to abort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to abort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate the termination of a process, action, or plan, often in a technical or medical sense. Example: "The system will automatically abort the operation if an error is detected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I had to abort".

The Guardian - Opinion

There's no reason to abort for that.

The New York Times - Health

"Many women choose to abort female foetuses.

The Guardian

My mother chose to abort her first pregnancy, in 1972.

The New York Times

She'd be given the option to abort the pregnancy.

The New York Times

Say a rape victim was seeking permission to abort.

The New York Times

"Imagine if they suspend the right to abort here.

The New York Times

Would you have to abort or pay a fine?

The New Yorker

The disease causes elk cows to abort their calves.

The New York Times - Science

We were advised to abort and we did".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Either way, Lugovoi decided to abort the operation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical procedures or sensitive topics, consider using "to terminate" instead of "to abort" to maintain a neutral tone.

Common error

Avoid using "abort" interchangeably with words like "cancel" or "postpone". "Abort" implies a more immediate and often irreversible cessation of an action or process. Ensure the context aligns with this sense of finality.

Linguistic Context

The infinitive phrase "to abort" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating an action to prematurely terminate or end something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to abort" is a grammatically sound and frequently used infinitive phrase that signifies the premature termination of something. Ludwig AI validates its correct application across various contexts, though its formality can vary. While common in news, science, and general discussions, more neutral alternatives such as "to terminate" might be preferable in certain formal settings. Remember to consider the sense of urgency or finality when employing this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to terminate

This is a more formal and general way of saying to end something, applicable to many situations.

to cancel

Implies stopping something that was planned or scheduled.

to discontinue

Suggests a more gradual or permanent cessation of something.

to cease

A formal term that means to stop or come to an end.

to halt

Indicates a sudden or abrupt stop.

to put an end to

Emphasizes the finality of stopping something.

to call off

Informal way to say to cancel an event or activity.

to scrap

Suggests abandoning a project or plan, often due to it being unworkable.

to back out of

Implies withdrawing from a commitment or agreement.

to give up on

Indicates abandoning hope or effort in achieving something.

FAQs

How can I use "to abort" in a sentence?

You can use "to abort" to indicate the premature termination of a process or mission. For example, "The astronauts had "to abort the mission" due to a technical malfunction".

What are some alternatives to "to abort"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "to terminate", "to cancel", or "to discontinue".

Is it appropriate to use "to abort" in formal writing?

While "to abort" is grammatically correct, consider using more formal alternatives like "to terminate" or "to discontinue" in professional or academic contexts to maintain a higher level of formality.

When is "to abort" the most suitable choice of words?

"To abort" is most appropriate when describing the premature termination of a pregnancy or a process that must be stopped immediately due to safety concerns or failure. In these contexts, it conveys a sense of urgency and finality.