classes were cancelled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "classes were cancelled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to inform someone that scheduled classes did not take place, often due to unforeseen circumstances like weather or emergencies. Example: "Due to the heavy snowfall, all classes were cancelled for the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Eventually all my classes were cancelled.

Independent

Classes were cancelled for the day.

The Guardian

All classes were cancelled on Monday.

The Guardian

During the Cultural Revolution, which began in 1966, English classes were cancelled.

The Guardian

Yesterday, classes were cancelled at M.I.T. to observe a memorial service for Sean Collier, the slain campus police officer.

The New Yorker

Classes were cancelled for the 215,000 students of Texas's largest public school district, and for most other schools throughout the metropolitan area.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Afternoon classes were canceled.

The New York Times - Sports

Some classes were canceled.

The New York Times - Sports

Classes were canceled for the day.

The New York Times

"Classes were canceled whenever something interesting materialized.

The New York Times - Magazine

Classes were canceled after the shooting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "classes were cancelled", specify the reason if known, to provide clarity. For example, "Classes were cancelled due to inclement weather."

Common error

Avoid using "classes are cancelled" when referring to a past event. The correct form for completed actions is "classes were cancelled".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "classes were cancelled" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that scheduled classes have been terminated or called off. It employs a passive construction, shifting focus from the actor (the institution or person cancelling) to the action itself (the cancellation of classes). According to Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

12.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6.25%

Encyclopedias

3.125%

Social Media

3.125%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "classes were cancelled" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to communicate that scheduled classes will not occur. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. It's most frequently found in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, serving to inform about schedule changes. For clarity, specify the reason for the cancellation. Alternatives like "classes were suspended" or "classes were called off" can be used depending on the context. Avoid tense errors, ensuring you use "were" for past events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

classes were called off

This alternative suggests a more informal or direct cancellation of classes.

classes were suspended

This indicates a temporary halt to classes, implying they may resume later.

no classes were held

This is a more direct way of stating that classes did not take place.

classes were terminated

This suggests a more permanent end to the classes, implying they won't be restarted.

classes have been abandoned

Suggests that classes were left with no intention to continue them.

all lectures were cancelled

This alternative specifically refers to lectures being cancelled, usually in a university setting.

sessions were not conducted

Highlights the absence of the planned sessions or meetings.

instruction was discontinued

This is a more formal way to express that teaching or instruction was stopped.

the schedule was disrupted

The sentence doesn't focus on the class cancelation, but on the general disruption of the schedule.

school was dismissed

It is used when students are sent home and classes do not take place.

FAQs

What are some reasons "classes were cancelled"?

Classes are often cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances like severe weather, public health emergencies, or facility issues.

Is it better to say "classes were cancelled" or "classes were suspended"?

The choice depends on the context. "Classes were cancelled" usually indicates a definite stop, while "classes were suspended" suggests a temporary halt.

How do I use "classes were cancelled" in a sentence?

You can use "classes were cancelled" to inform others that classes will not be taking place, such as "All classes were cancelled today because of the snowstorm."

What's the difference between "classes were cancelled" and "no classes were held"?

While both indicate classes did not occur, "classes were cancelled" implies a scheduled class was stopped, whereas "no classes were held" simply states that classes did not happen at all.