call it a year

USAGE SUMMARY

"call it a year" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate the end of a specific period of time, often marking the completion or conclusion of something. Example: "After months of hard work and dedication, we can finally call it a year on our project and celebrate its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I'm a baseball guy, but I'm ready to call it a year.

The New York Times - Sports

She added: "I could have easily before that said, you know what, let's call it a year.

The New York Times

Manchester City hosts Villarreal in the group's other match, and the loser can probably call it a year in the competition.

The New York Times

Reggie Bush (MIA) vs. Philadelphia -- The Eagles (eighth best RB matchup) are licking their wounds after Marshawn Lynch went all sorts of beast mode on them last Thursday (148 yards, 2 TDs), and at 4-8 you have to wonder if the Eagles are ready to pack it up and call it a year.

The New York Times

This will come just as a lame-duck Congress is getting ready to call it a year and a session.

Forbes

Time to call it a year.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

They call it a "year-end break," saying they use the time to complete annual financial statements required by the city or to take vacations.

The New York Times

She called it a year of "cleansing the palate of high school, giving them a year to regroup".

The New York Times

Mrs Kumaratunga called it a year early because, she said, parliament refused to enact a set of constitutional changes designed to placate the Tamil minority.

The Economist

So he called it a year, and possibly a career as an Angel.

Los Angeles Times

"The solution there ought not include simply calling it a year and ending the school year at this point," Kildee said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "call it a year" when you want to indicate the conclusion of an activity or period, especially when you're ready to move on or take a break. It adds a sense of finality and closure.

Common error

Avoid using "call it a year" literally if you're not referring to an actual year-long period. It's an idiom, so using it outside the context of concluding a specific activity or phase can sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "call it a year" is as an idiomatic expression used to signify the conclusion or termination of an activity, project, or period. This is supported by Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "call it a year" is an idiomatic phrase used to indicate the end of an activity or period, often signaling a decision to stop or take a break. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct and usable phrase. It's most commonly found in News & Media, with a neutral register, making it suitable for a variety of contexts. While not highly formal, it effectively conveys a sense of closure. Consider alternatives like "wrap things up" or "end the season" depending on your specific context, and avoid using the phrase too literally if you're not referring to a year-long endeavor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

end the season

Focuses specifically on the conclusion of a seasonal activity, often sports.

close the chapter

Implies moving on from a specific phase or event.

wrap things up

Implies completing a task or project, possibly broader than just a year.

declare it over

A direct statement to indicate the end of something

bring it to a close

A more formal way of saying 'end it', applicable in various situations.

conclude the proceedings

A formal way to end a meeting or formal event.

draw the curtains

A more theatrical or dramatic way to indicate closure.

finish for now

Indicates a temporary end, suggesting a possible resumption later.

cease operations

A formal term for stopping a business or activity.

suspend activity

Suggests a temporary halt, often in a professional setting.

FAQs

What does "call it a year" mean?

To "call it a year" means to decide that you are finished with something for the time being, especially an activity or project. It suggests bringing a conclusion to it, whether temporarily or permanently.

How can I use "call it a year" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "After a disappointing season, the team decided to "end the season" and "call it a year".

What are some alternatives to "call it a year"?

Some alternatives include "wrap things up", "bring it to a close", or "finish for now". The best choice depends on the context.

Is "call it a year" a formal expression?

No, "call it a year" is generally considered an informal or neutral expression. It's suitable for casual conversations and general writing, but might not be appropriate for highly formal or academic contexts. For more formal situations, you could use "conclude the proceedings" or similar phrases.