I cancelled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cancelled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you have terminated or called off an event, appointment, or subscription. Example: "I cancelled my appointment with the doctor because I was feeling unwell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"So I cancelled it," she said, quietly.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

CARMELO ANTHONY: I cancelled my membership on the way out.

The New Yorker

He said, "I cancelled the thing for a reason.

The New Yorker

In the end, I cancelled only one reading.

The New Yorker

Stephen Glennon I cancelled my Sky subscription last week.

The Guardian - Sport

"I cancelled it and something happened to my inspiration.

The Guardian - Music

In fact, I cancelled my order," wrote another.

The Guardian - Books

It was such an important idea that I cancelled everything to do this music I love".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Is cancelling DACA the worst single decision Trump has made?

The New Yorker

I canceled Thanksgiving that year.

The New York Times

Should I cancel our lunch?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I cancelled", ensure the context clearly indicates what was cancelled. Be specific to avoid ambiguity. For example, "I cancelled my subscription" is clearer than just "I cancelled it".

Common error

Avoid using "I cancelled" without explicitly stating what you cancelled, especially when the context isn't immediately clear. This can lead to confusion and require further clarification from the reader. For example, instead of writing "I cancelled", specify "I cancelled the meeting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cancelled" functions as a declarative statement indicating the speaker's action of terminating or calling off something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common phrase used to report an action taken by the speaker.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I cancelled" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to declare the act of terminating or calling something off. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase appears frequently in news and media, and its usage spans from informal conversations to more formal settings. For clarity, it is best practice to specify what was cancelled. Alternatives include "I called off", "I terminated", or "I withdrew from", depending on the specific context. When writing the phrase, be sure to specify what exactly has been cancelled in order to provide clarity to the reader and or the listener.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I called off

Emphasizes the act of stopping a planned event or arrangement.

I terminated

Suggests a formal ending to a contract, subscription, or agreement.

I revoked

Implies withdrawing or nullifying something previously granted or in effect.

I withdrew from

Focuses on removing oneself from an activity, commitment, or arrangement.

I aborted

Indicates stopping a process or plan before completion.

I put an end to

Highlights the act of deliberately stopping something from continuing.

I scrapped

Suggests discarding or abandoning a plan, project, or idea.

I backed out of

Implies withdrawing from a commitment or agreement, often due to reluctance.

I ceased

A formal way to state that something stopped.

I discontinued

Highlights the act of stopping something, usually a service or product, from continuing to be offered.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "I cancelled"?

Alternatives include "I called off", "I terminated", or "I withdrew from". The best choice depends on the specific context. For example, you might say, "I called off the picnic" or "I terminated my contract".

Is it always necessary to specify what I cancelled when using "I cancelled"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying what you cancelled enhances clarity. In ambiguous situations, providing context eliminates potential confusion. For instance, stating "I cancelled my appointment" is more precise than just "I cancelled".

How can I use "I cancelled" in a formal setting?

In formal contexts, ensure your sentence is precise and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of "I cancelled it", use "I cancelled the agreement" or "I cancelled the reservation". More formal alternatives could include "I terminated" or "I rescinded".

What's the difference between "I cancelled" and "I postponed"?

"I cancelled" means you have ended something and it will not happen at the originally scheduled time, or possibly ever. "I postponed", on the other hand, means you have delayed something, but it will happen at a later time. For example, "I cancelled the meeting" versus "I postponed the meeting until next week".