abandon vs desert

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New2grammar

#540953 Mon, 14 Jul 08 12:04 AM

The town is [abandoned/deserted].

Are they interchangeable?
Thanks.

New2grammar

Joined on Tue, Nov 21 2006

Veteran Member (7,676)

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nona the brit

#540957 Mon, 14 Jul 08 12:14 AM

Not quite.

Abandoned sounds permanent.

Deserted is often used in the sense of 'there isn't anybody around right now'. If I go to my local town at 3am I would probably find it deserted (empty) but of course the people are still there - just in bed!

nona the brit

Joined on Wed, Sep 22 2004

England

Veteran Member (11,430)

The name says it all.

Abandon
shouted with abandon
past simple vs present perfect
desert island or deserted island

desert / deserted island
desert, noun (C/U)
abandon/desert/leave their pets on streets
VS

hear vs listen to
1) United States Marine Corps vs United States...
Of vs. For
camel lives

New2grammar

#540960 Mon, 14 Jul 08 12:17 AM

Thanks, Nona.

New2grammar