a compelling excuse

USAGE SUMMARY

"a compelling excuse" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of situations, but it typically refers to a valid or persuasive reason for not being able to do something or for a mistake or wrongdoing. Example: "I'm sorry I missed your party, but I had a compelling excuse - my car broke down on the way there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The last President to miss the dinner had a compelling excuse: Ronald Reagan, in 1981, had been shot just a few weeks earlier, and was recuperating at Camp David.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The same presentation also notes that providing compelling excuses for failing and meeting performance standards will initially be "equally important".

The Guardian

Is there a compelling reason to excuse you?

Independent

Without excusing such "breathtaking abuse," Heilpern makes a compelling case for Osborne as a necessary "truth-teller" and "unyielding advocate of individualism in conformist times".

The New Yorker

But he needed a compelling reason for withdrawing, and he surfed medical sites looking for a disease that would serve as his excuse.

The New York Times - Magazine

Such a compelling tale.

Independent

She has a compelling story.

The New York Times

It's a compelling start.

Independent

It has a compelling pitch.

The Economist

It's a compelling thought.

The New York Times - Arts

That's a compelling narrative.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a compelling excuse", ensure that the context supports the strength of the excuse. A minor inconvenience does not warrant a 'compelling' excuse.

Common error

Avoid using "a compelling excuse" for trivial situations. Overusing strong language can diminish the impact of genuine, significant excuses. Reserve it for circumstances where the reason truly warrants the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a compelling excuse" functions as a noun phrase that modifies the noun "excuse". It provides a descriptive attribute, emphasizing the strength and persuasiveness of the excuse. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment that it refers to a valid or persuasive reason.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a compelling excuse" is a noun phrase used to describe an excuse that is particularly convincing or difficult to refute. As Ludwig AI points out, it is grammatically correct and generally used to justify a failure, absence, or mistake. While relatively rare in overall usage, when used, it emphasizes the strength and validity of the presented reason. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, and maintaining a neutral register is recommended. Consider alternatives like "a convincing justification" or "a valid reason" for contexts requiring slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a persuasive explanation

Highlights the convincing nature of the reason provided.

an acceptable rationale

Highlights the reason's broad acceptability.

a convincing justification

Focuses on the validity of the reason rather than its ability to excuse.

a legitimate explanation

Highlights the reason's conformity to rules or law.

a valid reason

Emphasizes the legitimacy and acceptability of the reason.

a well-founded justification

Emphasizes the solid basis of the reason.

a strong alibi

Implies a formal defense against an accusation.

an irrefutable defense

Suggests a reason that cannot be argued against.

a powerful mitigating factor

Focuses on lessening the severity of a situation.

an unavoidable circumstance

Shifts the focus to the inevitability of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a compelling excuse" in a sentence?

You can use "a compelling excuse" to explain why someone couldn't fulfill an obligation or made a mistake. For instance, "He missed the meeting because he had "a compelling excuse": a family emergency."

What's a more formal alternative to "a compelling excuse"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a valid justification" or "a legitimate explanation" instead of ""a compelling excuse"".

What's the difference between "a compelling reason" and "a compelling excuse"?

"A compelling reason" generally refers to a motivating factor, while ""a compelling excuse"" specifically refers to a justification for a failure or absence.

Can "a compelling excuse" be used sarcastically?

Yes, ""a compelling excuse"" can be used sarcastically to express disbelief or skepticism about the validity of the provided reason.