When it comes to the English language, there are often multiple words that can be used to convey the same meaning. This can lead to confusion and uncertainty, especially when it comes to words that are similar in spelling and pronunciation. Two such words are cancel and cancellation. But which one is the proper word to use, and what do they actually mean?
Both cancel and cancellation are proper words in the English language. However, they are used in different contexts. Cancel is a verb that means to annul or call off an event, agreement, or subscription. On the other hand, cancellation is a noun that refers to the act of canceling something or the state of being canceled.
In this article, we will explore the differences between cancel and cancellation, when to use each word, and common mistakes to avoid.
Define Cancel
Cancel is a verb that means to annul or revoke an agreement, reservation, or subscription. It can also refer to ending an event or activity prematurely. The term cancel can be used in various contexts, such as cancelling a flight reservation, cancelling a subscription to a service, or cancelling a meeting.
Define Cancellation
Cancellation is a noun that refers to the act of cancelling something. It can also refer to the result of cancelling something, such as the cancellation of a flight or the cancellation of a subscription. Cancellation can also refer to the process of ending an activity or event prematurely due to unforeseen circumstances.
Here is a table summarizing the differences between cancel and cancellation:
| Cancel | Cancellation |
|---|---|
| A verb | A noun |
| Refers to the act of annulment or revocation | Refers to the result of the act of cancelling something |
| Can be used in various contexts | Can also refer to the process of ending an activity or event prematurely |
It is important to understand the difference between cancel and cancellation to ensure that you are using the correct term in the appropriate context. Using the wrong term can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to writing, choosing the right words can make all the difference. In the case of cancel and cancellation, it’s important to understand their meanings and how to use them correctly in a sentence.
How To Use “Cancel” In A Sentence
The word “cancel” is a verb that means to call off or put an end to something. Here are some examples of how to use “cancel” in a sentence:
- I need to cancel my appointment with the dentist.
- The airline canceled all flights due to the storm.
- He decided to cancel his subscription to the magazine.
As you can see, “cancel” is typically used in a sentence to refer to an action that stops something from happening or being completed.
How To Use “Cancellation” In A Sentence
The word “cancellation” is a noun that refers to the act of canceling something or the state of being canceled. Here are some examples of how to use “cancellation” in a sentence:
- The concert was canceled due to bad weather.
- She received a notice of cancellation for her insurance policy.
- The hotel charged a fee for late cancellations.
As you can see, “cancellation” is typically used in a sentence to refer to the act of canceling something or the result of that action.
By understanding the proper usage of “cancel” and “cancellation,” you can improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.
More Examples Of Cancel & Cancellation Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the usage of the words “cancel” and “cancellation”, it is important to see how they are used in various sentences. Below are some examples of both words being used in different contexts:
Examples Of Using “Cancel” In A Sentence
- He had to cancel his flight due to unforeseen circumstances.
- The school decided to cancel the field trip because of inclement weather.
- The company had to cancel their plans for expansion due to financial constraints.
- She forgot to cancel her subscription before the trial period ended.
- The event was cancelled at the last minute due to lack of interest.
- The hotel allowed us to cancel our reservation without penalty.
- He had to cancel his plans with friends because of a family emergency.
- The concert was cancelled due to the lead singer falling ill.
- The restaurant had to cancel some of their reservations because of a power outage.
- She decided to cancel her gym membership because of the high fees.
Examples Of Using “Cancellation” In A Sentence
- The cancellation of the game disappointed many fans.
- The hotel charged a fee for the cancellation of the reservation.
- Her flight was delayed because of the cancellation of the previous flight.
- The concertgoers were upset about the cancellation of the show.
- The cancellation policy for the event was clearly stated on the website.
- The cancellation of the meeting allowed for more time to prepare.
- The cancellation of the contract was due to a breach of terms.
- The company apologized for the cancellation of the product launch.
- The cancellation of the order was due to a lack of inventory.
- The cancellation of the service caused inconvenience to many customers.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using cancel and cancellation, many people make the mistake of using the two terms interchangeably. However, this is incorrect and can lead to confusion. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1: Using “Cancel” Instead Of “Cancellation” As A Noun
One common mistake is using “cancel” as a noun instead of “cancellation”. For example, saying “I need to put in a cancel for my flight” is incorrect. The correct way to say it would be “I need to put in a cancellation for my flight”. The word “cancel” is a verb, while “cancellation” is a noun.
Mistake #2: Using “Cancel” Instead Of “Canceled” Or “Cancellation” Instead Of “Canceled”
Another mistake is using “cancel” instead of “canceled” or “cancellation” instead of “canceled”. For example, saying “I cancelled my subscription last week” is correct, while saying “I cancelled my subscription last week” is incorrect. Similarly, saying “The concert was cancellation” is incorrect, while saying “The concert was cancelled” is correct.
