a nice excuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a nice excuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an excuse that is considered pleasant or acceptable in a given context. Example: "She had a nice excuse for being late, claiming that she had helped an elderly neighbor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"It gave me a nice excuse to call her the next day," he said.

The New York Times

But the festival organizers also think like people who can make jazz a nice excuse to see their neighbors.

The New York Times - Arts

The result gave her a nice excuse to offer a fish-in-a-barrel shot at guess which candidate.

The Guardian - Music

A Bristol fishmonger is a nice excuse for fish puns; carp-e diem, Tom (he does, and goes through).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Imogen invited everyone to Italy for a long weekend, and it was a nice excuse for a four-day booze up.

Independent

The search provides a nice excuse for the various national character dances in Act II, and makes as much sense as the familiar scenario.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Five HCPs believed that the extra effort required when a child with T1DM participates in physical activity could be used as an excuse not to participate, particularly by children who do not have a keen interest in being active; " Sometimes the diabetes can be used as a nice convenient excuse but you usually find out that these were children who never did anything beforehand" (P03, Consultant).

BMC Pediatrics

Just ask them in a nice manner, "Excuse me, are you single?", just avoid being blunt about it.

WikiHow

Grab that loofah and go to town -- what a good excuse for a nice, 20-minute, hot shower.

WikiHow

My wife and I agree every year that Valentine's Day is a good excuse to have a nice dinner and not much more.

Huffington Post

Much of the time this is fairly entertaining, with a nice sense of the ridiculous that almost excuses its occasional lapses of taste.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "a nice excuse" when introducing a reason that might seem superficial but serves a practical or social purpose.

Common error

Avoid using "a nice excuse" in formal writing where a more direct and professional tone is required. In such cases, opt for phrases like "a valid reason" or "a legitimate justification" to maintain credibility and seriousness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a nice excuse" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a reason or justification that is not only acceptable but also somewhat welcome or convenient, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a nice excuse" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that denotes a reason or justification that is both acceptable and somewhat welcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to soften the impact of needing an excuse, framing it as something agreeable or beneficial. While prevalent in news and media, and suitable for general communication, it should be used cautiously in formal academic or scientific writing. Consider alternatives like "a valid reason" or "a legitimate justification" in those contexts. The phrase is quite common, and its usage patterns reveal a tendency toward neutral to informal registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an agreeable reason

Focuses on the pleasant or satisfactory nature of the provided reason.

a handy justification

Stresses the usefulness and availability of the excuse.

a suitable justification

Highlights the appropriateness and adequacy of the reason.

a convenient rationale

Emphasizes the ease and suitability of the reason provided.

a reasonable explanation

Highlights the logical and understandable nature of the reason.

a valid motive

Emphasizes the legitimacy and soundness of the reason behind an action.

a plausible pretext

Focuses on the surface-level believability of the given reason.

a fortunate pretext

Indicates luck or good fortune in having the excuse available.

an acceptable alibi

Highlights the use of the excuse to avoid blame or responsibility.

a welcome opportunity

Shifts the focus to the positive aspect of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a nice excuse" to introduce a reason that is both acceptable and somewhat welcome in a particular situation. For instance, "The rain gave us "a nice excuse" to stay indoors and read."

What are some alternatives to "a nice excuse"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a good reason", "a plausible pretext", or "a convenient rationale".

Is it appropriate to use "a nice excuse" in formal writing?

While "a nice excuse" is grammatically correct, it's generally more suited for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "a valid reason" or "a legitimate justification".

What does "a nice excuse" imply?

"A nice excuse" suggests that the reason provided is not only acceptable but also serves a pleasant or convenient purpose. It often implies a situation where the excuse helps avoid blame or awkwardness in an agreeable manner.