Mastering ‘Call off’ for IELTS Success: Boost Your Speaking and Writing Skills

1. Definition and Explanation

The phrasal verb “call off” is an essential component of the English language, particularly valuable for IELTS candidates. It primarily means to cancel or abandon a planned event or action. This versatile expression can be applied in various contexts, making it a valuable addition to your IELTS vocabulary arsenal.

Synonyms and Equivalent Expressions

• Cancel
• Abandon
• Scrap
• Abort
• Discontinue

Understanding these alternatives can help you express the same idea in different ways, showcasing your linguistic flexibility during the IELTS exam.

2. Contextual Usage

“Call off” can be used in both formal and informal situations, making it suitable for various parts of the IELTS test. Here are some examples:

• Formal: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the company has decided to call off the annual shareholders’ meeting.”
• Informal: “Hey, I’m not feeling well. Let’s call off our plans for tonight.”

Using 'Call off' in different contexts

3. Grammatical Analysis

“Call off” is a separable phrasal verb, meaning the object can be placed between “call” and “off” or after “off.” For example:

• “They called off the event.” (Object after the phrasal verb)
• “They called the event off.” (Object between the two parts)

When using pronouns, they must be placed between “call” and “off”:

• “They called it off.” (Correct)
• “They called off it.” (Incorrect)

4. Application in IELTS

In IELTS Speaking

Incorporating “call off” in your IELTS Speaking responses can demonstrate your command of idiomatic language. For example:

Question: “Can you tell me about a time when your plans changed unexpectedly?”

Sample answer: “Well, I remember last summer when my friends and I had planned a camping trip. We were all set to go, but at the last minute, we had to call it off due to a severe weather warning. It was disappointing, but we decided it was better to be safe than sorry.”

In IELTS Writing

In Writing Task 2, you can use “call off” to discuss topics related to events, decisions, or actions that were cancelled. For instance:

“Many argue that governments should call off large-scale events during pandemics to prevent the spread of diseases.”

Remember to use this phrasal verb judiciously in formal writing, as it may be more appropriate in some Task 2 questions than others.

5. Related Phrasal Verbs

1. Put off /pʊt ɒf/ – To postpone or delay
   Example: “We had to put off the meeting until next week.”

2. Switch off /swɪtʃ ɒf/ – To turn off or stop paying attention
   Example: “Please remember to switch off the lights when you leave.”

3. See off /siː ɒf/ – To say goodbye to someone leaving on a journey
   Example: “We went to the airport to see off our friends who were moving abroad.”

4. Call on /kɔːl ɒn/ – To visit someone or to ask for support
   Example: “The government called on citizens to conserve water during the drought.”

5. Call for /kɔːl fɔː/ – To demand or require
   Example: “The situation calls for immediate action.”

Common phrasal verbs related to 'Call off'

6. Practice Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

1. The outdoor concert was due to heavy rain.
2. We had to our vacation plans because of a family emergency.
3. The strike was after successful negotiations with management.
4. The company decided to the launch of their new product.
5. The wedding was at the last minute.
6. They the search for survivors after a week.
7. The government the state of emergency.
8. The coach practice due to extreme heat.
9. The event organizers the festival citing security concerns.
10. The meeting was without any explanation.

Sentence Rewriting

1. Original: The game was cancelled because of bad weather.
   Rewrite: The game was because of bad weather.

2. Original: They decided not to continue with the project.
   Rewrite: They decided to the project.

3. Original: The conference was postponed indefinitely.
   Rewrite: They had to the conference indefinitely.

4. Original: The couple cancelled their engagement last week.
   Rewrite: The couple their engagement last week.

5. Original: The company discontinued the production of that model.
   Rewrite: The company the production of that model.

6. Original: The authorities decided to cancel the parade due to security threats.
   Rewrite: The authorities decided to the parade due to security threats.

7. Original: They abandoned their plans for expansion due to financial constraints.
   Rewrite: They their plans for expansion due to financial constraints.

8. Original: The expedition was aborted due to dangerous conditions.
   Rewrite: They had to the expedition due to dangerous conditions.

9. Original: The union leaders cancelled the strike after reaching an agreement.
   Rewrite: The union leaders the strike after reaching an agreement.

10. Original: The school decided to cancel all outdoor activities during the heatwave.
    Rewrite: The school decided to all outdoor activities during the heatwave.

Answers and Explanations

Fill in the Blanks:

1. called off
2. call off
3. called off
4. call off
5. called off
6. called off
7. called off
8. called off
9. called off
10. called off

Sentence Rewriting:

1. called off
2. call off
3. call off
4. called off
5. called off
6. call off
7. called off
8. call off
9. called off
10. call off

Explanation: In all these sentences, “call off” is used to replace words or phrases that mean to cancel, abandon, or discontinue an action or event. The tense may vary (called off vs. call off) depending on the context of the sentence.

7. Memorization Tips

To remember “call off” effectively, try these techniques:

1. Visual association: Imagine a person making a phone call (call) and then hanging up (off) to cancel plans.

2. Mnemonic device: “When plans fall, call them off” – This rhyme can help you associate the meaning with the phrasal verb.

3. Context-based memory: Think of situations where you might need to cancel something, and practice using “call off” in those scenarios.

4. Word family: Connect “call off” with other “call” phrasal verbs like “call on” or “call for” to create a memorable group.

8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Mistake: Using “call of” instead of “call off”
   Correction: Always remember the second ‘f’ in “off”

2. Mistake: Placing a pronoun after the entire phrasal verb
   Correction: “They called it off” NOT “They called off it”

3. Mistake: Overusing in formal writing
   Avoid: While “call off” is versatile, use more formal alternatives like “cancel” or “postpone” in academic writing when appropriate.

4. Mistake: Confusing with similar phrasal verbs
   Avoid: Don’t mix up “call off” with “put off” (postpone) or “call out” (criticize publicly)

9. Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs like “call off” can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS exam. It adds depth to your vocabulary and demonstrates a nuanced understanding of English. Remember to practice using “call off” in various contexts, both in speaking and writing exercises. By incorporating this phrasal verb naturally into your language, you’ll showcase your linguistic skills and improve your chances of achieving a higher band score in IELTS.

As you continue to prepare for your IELTS exam, don’t forget to explore other important aspects of the test. For instance, understanding how to approach topics like the regulation of genetically modified foods or the impact of telecommuting on office real estate markets can be crucial for the Writing and Speaking sections. Keep expanding your knowledge and practicing regularly to achieve your desired IELTS score.