any excuse for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "any excuse for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing justifications or reasons for a particular action or behavior, often implying that the excuse is trivial or not valid. Example: "He will use any excuse for not attending the meeting, even if it's just a minor inconvenience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any excuse for a party.

The New York Times

Any excuse for a party, perhaps.

The New Yorker

Any excuse for a reunion.

The Guardian - Music

Well, any excuse for a party.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Any excuse for a picture of Samit.

The Guardian - Sport

They want any excuse for foreign intervention," he said.

The New York Times

There's no longer any excuse for raggedy cuticles.

The New York Times

"There is never any excuse for terrorism," he said.

The New York Times

But is that any excuse for all the angst?

The Guardian - Film

It did not present any excuse for failing to accept it.

Cornell University

And any excuse for a big dim sum meal sounds good to me!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "any excuse for", consider whether the situation warrants a more formal or direct expression like "justification for" or "reason enough to", depending on the context and audience.

Common error

Avoid using "any excuse for" in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for phrases that convey a more serious and considered tone, such as "valid reason" or "legitimate basis", to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "any excuse for" functions primarily as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that someone is readily willing to do something and will take even the slightest reason to do it. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, often implying eagerness or opportunism.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "any excuse for" is a common idiomatic expression used to convey that someone is eager to do something and will readily use even a trivial reason as justification. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral to informal in register, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "justification for" in professional or academic writing. Remember to avoid overuse and consider the specific tone and audience when incorporating "any excuse for" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason enough to

Emphasizes sufficient justification for an action, with a slight shift in focus from excuse to reason.

a good reason for

Similar to "reason enough to", suggesting a valid or acceptable cause.

justification for

A more formal and direct alternative, focusing on the validity of the reason.

a motive for

Points to the underlying cause or reason behind an action.

a pretext for

Suggests a false or insincere reason is being used, implying deception.

a rationale for

Highlights the logical or reasoned basis for something, often in a formal context.

an opportunity to

Highlights the chance or occasion presented, rather than the justification.

a basis for

Indicates a fundamental reason or support for an action or belief.

an opening for

Implies a chance or possibility is being exploited or used.

a chance to

Focuses on the availability of an opportunity, downplaying the need for an excuse.

FAQs

How can I use "any excuse for" in a sentence?

You can use "any excuse for" to indicate that someone readily takes the opportunity to do something, often implying the reason is trivial. For example, "She'll use "any excuse for" a party."

What are some alternatives to "any excuse for"?

Alternatives include "reason enough to", "a pretext for", or "justification for", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "any excuse for" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "any excuse for" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives like "valid justification" or "legitimate reason".

What does it imply when someone uses "any excuse for"?

Using "any excuse for" often implies that the person is eager or willing to engage in a particular activity and might not need a substantial or valid reason to do so. It can sometimes suggest a slightly critical or humorous tone.