What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
evacuate
Example
The government ordered residents to evacuate the area due to the approaching hurricane. [evacuate: verb]
Example
The firefighters evacuated the building after the gas leak was detected. [evacuated: past tense]
abandon
Example
The family had to abandon their home due to the war. [abandon: verb]
Example
The company decided to abandon the project due to lack of funding. [abandoned: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Abandon is more commonly used than evacuate in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts beyond emergency situations. Evacuate is more specific and is typically used in emergency or disaster-related contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between evacuate and abandon?
Evacuate is more formal than abandon, as it is typically used in emergency or disaster-related contexts that require a serious and urgent tone. Abandon is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels, depending on the context.