a poor excuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a poor excuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a justification or reason that is inadequate or unsatisfactory. Example: "His explanation for being late was just a poor excuse; he should have planned better."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Talking afterward, that's a poor excuse".

The New York Times - Sports

So it's a poor excuse to make".

The New York Times - Sports

That our intentions are good is a poor excuse.

The New Yorker

It was a poor excuse for a dive [laughs].

The Guardian

Undergraduates at Princeton called the Kindle DX "a poor excuse of an academic tool".

The New York Times - Magazine

It would be a poor excuse if we've done so again.

The New Yorker

It's true that there are no good options here, but that's a poor excuse for paralysis.

The New York Times

But that's a poor excuse for the cynicism that dominates conventional foreign policy.

The New York Times

Asserting that "there is simply too much to know" is a poor excuse for justifying ignorance.

The New York Times

This might be interpreted as a poor excuse, but it is also wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

World issues shouldnt be used as a poor excuse to promote fan battles".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis, you can modify the phrase, for example, using intensifiers such as "an exceptionally poor excuse" or "a particularly poor excuse".

Common error

While "a poor excuse" is widely understood, overuse in formal or professional writing may be perceived as too informal or judgmental. Consider using more neutral alternatives such as "an inadequate justification" or "an insufficient reason" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a poor excuse" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or object complement. It qualifies another noun or pronoun, expressing a negative assessment of its validity as a justification. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a poor excuse" is a common phrase used to express that a reason or justification is inadequate or unacceptable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives in certain professional settings. Understanding its nuances and usage patterns ensures effective communication and avoids potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inadequate reason

Directly points out the insufficiency of the given reason.

a bad explanation

This is a simpler, more direct way of saying the same thing, focusing on the poor quality of the explanation.

a weak rationale

Focuses on the feebleness of the underlying reasoning.

a flimsy justification

Emphasizes the lack of solid support for the excuse.

a pathetic attempt

Highlights the inadequacy and pitiable nature of the attempt to justify something.

a feeble explanation

Stresses the weakness and unconvincing nature of the explanation.

a lame alibi

Suggests the excuse is unoriginal and unpersuasive.

an unconvincing story

Highlights that the narrative offered as an excuse is not believable.

a sorry argument

Emphasizes the regrettable or pitiful nature of the argument being made as an excuse.

a transparent lie

Implies the excuse is easily seen as false.

FAQs

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

You can use "a poor excuse" to express disapproval of a justification. For example, "Saying you were late because of traffic is "a poor excuse" when you left the house late."

What are some alternatives to "a poor excuse"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a weak rationale", "a flimsy justification", or "an inadequate reason".

When is it appropriate to use "a poor excuse"?

"A poor excuse" is appropriate when you want to convey that a reason or justification given is unacceptable or inadequate. It's often used in situations where someone is trying to avoid responsibility.

Is "a poor excuse" too harsh for professional communication?

In some professional contexts, "a poor excuse" might be seen as too direct or negative. Consider using more neutral alternatives such as "an insufficient explanation" or "an inadequate reason" to maintain a more diplomatic tone.