a convincing excuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a convincing excuse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a reason or justification that is persuasive enough to be accepted by others. Example: "He provided a convincing excuse for his absence from the meeting, which satisfied his colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So I had to find a convincing excuse.

The New Yorker

Neither is it a convincing excuse.

Smart Learning Environments

Explain your reasons for not drinking or make a convincing excuse.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Jordan was about to make up a long, elaborate, and convincing excuse, but there were footsteps outside on the porch, and both of them turned in time to see the door thrown open.

The New Yorker

Because you come from the same gene pool and are raised in the same way, it's much tougher to find a convincing, palatable excuse for why your brother owns his own company, a vacation house and four fancy sports cars -- and you don't.

The New York Times

All seemingly convincing excuses to leave have already been used by the rest of the group (who were all there just a second ago).

TechCrunch

While I told them I really just couldn't comply and that I would if I could, it never occurred to me to simply make up convincing excuses such as being vegetarian or kosher (I was neither) or having a terrible stomach ache (I didn't).

Huffington Post

Good luck!" (Never believe anyone who tries that excuse, then).Both fake background noises and fake emergency calls still require you to be a convincing liar, however.

The Economist

It was a convincing speech.

The New Yorker

"It was a convincing crime".

The New York Times - Arts

Such a convincing performer.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting "a convincing excuse", consider your audience and the specific context. Tailor the excuse to be believable within those parameters to increase its effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using overly general or vague language when formulating "a convincing excuse". Specific details make the excuse more credible and less likely to be questioned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a convincing excuse" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "convincing" modifies the noun "excuse". It describes a reason or justification that is presented in such a way as to inspire belief. Ludwig AI provides examples showing how it's used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a convincing excuse" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, designed to offer a believable justification. According to Ludwig AI, its usage, although rare, is deemed correct and appears in diverse source types such as News & Media, Wiki, and Science. To ensure effectiveness, tailor your excuse, providing specific details and avoiding vagueness. Alternative phrases such as "a plausible explanation" or "a valid reason", can be used based on context. When constructing your sentence, consider what would make sense for your context and your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a plausible explanation

Focuses on the believability of the explanation rather than just the justification.

a believable alibi

Specifically refers to a justification for one's whereabouts during a certain time.

a valid reason

Emphasizes the legitimacy and acceptability of the reason.

a sound justification

Highlights the strength and rationality behind the justification.

a compelling argument

Suggests that the excuse is persuasive and difficult to refute.

an adequate explanation

Indicates that the explanation meets the minimum requirements for acceptance.

a satisfactory answer

Implies that the response is sufficient to address the question or concern.

a reasonable pretext

Suggests a less transparent or more strategic justification.

a colorable pretense

Implies the appearance of validity, but with possible underlying deception.

an acceptable rationale

Focuses on the grounds or principles behind the excuse being something society would condone.

FAQs

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

You can use "a convincing excuse" when you need to provide a reason or justification that is believable and accepted. For example, "He needed "a convincing excuse" to leave the party early."

What are some alternatives to "a convincing excuse"?

Alternatives include "a plausible explanation", "a believable alibi", or "a valid reason", depending on the specific context.

What makes an excuse "convincing"?

An excuse is "convincing" when it is believable, logical, and fits the circumstances. It often includes specific details and avoids vagueness.

Is it better to provide "a convincing excuse" or to be honest?

The best approach depends on the situation. While honesty is generally valued, there may be situations where providing "a convincing excuse" is more appropriate to avoid unnecessary conflict or protect someone's feelings.