What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
undid
Example
I undid the knot in the rope to free the boat. [undid: past tense]
Example
She quickly undid her mistake by apologizing and making things right. [undid: verb]
cancel
Example
The concert was canceled due to bad weather. [canceled: past tense]
Example
I need to cancel my flight reservation due to unforeseen circumstances. [cancel: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cancel is more commonly used than undid in everyday language, especially in written communication. Cancel is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while undid is less common and refers to specific situations where a previous action needs to be reversed or corrected.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between undid and cancel?
Cancel is generally considered more formal than undid. While both words can be used in various contexts, cancel is often used in professional or official settings, while undid is more commonly used in casual or informal conversations.