could be called off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be called off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the cancellation of an event, meeting, or activity that was previously planned. Example: "The meeting could be called off if the necessary participants are unable to attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The first game that could be called off would be Dec. 1 between the defending champion, Manchester United, and Chelsea.

The New York Times - Sports

9to5Mac, which first reported the change in the font, cautioned that the move could be called off before the June event.

Independent

Hollande went further, indicating the talks could be called off unless the alleged spying was stopped immediately and US guarantees were provided.

The Guardian

The officials cautioned that the exercise, which has been expected for several days, could be called off at the last minute.

The New York Times

White House officials said the meeting in Aqaba would take place with the caveat of "conditions permitting," apparently meaning that it could be called off if there was another round of violence or suicide bombings.

The New York Times

The BMA has said it is still possible next week's strike could be called off, but the union is seeking further concessions from the Government on the two key points of disagreement – out-of-hours pay and safeguards to protect doctors from working dangerously long hours.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Such locations could be called off-target, and an example is the c-myc translocation in Burkitt lymphoma [ 3, 4].

BMC Genomics

It could yet be called off, either by the federal president or by the Constitutional Court.

The Economist

These alerts could not be called off until human minds were brought to bear to correct the errors.

The New Yorker

An order has been laid in parliament setting the date of the election - but it could yet be called off if a Brexit deal is agreed before then.

BBC

But Trachtenberg says open investigations that haven't yet reached the consent decree stage could theoretically be called off by the new head of the DOJ depending on their political bent.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be called off", ensure the context clearly indicates what event or arrangement is being considered for cancellation. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "could be called off" when there is a definite decision to cancel. "Could" implies possibility, not certainty. Use "has been called off" when the cancellation is confirmed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be called off" functions as a modal passive construction. It expresses a possibility or contingency regarding the cancellation of a planned event or arrangement. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could be called off" is a commonly used modal passive construction that expresses the possibility of an event being cancelled. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in News & Media contexts and serves to communicate uncertainty about future plans. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject being considered for cancellation and avoid using it when a decision has already been made. Consider alternatives like "might be cancelled" or "might be postponed" to provide subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be cancelled

Simple substitution, replacing "called off" with a direct synonym "cancelled".

could be cancelled

Only "cancelled" replaced "called off" maintaining the original meaning

might be postponed

Replaces "called off" with "postponed", indicating a delay rather than a complete cancellation.

could be aborted

Uses "aborted" to suggest a more immediate or decisive termination.

is subject to cancellation

More formal phrasing emphasizing the possibility of cancellation.

is liable to be called off

Changes the auxiliary verb and adds "liable", suggesting a higher probability of cancellation.

remains uncertain

Expresses doubt about whether an event will proceed, without explicitly mentioning cancellation.

is up in the air

Informal idiom indicating uncertainty about the future of an event or plan.

is hanging in the balance

More dramatic phrasing suggesting that the fate of an event is uncertain.

faces potential termination

Emphasizes the potential for a formal ending or conclusion.

FAQs

How to use "could be called off" in a sentence?

Use "could be called off" to indicate a possibility that a planned event might be cancelled. For example, "The meeting "could be called off" due to the weather".

What can I say instead of "could be called off"?

You can use alternatives like "might be cancelled", "could be cancelled" or "might be postponed" depending on the context.

Is "could be called off" formal or informal?

"Could be called off" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "could be called off" and "has been called off"?

"Could be called off" indicates a possibility of cancellation, while "has been called off" indicates that the cancellation is confirmed.