Mistake #3: Using “Cancel” Instead Of “Call Off”
Using “cancel” instead of “call off” is another common mistake. For example, saying “We had to cancel the meeting” is incorrect, while saying “We had to call off the meeting” is correct. The term “call off” is used when referring to events or meetings that have been postponed or cancelled.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
- Use “cancellation” as a noun, and “canceled” as the past tense of “cancel”
- Double-check your use of “cancel” and “cancellation” to ensure they are being used correctly
- Use “call off” instead of “cancel” when referring to events or meetings that have been postponed or cancelled
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between “cancel” and “cancellation,” context is key. The decision between these two words can depend on the specific situation in which they are used. Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “cancel” and “cancellation” might change:
1. Formal Vs. Informal Writing
In formal writing, such as business emails or legal documents, it is generally more appropriate to use “cancellation” instead of “cancel.” This is because “cancellation” is a more formal and professional-sounding word. On the other hand, in informal writing, such as personal emails or text messages, “cancel” is more commonly used.
2. Verb Vs. Noun
The choice between “cancel” and “cancellation” also depends on whether you are using the word as a verb or a noun. “Cancel” is a verb, while “cancellation” is a noun. For example, you would say “I need to cancel my reservation” (using “cancel” as a verb) and “I received a cancellation notice” (using “cancellation” as a noun).
3. Singular Vs. Plural
Another factor to consider is whether you are referring to a singular or plural subject. If you are talking about one event or appointment, you would use “cancel” (e.g. “I need to cancel my appointment”). However, if you are referring to multiple events or appointments, you would use “cancellations” (e.g. “There were several cancellations this week”).
4. Tone And Emphasis
The choice between “cancel” and “cancellation” can also affect the tone and emphasis of your sentence. “Cancel” is a more direct and assertive word, while “cancellation” is more neutral. For example, saying “I have to cancel the meeting” sounds more urgent and important than saying “The meeting has been cancelled.”
Overall, the decision between “cancel” and “cancellation” depends on the specific context in which they are used. By considering factors such as formality, verb vs. noun, singular vs. plural, and tone, you can choose the word that best fits your intended meaning and tone.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “cancel” and “cancellation” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are a few examples:
1. British Vs. American English
In British English, it is more common to use “cancellation” as the noun form of “cancel.” In American English, both “cancel” and “cancellation” are used interchangeably. Therefore, if you are writing for a British audience, it is important to use “cancellation” as the noun form of “cancel” to avoid confusion.
2. Contextual Usage
There are certain contexts where the use of “cancel” or “cancellation” might not follow the general rules. For example:
- When referring to a TV show or event that has been cancelled, it is more common to use “cancelled” with two “L’s” in both British and American English.
- When referring to a financial transaction, it is more common to use “cancellation” rather than “cancel.”
- In legal contexts, “cancellation” is often used to refer to the termination of a contract or agreement.
3. Verbal Usage
While “cancel” is typically used as a verb, there are some cases where “cancellation” might be used instead. For example, if you are talking about the process of cancelling something, you might say “the cancellation process” rather than “the cancel process.”
Overall, while the rules for using “cancel” and “cancellation” are generally straightforward, it is important to be aware of these exceptions to ensure that your writing is clear and accurate.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have covered the differences between cancel and cancellation, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct form of cancel or cancellation to fill in the blank in each sentence below:
- The airline ________ my flight due to bad weather.
- I need to ________ my gym membership because I’m moving.
- The ________ of the concert was a disappointment to fans.
- She decided to ________ her plans for the weekend and stay home instead.
- The ________ of the event was a huge success.
Answer Key:
- canceled
- cancel
- cancellation
- cancel
- cancellation
Exercise 2: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct form of cancel or cancellation to complete each sentence below:
- The ________ of the game was due to a power outage.
- a) canceled
- b) cancellation
- a) canceled
- b) cancellation
- a) canceled
- b) cancellation
- a) canceled
- b) cancellation
- a) canceled
- b) cancellation
Answer Key:
- b) cancellation
- a) canceled
- b) cancellation
- a) cancel
- b) cancellation
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between “cancel” and “cancellation,” it is clear that these two words have distinct meanings and uses in the English language. While “cancel” is a verb that means to call off or annul something, “cancellation” is a noun that refers to the act of canceling or the state of being canceled.
It is important for writers and speakers to understand the nuances of these words in order to communicate effectively and avoid confusion. Using the wrong form of these words can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes.
In conclusion, here are the key takeaways from this article:
Key Takeaways:
- “Cancel” is a verb that means to call off or annul something.
- “Cancellation” is a noun that refers to the act of canceling or the state of being canceled.
- It is important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and communicate effectively.
As with any aspect of language and grammar, there is always more to learn and explore. By continuing to educate ourselves on the intricacies of the English language, we can become better communicators and writers.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.