have been called off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been called off" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an event or arrangement has been canceled or terminated. Example: "The meeting that was scheduled for tomorrow has been called off due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is understood those negotiations have been called off.

The Guardian

(Some rugby matches have been called off, though).

The New Yorker

In Michigan and Montana, ice-fishing classes have been called off over worries of unstable ice.

The New York Times

So far, 327 games — including the outdoor Winter Classic — have been called off.

The New York Times - Sports

"I do think it should have been called off," she said.

The Guardian - Sport

There had been a real possibility that this last race might have been called off.

The Guardian - Sport

Pre-Christmas strikes that threatened to cause chaos for hundreds of thousands of rail passengers have been called off.

Independent

A new round of ceasefire talks between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian rebel forces have been called off.

Independent

Schopenhauer viewed "the whole human project as a ghastly mistake that should have been called off long ago".

The Guardian - Books

"I heard today that if the rain had continued for another lap, the race would have been called off.

The Guardian - Sport

About 5,000 passengers were booked on the flights, which have been called off due to continuing security worries.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been called off" when you want to clearly and directly state that a planned event or arrangement has been canceled. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "have been called off" when the event is only temporarily postponed. Use "postponed" or "rescheduled" instead if there is a plan to hold the event at a later date. "Have been called off" implies a higher degree of finality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been called off" functions as a verb phrase indicating the cancellation or termination of a scheduled event or arrangement. It is a passive construction, with the event being the recipient of the action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sport

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been called off" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate the cancellation of a planned event. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and broad applicability. While suitable for various contexts, including news, sports, and general communication, it's crucial to reserve it for situations where cancellation is definitive, rather than a temporary postponement. Alternatives like ""have been canceled"" or ""have been abandoned"" offer similar meanings, but each carries its own nuance. Be mindful of the level of formality required for the context and choose the most fitting expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been canceled

Direct synonym indicating cancellation.

have been postponed indefinitely

Emphasizes that the postponement has no set future date.

have been abandoned

Indicates a more permanent cessation than "called off".

will not proceed

States the event will not happen.

have been terminated

Formal term implying a definitive end.

are no longer scheduled

Focuses on the absence of the event from the schedule.

have been revoked

Implies a prior approval that has now been withdrawn.

have been stopped

General term for ceasing an activity.

have been scrubbed

Informal term, often used in technical or space-related contexts.

are off the table

Figurative language indicating the idea is no longer being considered.

FAQs

What does "have been called off" mean?

The phrase "have been called off" means that a planned event, meeting, or activity has been canceled and will not take place as originally scheduled.

What can I say instead of "have been called off"?

You can use alternatives like "have been canceled", "have been postponed indefinitely", or "have been abandoned" depending on the context.

Is "have been called off" formal or informal?

"Have been called off" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal situations, consider using "have been terminated".

Can "have been called off" be used for something that is postponed?

It's best to avoid using "have been called off" for events that are merely postponed. Use "postponed" or "rescheduled" instead to indicate that the event will occur at a later time. The phrase "have been called off" suggests a more definitive cancellation.