nation's largest antiwar coalitions said they were abandoning their plan to disrupt everyday life.

The New York Times

They were so convinced it was going to die that they were abandoning it for the only real rival.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

And, they were abandoned.

Stanford University

They were abandoned by 1974.

The New York Times

"They were abandoned long ago".

The New Yorker

Then they were abandoned.

The Washington Post

That they were abandoned?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they were abandoning" when you want to emphasize a conscious decision to leave something behind, especially when it involves responsibility or obligation. For example, "they were abandoning their posts" implies a dereliction of duty.

Common error

Be careful not to use "they were abandoning" when the action is only temporary. If the intention is to return, a phrase like "they were temporarily leaving" might be more appropriate. Avoid implying permanence when it doesn't exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were abandoning" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It describes an ongoing action of relinquishing or deserting something. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts ranging from political decisions to physical locations, indicating a process of leaving behind.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Formal & Business

13%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were abandoning" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of relinquishing or leaving something behind. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in contexts related to news, business, and academia. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it carries a stronger connotation of responsibility or obligation than simpler alternatives like "they were leaving". When writing, be mindful of this implication and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning. Alternatives such as "they were giving up" or "they were forsaking" can provide subtle nuances depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were giving up

This alternative focuses on the act of ceasing effort or hope, similar to abandoning a plan or idea.

they were forsaking

This implies a more deliberate act of renouncing or rejecting something, often with a moral or ethical dimension.

they were leaving behind

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

they were deserting

This suggests leaving a place or person, especially when under a duty to stay.

they were relinquishing

This implies formally giving up a claim, right, or possession.

they were backing out of

This focuses on withdrawing from an agreement or commitment.

they were retreating from

This suggests withdrawing from a position or situation, often due to pressure or danger.

they were ditching

An informal way of saying they were getting rid of something or someone.

they were pulling out of

Implies a withdrawal or departure from an activity or situation.

they were ceasing

Highlights the action of stopping or ending an activity or endeavor.

FAQs

How can I use "they were abandoning" in a sentence?

You can use "they were abandoning" to describe a group's decision to leave something behind, such as a project, a place, or a belief. For example, "Facing insurmountable obstacles, they were abandoning their plans to climb the mountain."

What's a less formal way to say "they were abandoning"?

Less formal alternatives include "they were ditching" or "they were bailing on", depending on the context.

Is there a subtle difference between "they were abandoning" and "they were leaving"?

Yes, "they were abandoning" often implies a sense of responsibility or obligation that is being disregarded, whereas "they were leaving behind" is a more neutral statement of departure.

When is it more appropriate to use "they were giving up" instead of "they were abandoning"?

Use "they were giving up" when the emphasis is on ceasing effort due to difficulty or lack of success, rather than a deliberate decision to leave something behind.