Grammar fix
call off
cancel
To decide that something planned will not happen, usually because of a problem or change in situation.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
They had to call off the picnic because it started raining.
In my opinion, it’s important to let everyone know as soon as possible if you need to call off a meeting, so people can adjust their plans.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: They called the wedding off because of it. They called off it.
Say: They called it off.
With a pronoun, the object goes in the middle: 'call it off'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Call off' is the everyday verb for cancelling a planned event; 'cancelled owing to inclement weather' is announcement-formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
call off + event
- the wedding
- the search
- the strike
- the deal