What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ditch
Example
The farmer dug a ditch to irrigate his crops. [ditch: noun]
Example
I had to ditch my old car because it was beyond repair. [ditch: verb]
Example
He ditched his friends at the party and left without saying goodbye. [ditched: past tense]
abandon
Example
The sailors were forced to abandon ship when it started sinking. [abandon: verb]
Example
She abandoned her dream of becoming an artist and pursued a career in finance instead. [abandoned: past participle]
Example
The company decided to abandon the project due to lack of funding. [abandon: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Abandon is more commonly used than ditch in everyday language, especially in British English. Ditch is less common and often used in informal or colloquial contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ditch and abandon?
Abandon is a more formal word than ditch and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while ditch is often associated with a more casual or colloquial tone.
