call off: meaning and explanation
The phrasal verb to call something off means to cancel something (e.g. an event or a meeting).
If you want to focus on the thing that is cancelled, we can use this phrasal verb in the passive, e.g. The party was called off at the last minute.
This is a separable phrasal verb – the object can go in the middle of the phrasal verb (I called the meeting off) or at the end (I called off the meeting). If the object is a pronoun, it must go in the middle (I called it off), not at the end (I called off it).
Have a go at these micro-dictation exercises to hear this expression being used in context – how much can you understand?
Listening exercises
Dictation #1
Accent: England (RP)
About the sentence
…she might even call it off…
Might even do something is used introduce something which is unlikely but still possible or is being considered. e.g. The traffic isn’t as bad as I expected so I should be there on time. I might even be a bit early.
Dictation #2
Accent: Ireland
About the sentence
…we have no choice but to…
The phrase “we have no choice but to + verb” is a formal way of saying that you only have one option – you have no other choice.
This often sounds quite regretful – you probably don’t want to do it, but there is no other option. e.g. Johnny’s an excellent employee, but after his behaviour at the staff party we have no choice but to fire him.
Dictation #3
Accent: North America
Extra practice
Here are some questions/links to help you learn the new vocabulary:
- Have you ever had to call off an important event or meeting at the last minute? What were the reasons, and how did you inform people?
- Can you think of a situation where calling off an event turned out to be a positive decision? What was the situation, and what were the positive outcomes?
- How do you feel when someone calls off plans with you? Does your reaction depend on the reason provided? Do you have any examples?
- Have you ever experienced a significant disruption because something was called off unexpectedly, such as a flight, concert, or class? How did you handle the situation, and what did you do instead?
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