an array of excuses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an array of excuses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a variety of reasons or justifications someone provides, often implying that they are numerous or perhaps excessive. Example: "When asked why he was late, he offered an array of excuses, from traffic to a last-minute meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The ignorance of that comment wasn't exactly an unfamiliar sentiment, considering he's never accepted an invitation to the city's annual Pride Parade, calling up an array of excuses every year, which is always followed by the queer community calling bullshit.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Judge also patiently listened to the fabulous array of excuses the jurors used to try and get excused.

Huffington Post

With such an array of pioneering achievements, the Conservative member for Shrewsbury would be excused for resting on his laurels.

Independent

They come in an array of sizes, patterns and price points, so there's no excuse for stray pens and lost lipstick.

Huffington Post

Wasps have an array of skills.

Independent

John has an array of sweatshirts.

The New York Times - Sports

Other portals offer an array of content.

The New Yorker

Cue an array of ill-designed shots.

Independent

Mr. Espada faces an array of problems.

The New York Times

There are an array of investment options.

The Guardian - Money

She exuded an array of unique talents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an array of excuses" when you want to convey that someone is offering many reasons, often implying they are trying to avoid responsibility or deflect blame. Ensure the context supports this connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "an array of excuses" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "a multitude of justifications" or "a wide range of alibis" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an array of excuses" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition, describing a collection of justifications or reasons. According to Ludwig, the phrase is deemed correct and suitable for use in English writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an array of excuses" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a collection of justifications, often with a negative connotation. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct for use in English. It suggests that someone is providing numerous reasons, potentially to avoid blame or responsibility. While the phrase itself is neutral in register, the context in which it's used often implies skepticism or disapproval. As "an array of excuses" has only one exact match in the provided examples, its frequency is considered rare. When writing, remember that synonyms like "a multitude of justifications" or "a wide range of alibis" can be used to avoid repetition and maintain reader interest. Primarily, this phrase is found in news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a multitude of justifications

Replaces "excuses" with "justifications" and "array" with "multitude", suggesting numerous reasons.

a wide range of alibis

Substitutes "excuses" for "alibis" and "array" for "wide range", implying attempts to avoid blame.

a series of pretexts

Replaces "excuses" with "pretexts", suggesting reasons that are not the real ones.

a collection of rationalizations

Changes "excuses" to "rationalizations", implying attempts to justify behavior.

a litany of explanations

Replaces "array" with "litany", suggesting a long and tedious list of reasons.

various justifications offered

Emphasizes the act of offering reasons, with a slightly more formal tone.

a host of reasons

Uses "host" to indicate a large number of reasons, which can be for justification.

many different explanations

A simpler and more direct alternative, focusing on the variety of explanations.

numerous stated reasons

Highlights the quantity and formal declaration of reasons.

several presented justifications

Similar to 'numerous stated reasons', but emphasizes the act of presenting the justifications.

FAQs

What does "an array of excuses" mean?

The phrase "an array of excuses" refers to a large and varied collection of reasons or justifications, often implying that the reasons are weak or insincere.

How can I use "an array of excuses" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone offering numerous reasons for their actions, like: "When confronted, he presented "an array of excuses" for his lateness".

What can I say instead of "an array of excuses"?

You can use alternatives like "a multitude of justifications", "a wide range of alibis", or "a series of pretexts" depending on the context.

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

"An array of excuses" suggests a more diverse and possibly dubious set of reasons, while "a list of excuses" is more neutral and simply implies a series of reasons. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.