English Reference

Phrasal verb

beg off

Definition

phrasal verb. to politely ask to be excused from a plan or a job you said you would do. You use this when you cannot attend and want to be nice about it.

phrasal verb. To request release from an obligation, invitation, or previous commitment. The verb functions primarily as an intransitive unit, though it may take a direct object representing the commitment or a prepositional phrase starting with 'from'.

Examples

“I had to beg off from the dinner because I was tired.”

“She was supposed to help us move this weekend, but she begged off at the last minute, saying she had too much work.”

“The diplomat was forced to beg off from the gala, as the escalating crisis required his immediate and undivided attention at the embassy.”

Examples

simple

“I had to beg off from the dinner because I was tired.”

contextual

“She was supposed to help us move this weekend, but she begged off at the last minute, saying she had too much work.”

complex

“The diplomat was forced to beg off from the gala, as the escalating crisis required his immediate and undivided attention at the embassy.”

Usage

Usually used when you want to be polite about breaking a plan.

Teaching tip

This is a useful alternative to 'cancel' when the speaker wants to sound more apologetic or social.

Pitfall

I begged off to the meeting.

I begged off from the meeting.

Learners often use 'to' because they associate the phrase with 'saying no to' something, but 'from' is the standard preposition.

Phrasal verb

Particles

off

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

beg + off (+ from + object)

Synonyms

declineback outwithdrawcancel

Antonyms

acceptattendcommit

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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