a set of excuses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a set of excuses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple reasons or justifications someone provides for not doing something or for a particular situation. Example: "He always has a set of excuses ready whenever he misses a deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

GOP anger with Trump has been known to dissipate quickly, with supporters picking up a set of excuses for why the president's behavior wasn't as outrageous or reprehensible as it seemed at first blush.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I, in turn, would decline, typically citing from a set of practiced excuses.

Huffington Post

Our failure to create jobs is a choice, not a necessity — a choice rationalized by an ever-shifting set of excuses.

The New York Times

The ideal technology was very old, and the proliferation of alternatives was not Darwinian but almost Freudian, a set of alibis and excuses designed to repress the old and primal truth.

The New Yorker

We will call on our band of hired apologists: "experts," "commentators" and "analysts" to concoct a set of justifications and excuses for his nauseating conduct, from mythical economic development and reform to political shrewdness, and if all else fails, reach for the Kessinger-Albright dictionary and throw in some "political realism".

Huffington Post

Mr. Cavanagh objects to what he believes are loopholes created by the initiatives, which he called "a whole new set of excuses" for utilities to invoke to avoid compliance.

The New York Times

But a prospective employer will rather see what you gained from a set of experiences rather than excuses about why you worked at a coffee shop.

Huffington Post

Commerce can provide its own set of excuses.

The New York Times

The Future of British Police BRITAIN'S FIRST YOUTH PCC SAID SOME STUFF SHE SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE ON TWITTER Then came up with literally the worst set of excuses ever uttered in the history of humanity.

Vice

Lack of a set of quality indicators is no longer an excuse for the omission of markers of paediatric care from the QOF.

British Journal of General Practice

At one point, vexed by a set of fast-traveling lifts and intertwined positions, Ratmansky excused himself and went off to listen to Shostakovich.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a set of excuses", consider the context carefully. The phrase often carries a negative connotation, implying that the reasons given are not genuine or are intended to deflect blame. Ensure that your usage aligns with this implication.

Common error

Avoid using "a set of excuses" as a blanket statement without providing specific examples or evidence of the alleged excuses. This can weaken your argument and make you appear biased.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a set of excuses" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. According to Ludwig, it's found in contexts where reasons are presented, often with a negative connotation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a set of excuses" is a common noun phrase used to describe multiple reasons or justifications, often implying that these reasons are insincere or inadequate. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news and media contexts, where skepticism about presented reasons is common. While grammatically correct, its negative connotation should be considered carefully when writing. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "a series of justifications" or "a litany of pretexts" to adjust the tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a series of justifications

Replaces 'excuses' with 'justifications', implying a more formal or reasoned explanation.

a collection of rationalizations

Substitutes 'excuses' with 'rationalizations', suggesting an attempt to make unacceptable behavior seem reasonable.

a litany of pretexts

Replaces 'set' with 'litany' and 'excuses' with 'pretexts', implying a long and often tedious list of false reasons.

a repertoire of explanations

Uses 'repertoire' instead of 'set', suggesting a collection of readily available explanations, implying possible deception.

a range of alibis

Replaces 'excuses' with 'alibis', indicating attempts to evade blame or responsibility, often in a legal or quasi-legal context.

a string of defenses

Emphasizes protective or justificatory reasons, often in response to criticism or accusations.

a compilation of reasons

Suggests a more neutral or factual account of why something happened or didn't happen, lacking the negative connotation of "excuses".

a catalog of apologies

Focuses on expressions of regret or remorse, rather than justifications for actions.

an array of explanations

Uses 'array' to denote a varied and perhaps complex collection of explanations offered.

a store of evasions

Highlights the act of avoiding direct answers or responsibility through various means.

FAQs

How can I use "a set of excuses" in a sentence?

You can use "a set of excuses" to describe multiple reasons, often perceived as insincere, that someone provides to justify their actions or inactions. For example, "He offered "a set of excuses" for missing the deadline, but none of them were convincing."

What are some alternatives to "a set of excuses"?

Alternatives to "a set of excuses" include "a series of justifications", "a collection of rationalizations", or "a litany of pretexts", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "a set of excuses" or "a list of excuses"?

Both "a set of excuses" and "a list of excuses" are grammatically correct, but "a set of excuses" implies a more structured or premeditated collection of reasons, while "a list of excuses" simply suggests a series of reasons without necessarily implying insincerity.

What is the connotation of using the phrase "a set of excuses"?

The phrase "a set of excuses" typically carries a negative connotation, implying that the reasons being offered are weak, insincere, or designed to avoid responsibility. It suggests that the person providing the excuses is not being truthful or forthcoming.