called off work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "called off work" is not correct in standard English.
The correct expression is "called in sick" or "called off." Example: "I had to call in sick today because I wasn't feeling well."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The UN weapons inspectors resumed investigations after having called off work on Tuesday because of security concerns.

BBC

I called off work for the entire week so I can properly rejoice with the last of my money.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Call off work, mix up those oils, grab a tiny comb.

Huffington Post

It was like a nightmarish Noah's Ark .Water was pouring in on the set, and the boys were moaning, and their mothers and their music teachers were all hopping up and down, and their ordinary teachers were running around trying to organize arithmetic classes, because the law said they should, and we had to call off work for three days and take the director to a hospital.

The New Yorker

I'm popping some Prozac, calling off work and spending quality time with some real next-gen games.

TechCrunch

Despite your ailing health, for some reason you still feel a twinge of guilt for calling off work.

Huffington Post

We spent the next few days calling off work and eating takeout that was neither healthy nor affordable.

Huffington Post

But instead of calling off work and sautéing myself in red wine and white tears, I got in my car.

Vice

Because rain doesn't actually call off work — unless you happen to be Andy Murray or a cricketer — we decided to be productive and put together a list of ten dance records that actually sound better on dismal days like these.

Vice

Normally, if a protest is deemed by a port arbitrator (a position that is unaffiliated with the union) to pose a risk to workers' health and safety, the union calls off work and the workers still get paid.

Vice

We really wish you could be in LA for our Official Project X After Party it's one of those once in a lifetime, skip class, call off work, and ditch your significant other kind of events with performances by superstars like Tyler the Creator, A-Trak, Drop the Lime, Hundred in the Hands, Jesse Marco and other special guests.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you need to take time off from work, prioritize clear and professional communication. Instead of using the phrase "called off work", which is often considered non-standard, use more accepted phrases such as "called in sick", "took a day off", or "requested leave" to ensure effective communication with your employer.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "called off work" in professional or formal settings. This phrasing is generally considered non-standard English. Opt for clearer and more widely accepted alternatives to maintain professionalism and clarity in your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "called off work" functions as a colloquial expression indicating an absence from work. However, Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically incorrect in standard English. It is generally used to convey that someone has notified their employer of their absence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "called off work" appears in some online contexts, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English, as Ludwig AI points out. More appropriate alternatives include "called in sick", "took a day off", or "requested leave". These alternatives are clearer and more professional, suitable for formal communications. While "called off work" may be understood in informal settings, it's best to avoid it in professional contexts to ensure clarity and maintain a professional tone. It is also not frequent with only 3 examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

called in sick

Indicates informing the employer of absence due to illness.

took a sick day

Implies using a designated day for illness-related absence.

took a day off

General term for taking a day's absence, not necessarily due to illness.

requested leave

Highlights the formal process of asking for time off.

took personal leave

Specifies the absence is for personal reasons.

was on leave

States a period of authorized absence.

was absent from work

A formal way of stating non-attendance.

notified my absence

Focuses on informing the employer.

took time off

Generic term for taking time away from work.

skipped work

Implies unauthorized or unexcused absence.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "called off work"?

The correct way to express this is to use phrases like "called in sick" if you are ill, "took a day off" for general leave, or "requested leave" if you have planned the absence in advance.

Is "called off work" grammatically correct?

No, "called off work" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It's better to use phrases like "called in sick" or "took time off".

What can I say instead of "called off work" in an email to my boss?

In an email to your boss, it's best to use professional language such as "I am taking a sick day" or "I have requested a day of leave". These phrases are clearer and more respectful.

What is the difference between "called off work" and "took a day off"?

"Called off work" is non-standard and less clear. "Took a day off" is a common and acceptable way to say you were absent from work for a day, whether due to illness, vacation, or personal reasons.