Call Off – Meaning and Examples
Has bad weather ever canceled your outdoor plans? Or has a meeting been postponed at the last minute? In English, we have a simple phrase for these cancellations. Today, you will learn the phrasal verb call off.
What Does “Call Off” Mean?
“Call off” means to cancel something that was planned, or to stop something that is happening. Think of it like stopping a game because of rain, or canceling a party. It describes ending plans or activities before they are finished.
When to Use It
You can use this phrasal verb in many cancellation situations. Use it when events, meetings, or classes are canceled. Use it when stopping searches, strikes, or attacks. You can also use it for personal plans like dates or trips. This phrase works in both casual and professional English.
Example Sentences
- They had to call off the picnic because of the thunderstorm.
- The company called off the meeting until next week.
- We should call off our search—it’s getting too dark.
- The baseball game was called off due to rain.
Mini Dialogue
Maria: “Are we still playing tennis this afternoon?”
David: “I think we should call it off. The weather forecast says it will rain all day.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Remember, this phrase is for canceling plans or stopping activities. Don’t use it for ending phone calls or conversations.
❌ Don’t say: “I called off the conversation with my friend.”
✅ Do say: “I called off my appointment with the doctor.”
Practice Tip
Think of one plan you had to cancel recently. Practice saying: “I had to call off [the activity] because [the reason].” This will help you remember the phrase.
Final Note
Using “call off” will help you talk about cancellations and stopped activities naturally in English. It’s a very practical and common phrase. Now you’re ready to use this useful phrasal verb confidently!