it was called off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was called off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an event or activity has been canceled. Example: "The meeting was scheduled for Friday, but it was called off due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Alas, it was called off for lack of interest.

The Economist

Ultimately it was called off, officially for medical reasons.

The Guardian - Sport

It was called off 90 minutes before kick-off.

The Guardian - Sport

Once it was called off, he had no reason to stay.

The New Yorker

It was called off in 1949 because of the death of Prince Louis II.

The New York Times - Sports

It was called off long before the serious incident off the Gaza Strip.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Late Friday, in a move that surprised no one who understands how the American economy works, A&E announced it was calling off its suspension of Phil Robertson.

Huffington Post

DENVER — Qwest Communications International, the telecommunications company, said on Monday that it was calling off the auction for its nationwide long-haul data and telephone network.

The New York Times - Tech

This week, however, the Syrian federation announced that it was calling off the game.

The New York Times

On Tuesday, Bank of America announced it was calling off plans to impose a $5 fee on debit cardholders after an uproar by consumers as well as politicians in Washington.

The New York Times

In early May, for example, Duke Energy, another utility, told the NRC, which must approve new plants, that it was calling off two of the six reactors it had planned.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was called off" when you want to clearly and directly state that a planned event or activity has been canceled. For example: "Due to the weather, the outdoor concert "it was called off"."

Common error

Avoid using "it was called off" when you mean something else was 'taken off' or 'removed'. "Called off" specifically implies cancellation of a planned event, not the removal of an object or person. A common error is using "it was called off" in place of "it was taken away".

Linguistic Context

"It was called off" functions as a passive construction indicating the cancellation of a planned event or activity. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. Examples in Ludwig show its use across various contexts, like sporting events and meetings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was called off" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate the cancellation of a planned event or activity. Ludwig's analysis, which states that this phrase is both correct and usable in written English, and the presence of the phrase across numerous reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC confirm its widespread acceptance. While appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, it's important to distinguish its specific meaning from similar but distinct phrases like "it was postponed" or "it was abandoned". As a conclusion, if you're looking to convey the cancellation of something you can safely use "it was called off".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was cancelled

Direct synonym, indicating the event was terminated.

it was postponed

Indicates the event was delayed to a later time.

it was abandoned

Suggests the plan or event was given up completely.

it was put off

Similar to postponed, but can also imply avoidance.

it was terminated

Formal term for ending something prematurely.

it was stopped

General term for halting an activity.

it was scrubbed

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

it was aborted

Often used when something is stopped before completion, especially in technical contexts.

it was discontinued

Indicates a permanent cessation of an activity or product.

it was axed

Informal term for cancellation, often implying budget cuts.

FAQs

What does "it was called off" mean?

The phrase "it was called off" means that a planned event, activity, or arrangement has been canceled or abandoned. For instance, "The meeting was called off due to unforeseen circumstances."

What can I say instead of "it was called off"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was canceled", "it was postponed", or "it was abandoned" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "it was called off"?

Use "it was called off" when you specifically want to indicate that a planned event or activity has been officially canceled, often due to circumstances like weather, safety concerns, or scheduling conflicts.

Is "it was called off" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was called off" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it was terminated" might be preferred in highly professional or academic settings.