an excuse

USAGE SUMMARY

'an excuse' is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to an explanation that someone offers for their behavior or for why they have not done something. Example: "I was late for work this morning, so I made up an excuse about my car breaking down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An explanation, not necessarily an excuse.

BMC Psychiatry

It's an excuse".

Independent

Maybe they have an excuse.

The New York Times

I don't have an excuse.

The New York Times - Health

I say that's an excuse.

The New York Times

"That shouldn't be an excuse".

The New York Times

"The weight is an excuse.

The New York Times

So I have an excuse".

The New York Times - Sports

"He's not an excuse maker.

The New York Times

"It's an excuse," she said.

The New Yorker

I won't have an excuse".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an excuse", be mindful of the context and the potential negative connotations. A genuine explanation is often more effective than a flimsy excuse.

Common error

Relying too heavily on excuses can damage your credibility. Prioritize accountability and problem-solving over finding reasons to justify inaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an excuse" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb. It refers to a reason, often presented as a justification, for a fault or offense. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

25%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an excuse" is a common phrase used to provide a reason or justification for an action or inaction. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and frequently encountered in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it serves a practical purpose, it's essential to be mindful of the potential negative connotations associated with avoiding responsibility. When writing, consider whether a genuine explanation would be more effective than offering "an excuse". Remember, accountability often builds more trust than finding reasons to justify inaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a justification

Emphasizes a more reasoned or logical basis for an action, unlike a simple evasion.

a pretext

Implies a false or deliberately misleading reason, often hiding the true motive.

a rationalization

Suggests an attempt to make unacceptable behavior seem acceptable through reasoning.

a plea

Involves an appeal for understanding or forgiveness, often acknowledging wrongdoing.

an alibi

Specifically refers to evidence that proves someone was elsewhere when a crime was committed.

a cover story

Indicates a fabricated narrative to conceal the truth about a situation or activity.

an explanation

Provides a reason or clarification, not necessarily implying fault or evasion.

a mitigating circumstance

Highlights factors that lessen the blame or severity of an action.

a way out

Focuses on escaping responsibility or a difficult situation, often through deceptive means.

a cop-out

Suggests avoiding responsibility or effort, often seen as weak or insincere.

FAQs

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

You can use "an excuse" to provide a reason for a mistake, absence, or failure. For example, "He offered "an excuse" for being late, but it wasn't very convincing."

What's the difference between "an excuse" and "an explanation"?

"An excuse" often implies an attempt to avoid blame or responsibility, while "an explanation" simply provides information about why something happened, without necessarily trying to justify it.

What are some synonyms for "an excuse"?

Some synonyms for "an excuse" include "a pretext", "a justification", "a rationalization", or "an alibi", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to give "an excuse" or to take responsibility?

In most situations, taking responsibility is preferable to offering "an excuse". Acknowledging your actions and their consequences demonstrates maturity and integrity.