Quick Definition
Call Off — To cancel a planned event or activity.
Meanings of Call Off
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Cancel an event | The match was called off due to heavy rain. | The match was cancelled. |
| Stop an action | They called off the search after three days. | They stopped the search. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| The match was called off due to heavy rain. | The match was cancelled. |
| They called off the search after three days. | They stopped the search. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll call off it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
| She decided to call off the whole situation. | Applying the phrasal verb in context. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: separable | Transitivity: transitive
Transitive and separable: call the meeting off or call off the meeting. With a pronoun: call it off.
How to Use Call Off
Neutral to slightly informal. Common in news and everyday speech. Formal equivalent: 'cancel' or 'abandon'.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | The match was called off due to heavy rain. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Call Off
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Call Off
What does "Call Off" mean?
"Call Off" means: To cancel a planned event or activity. It is a transitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Call Off" separable or inseparable?
"Call Off" is separable. Transitive and separable: call the meeting off or call off the meeting. With a pronoun: call it off.
How do I use "Call Off" in a sentence?
The match was called off due to heavy rain. -- in this example, 'Call Off' means the match was cancelled.
What is the register of "Call Off"?
Neutral to slightly informal. Common in news and everyday speech. Formal equivalent: 'cancel' or 'abandon'.
What CEFR level is "Call Off"?
"Call Off" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in neutral to slightly informal contexts.
What is the difference between "Call Off" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Call Off" specifically means: To cancel a planned event or activity. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Call Off" be used formally?
Neutral to slightly informal. Common in news and everyday speech. Formal equivalent: 'cancel' or 'abandon'. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Call Off" take an object?
"Call Off" is transitive. Transitive and separable: call the meeting off or call off the meeting. With a pronoun: call it off.
How can I practise "Call Off"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Call Off' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Call Off" used in British or American English?
"Call Off" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Neutral to slightly informal. Common in news and everyday speech. Formal equivalent: 'cancel' or 'abandon'.