E-TIDBIT OF THE DAY: Phrasal verb "call off"

Call off is a phrasal verb (verb + preposition) widely used in American English. Depending on the context within which it is used, the meaning changes. And as you may already know, you cannot take the two words literally when together. This is why phrasal verbs are a real challenge for people whose English is not their mother tongue.

Here are some examples:

• You better call off the dogs before they bite somebody. 

In this context, the phrasal verb call off means to "control" or "stop" the dogs from advancing on  someone.

• The boss told Jim to call off the 2 p.m. meeting.

In this context, the phrasal verb means "cancel".

Trained attack dog Samo leaps forward toward a decoy's arm wrap as Tech. Sgt. David Adcox restrains him.
www.wikipedia.org. Image: Public domain

See if you understand the correct meaning of call off in the following sentences - stop or cancel. 

Note: the verb tense may change.

1. Hey buddy, I heard your fiancée called off the wedding?
2. Due to rain, the baseball game was called off.
3. Call off the cops. There's no thief here!
4. The teacher is calling off the contest until further notice.
5. Tony calls off the boys when the argument intensifies.

See how you did below:

Answers: 

1. cancelled
2. cancelled
3. Stop
4. canceling
5. stops

You are on your way to speaking impressive American English!