was called off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was called off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when an event has been canceled. For example: "The concert was called off due to the bad weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The search was called off next morning.

The Guardian

The process was called off shortly afterwards.

The Guardian

Alas, it was called off for lack of interest.

The Economist

The game was called off 40 minutes before kick-off.

Independent

He disappeared, gone, and the operation was called off".

The New York Times - Magazine

The strike was called off at the last moment.

Independent

A fourth meeting was called off by Mr. Peres.

The New York Times

The deal was called off after the Times article appeared.

The New York Times

The search was called off, controversially, on August 9.

The Guardian

The search for additional survivors was called off Tuesday.

The New York Times

Ultimately it was called off, officially for medical reasons.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was called off" when an event or activity has been officially canceled or abandoned, often due to external factors or unforeseen circumstances. Ensure the context clearly indicates what "was called off" and why.

Common error

Avoid using "was called off" when something was merely delayed or postponed with a definite future date. "Called off" implies a higher degree of certainty that the event will not occur at all or in the foreseeable future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was called off" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that an event, activity, or arrangement has been canceled or terminated by an external force or decision. This contrasts with active constructions where the subject performs the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was called off" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate the cancellation or abandonment of an event or activity. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and offers various examples of its use in context. It is versatile across different writing styles, and while generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to differentiate it from similar terms like "postponed". The phrase's frequency and diverse application solidify its importance in effective communication. While alternatives such as "was cancelled" or "was abandoned" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was cancelled

Direct synonym indicating the event did not occur as planned.

was abandoned

Implies a more definitive cessation, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

did not proceed

A more formal way of saying that something was cancelled.

was terminated

Suggests a formal end to something, often an agreement or project.

was not carried out

Similar to 'did not proceed', emphasizing the lack of execution.

was postponed indefinitely

Indicates the event is delayed with no new date set, effectively canceling it.

was scrubbed

Often used in technical contexts like space launches, implying a cancellation.

has been withdrawn

Implies that an offer, proposal, or plan has been retracted.

was suspended

Suggests a temporary halt that may or may not become permanent.

was forsaken

A stronger, more literary term implying abandonment or desertion.

FAQs

How can I use "was called off" in a sentence?

You can use "was called off" to indicate the cancellation of an event. For example, "The meeting "was called off" due to unforeseen circumstances".

What's the difference between "was called off" and "was postponed"?

"Was called off" indicates a cancellation, while "was postponed" means something is delayed to a later date. If the event is canceled, use "was called off". If it's only delayed, use "was postponed".

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

You can use alternatives like "was cancelled", "was abandoned", or "was terminated" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "is called off" instead of "was called off"?

The phrase "is called off" implies a present or habitual action, whereas "was called off" refers to a past event. Use "is called off" when describing a recurring event that gets canceled often, or "was called off" when a single event was canceled.