I should cancel that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I should cancel that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the intention or decision to cancel something, such as an event, appointment, or order. Example: "After considering my schedule, I should cancel that meeting for next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Maybe I should cancel that chemical peel at the spa".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I think they should cancel that study," says Alberts. "It's over.

Science Magazine

Edsall's boss, Athletic Director Kevin Anderson, should cancel that recruiting trip.

The Washington Post

"If management can determine that the travel schedule affects their players' ability to be ready for practice the next morning, maybe they should cancel that practice," he says.

TechCrunch

I don't know if I should go; maybe I should cancel my ticket.

The New Yorker

Then yes, if you're as committed to sustainability as you say, you probably should cancel that membership.

Huffington Post

"I just cancelled that deal.

BBC

So obviously I canceled that".

Los Angeles Times

So they should cancel all trades – that would be the fair thing to do," said Stephen Massocca, chief investment officer at Wedbush Equity Management in San Francisco.

The Guardian - Business

He was given a new contract earlier this season, they should cancel it after that delivery.

BBC

Either way, it should cancel programs that enlist state and local law enforcement in the indiscriminate hunt for the undocumented.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I should cancel that", ensure the context clearly indicates what "that" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the listener or reader.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "I should cancel that" without offering a brief explanation. Providing a reason, even a short one, adds context and avoids abruptness or perceived rudeness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I should cancel that" functions as an expression of intent or a declaration of a decision. It indicates the speaker's intention to revoke or discontinue something previously planned or arranged. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I should cancel that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express the intention to cancel something. Ludwig AI validates its usage and indicates its appropriateness across various contexts. While it's generally considered neutral in register, providing context or a reason for the cancellation enhances clarity and politeness. Alternatives like "I ought to cancel that" or "I need to cancel that" offer subtle variations in formality and emphasis. Remember to clarify what "that" refers to and consider the overall tone when communicating your decision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I ought to cancel that

Replaces "should" with "ought to", indicating a sense of duty or obligation, slightly more formal.

I need to cancel that

Emphasizes necessity rather than advisability.

I have to cancel that

Suggests a stronger obligation or external constraint.

I'm going to cancel that

Indicates a firm decision or intention to cancel.

I intend to cancel that

More formal expression of intention.

I plan to cancel that

Similar to "intend to cancel that", but slightly less formal.

I will cancel that

A more direct and assertive declaration of cancellation.

Perhaps I should cancel that

Adds a layer of uncertainty or consideration.

Maybe I should cancel that

Similar to "Perhaps I should cancel that", but slightly more casual.

I might need to cancel that

Expresses a possibility of cancellation, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "I should cancel that" in a sentence?

You can use "I should cancel that" to express a decision to cancel something. For example, "After looking at my schedule, "I should cancel that" meeting.".

What's a more formal alternative to "I should cancel that"?

A more formal alternative would be "I ought to cancel that", which implies a sense of duty or obligation.

What's the difference between "I should cancel that" and "I have to cancel that"?

""I should cancel that"" suggests advisability, while "I have to cancel that" implies a stronger obligation or external constraint.

Is it impolite to say "I should cancel that" without giving a reason?

It can be perceived as impolite. Providing a reason, even brief, makes the cancellation less abrupt and more considerate. Consider adding a phrase like "because of a scheduling conflict".