What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cancel
Example
I had to cancel my flight due to bad weather. [cancel: verb]
Example
The concert was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. [canceled: past tense]
abandon
Example
He abandoned his plans to start a business and decided to pursue a different career path. [abandon: verb]
Example
The old house was abandoned and left to decay. [abandoned: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cancel is more commonly used than abandon in everyday language. Cancel is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while abandon is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cancel and abandon?
While cancel is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, abandon is more commonly used in informal or literary contexts. Cancel is generally neutral in tone, while abandon can carry a slightly negative connotation.
