a fair excuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fair excuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing reasons or justifications that are reasonable or acceptable in a given context. Example: "He was late to the meeting, but he had a fair excuse due to the unexpected traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He still insists that curiosity is a fair excuse for the sexual exploitation of children.

The New York Times

Turns out the tactic chosen was hoping that blaming "passion" and "believing in Tinder" would somehow be a fair excuse for acting like a dipshit in public.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In 1840, The New Orleans Picayune tried to persuade its subscribers to buy gift subscriptions instead of remailing their own copies of the paper, gently scolding that when "you send your friend all the news in a printed journal you have a very fair excuse for being lazy with your pen".

The New York Times

Brad spends a fair bit of time on various excuses — was it really a prediction?

The New York Times

Nothing becomes a substitute for paying agreed amount of bills — those are excuses to get out of paying a fair share.

WikiHow

"Excuse the Trump campaign if we don't feel like we can get a fair shake from certain people".

Los Angeles Times

Like a fair fight?

The New Yorker

A fair trade?

The New York Times - Sports

Negotiate a fair contract".

The New York Times

A fair amount, probably.

The New Yorker

A fair point, perhaps.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fair excuse" when you want to convey that a reason given for something is reasonable and understandable, avoiding implications of dishonesty or inadequacy. Ensure the context supports the fairness of the excuse.

Common error

Avoid using "a fair excuse" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your tone sound repetitive or as if you are constantly justifying actions. Vary your language with synonyms like "a valid reason" or "a legitimate explanation" for more dynamic prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fair excuse" functions as a noun phrase, where "fair" modifies "excuse". It describes the quality of the excuse, indicating its reasonableness or acceptability. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fair excuse" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a reasonable and understandable justification. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly common, the phrase appears in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and general writing. It's important to use it judiciously, considering the context and varying your language to avoid repetition. Remember that while "a fair excuse" suggests reasonableness, it doesn't always guarantee a positive perception, as the underlying situation might still be undesirable. Alternatives such as "a valid reason" or "a legitimate explanation" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable justification

Emphasizes the logical and rational aspect of the excuse.

a legitimate explanation

Focuses on the validity and authenticity of the given reason.

a valid reason

Highlights the well-founded and acceptable nature of the reason.

an acceptable explanation

Stresses the excusability and permissibility of the situation.

a plausible alibi

Implies the excuse is believable and could serve as a defense.

a convincing reason

Highlights the persuasive nature of the explanation.

an understandable reason

Emphasizes the ease with which the excuse can be comprehended.

a justifiable reason

Focuses on whether the reason is morally or legally defensible.

a good explanation

A more general and less formal alternative.

an adequate justification

Suggests the excuse is sufficient but perhaps not ideal.

FAQs

What's the difference between "a fair excuse" and "a good excuse"?

"A fair excuse" implies a higher standard of justification, suggesting the reason is objectively reasonable and just. "A good excuse" is more subjective and can simply mean the reason is acceptable or convenient, without necessarily being entirely fair.

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

You can use "a fair excuse" to explain why someone's behavior or situation is understandable. For example, "He was late, but he had a fair excuse: his car broke down."

What are some alternatives to "a fair excuse"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a valid reason", "a legitimate explanation", or "a reasonable justification", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a fair excuse" always a positive thing?

Not necessarily. While it suggests the excuse is understandable, it can sometimes imply that the situation wasn't ideal to begin with. The context determines whether it is viewed positively or as a way to mitigate a negative outcome.