got cancelled

USAGE SUMMARY

"got cancelled" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to an event, appointment, or other plan that has been formally called off. For example, "The meeting got cancelled due to bad weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then it got cancelled.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"And then Trio got cancelled".

The New Yorker

"It got cancelled," Mumbry says.

The New Yorker

"Vasily Greenberg's train got cancelled?

The New Yorker

But that got cancelled, shelling began, and they left again.

Independent

("Bored To Death" would be on this list, but it just got cancelled.

The New Yorker

The Boxing Day hunt got cancelled so Raisa and I had to stay indoors all day.

The Guardian

I was in The Wings Of The Dove with Uma Thurman, until that got cancelled.

The Guardian

"It's all I've got left over from that Rocky Horror wedding thing what got cancelled," she said.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Since moving to Channel 5 it's become one of those shows my subconsciousness has persuaded me got cancelled.

The Guardian

Some of the people I've talked to at Yearly Kos were working on stories or setting up interviews yesterday that got cancelled for Minnesota coverage.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got cancelled" to clearly and directly communicate that an event, appointment, or arrangement has been called off. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "got cancelled" is acceptable, ensure the context clarifies who or what caused the cancellation, if relevant. If the actor is known, consider using active voice for more direct communication; for example, instead of "The meeting got cancelled", consider "The organizer cancelled the meeting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got cancelled" functions as a passive construction indicating that an event, appointment, or plan was terminated by an external cause. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "got cancelled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the termination of a scheduled event, suitable for various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. While versatile, writers should consider the formality of the context, opting for alternatives like "was terminated" in professional settings. The phrase is prevalent in news and media sources, but its neutral register makes it applicable across different forms of communication. For scenarios where rescheduling is possible, "was postponed" may be a more accurate choice. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively use "got cancelled" to convey the intended meaning with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was called off

Emphasizes the act of someone officially deciding to cancel the event.

was terminated

Suggests a more formal or official ending, suitable for contracts or agreements.

was aborted

Implies that the event was stopped prematurely, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

was scrubbed

Common in technical contexts, like space launches, meaning the event was canceled shortly before it was due to begin.

was postponed indefinitely

Highlights the uncertainty of the event ever being rescheduled.

was discontinued

Suggests a permanent cessation, often used for products or services.

was axed

Informal, indicating a sudden and often unwelcome cancellation.

was nullified

implies that it has no validity anymore.

was dissolved

Implies something coming to an end.

was stopped

Suggests something being finished before its end.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "got cancelled" in a more formal way?

For more formal situations, consider using "was called off" or "was terminated". These options often sound more professional and suitable for business or official communications.

Is it correct to use "got cancelled" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "got cancelled" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Reviewers may suggest alternatives such as "was called off" or "was postponed" for enhanced formality.

What's the difference between "got cancelled" and "was cancelled"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning. However, "got cancelled" can sometimes imply a more informal or unexpected cancellation, whereas "was cancelled" is generally neutral. The choice depends on the desired tone.

Can I use "got cancelled" when referring to an event that might be rescheduled?

If the event is likely to be rescheduled, it's more precise to say it "was postponed". "Got cancelled" suggests a more final termination, although context can often clarify the possibility of rescheduling.