I called off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I called off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has canceled or terminated an event, meeting, or arrangement. Example: "I called off the meeting due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"I called off Javy," Cervelli said.

The New York Times - Sports

I called off at work.

The Guardian - Money

Start a Quartet My fiancé and I called off our large wedding.

The New York Times

The next week, my days got cut because I called off.

The Guardian - Money

I called off my wedding to Rex shortly after I met my new doormat, Tim.

The Guardian - Books

Of the 49ers' final drive, he said: "I called off all the incredible feats Montana had performed at Notre Dame.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

If I call off the dogs and we lose, I don't sleep".

The New York Times - Sports

Mariam Feldman said she would pray for me and perhaps I will meet (if I'm lucky) a nice Jewish man in shul this year if I call off my upcoming nuptials.

Huffington Post

Faced with the expectation, without being told, that I go directly into a relationship and I call off all my other partners is difficult in my poly mind-set.

Huffington Post

Is it calling off Brexit?

The Washington Post

If I get called off, I get called off.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I called off", ensure the context clearly indicates what was cancelled or terminated. Ambiguity can arise if the object of the cancellation is not explicitly stated or easily inferred.

Common error

Avoid using "I called off" when you only postponed something. "Called off" implies a permanent cancellation, not a temporary delay. Use "I postponed" or "I rescheduled" for temporary changes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I called off" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of canceling or terminating a previously arranged event or plan. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I called off" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to communicate the cancellation or termination of something previously arranged. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. While it's not extremely common, it appears frequently in news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure the context makes clear what you cancelled and remember it implies permanent cancellation, not just postponement. Consider alternatives like "I cancelled" or "I terminated" depending on the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I cancelled

A direct synonym, replacing the phrasal verb with a single-word verb.

I abandoned

Implies a more complete relinquishment or desertion of the planned activity.

I aborted

Often used when referring to a mission or project that was prematurely stopped.

I terminated

A more formal way of saying that something was ended or discontinued.

I withdrew from

Suggests a retreat from a commitment or involvement.

I put a stop to

Emphasizes the action of actively halting or preventing something.

I backed out of

Indicates a decision to not proceed with an agreement or plan.

I reneged on

Implies breaking a promise or commitment, often carrying a negative connotation.

I scrapped

Suggests that plans were cancelled entirely and discarded.

I called a halt to

A more emphatic way of saying something was stopped.

FAQs

What does "I called off" mean?

The phrase "I called off" means that you canceled or terminated something that was previously planned or scheduled. It implies that the event or arrangement will not take place.

What can I say instead of "I called off"?

You can use alternatives like "I cancelled", "I abandoned", or "I terminated" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I called off of"?

No, the correct phrasing is "I called off". Adding "of" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What is the difference between "I called off" and "I postponed"?

"I called off" implies a complete cancellation with no intention of rescheduling, whereas "I postponed" means the event is delayed to a later date.