Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

I came across the street to meet you

I came across an old photo while cleaning the attic

The bridge came across the river

Which sentence uses 'come across' correctly?

She comes across as very confident in interviews

He came across the finish line first

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

The bus will come by this route

Good jobs are hard to come by these days

I come by the office every morning at 8

Which sentence uses 'come by' correctly?

Can you come by my house later for coffee?

The train came by the station too fast

She comes by the grocery store home

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The new iPhone will come out next month

I need to come out from the house now

The new iPhone will come out next month

Which sentence uses 'come out' correctly?

The truth finally came out after the investigation

The students came out to the classroom

Phrasal Verb 'Call Off': Meaning and Usage

📖 Definition

To 'call off' means to cancel or decide that an organized event will not happen, or to halt an ongoing activity or pursuit.

Examples in context

Due to unforeseen circumstances, they called off the annual parade this year.
The coach decided to call off the practice session owing to the extreme heat.
After a lengthy discussion, the jury called off the trial for the day.

📖 Definition

To 'call off' means to cancel or decide that an organized event will not happen, or to halt an ongoing activity or pursuit.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable

Yes

You can separate 'call' and 'off' with the object.

Neutral

Used in both informal and formal contexts.

Transitive

Yes

Requires an object, such as a meeting, event, or activity.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense	Form	Example
Present Simple	call off	They call off the wedding due to personal reasons.
Past Simple	called off	They called off the search when night fell.
Present Continuous	calling off	We are calling off the event due to weather warnings.
Present Perfect	have called off	They have called off negotiations for now.

💡 When to Use

Event cancellation

Use 'call off' when cancelling an organized event like a meeting, game, or wedding.

Example: "Due to the storm, they had to call off the concert."

Stopping an activity

Use 'call off' when halting an ongoing activity, search, or pursuit.

Example: "The police called off the search after three days."

Postponement scenario

Use 'call off' when deciding not to proceed immediately with planned actions and wait for another time.

Example: "They called off the launch until further notice."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Incorrect word order

❌ Wrong: Call the event off it.

✅ Correct: Call the event off.

💡 Tip: Place 'off' right after the event or activity you're cancelling.

Using with intransitive verbs

❌ Wrong: Call off just to quit.

✅ Correct: Call off the meeting to quit.

💡 Tip: Always include an object after 'call off'.

Confusing with 'call out'

❌ Wrong: They called off for help.

✅ Correct: They called out for help.

💡 Tip: Remember, 'call off' is for cancellation, 'call out' is for shouting.

Practice

CALL OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

1
Listen to example

Due to unforeseen circumstances, they called off the annual parade this year.
How National Parks Came to Be
2
Listen to example

The coach decided to call off the practice session owing to the extreme heat.
How to Become a Hiker
3
Listen to example

After a lengthy discussion, the jury called off the trial for the day.
Bringing Animals Back to Life

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

cancel halt

Antonyms

continue

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"The manager decided to ___ the meeting due to low attendance."

call up

call off

call out

call in

"To call off a storm of emotions is to seek peace within while the world rages without, embracing silence over chaos."

In Context

In the early 19th century, explorer Sir John Franklin embarked on an ill-fated expedition to find the Northwest Passage. Despite challenges, Franklin was determined. After setting sail in 1845, there were initial hopes. However, severe ice trapped the ships. In 1846, facing depleting resources and rising risk, Franklin contemplated calling off the journey. His officers opposed, hopeful of change. Yet, Franklin knew the odds. Finally, when supplies dwindled, he reluctantly called off further exploration, deciding to wait for thaw. Tragically, Franklin called off the expedition too late, as the ice remained relentless. By 1848, survivors attempted to march south, but harsh conditions claimed many lives. The Admiralty eventually called off their search, declaring Franklin’s fate a mystery. His ill-fated journey highlighted the perilous nature of polar exploration, offering lessons in prudence. The story of Franklin reminds us of the fragile balance between ambition and caution, where the decision to call off can be lifesaving. It’s a testament to human resilience and the unforgiving forces of nature.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Call Off

What is the origin of call off?

'Call off' originated in the mid-19th century, used primarily by the British to mean cancel or bring to a stop problems and engagements.

Can call off be used in formal and informal contexts?

Yes, 'call off' is neutral and can be employed in both formal settings, like business, and informal ones, such as casual conversation.

What is the difference between call off and cancel?

'Call off' and 'cancel' are often interchangeable, but 'call off' can imply a decision made in an ongoing context, unlike 'cancel', which implies a standalone act.

Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs

About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey

📖 Definition

📖 Definition

📝 Grammar Info

📊 Conjugation Table

💡 When to Use

⚠️ Common Mistakes

CALL OFF - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Quick Check

In Context

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Call Off

Related Phrasal Verbs

Alessandra Nóbrega