create an excuse for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create an excuse for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of making a justification or reason for a particular action or situation. Example: "He tried to create an excuse for being late to the meeting, but everyone knew he had overslept."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

On the other hand, does that create an excuse for authoritarian regimes to eliminate the seeds of democracy?

The New Yorker

Some even contend that Mr Bush orchestrated the attacks himself, to create an excuse for invading Iraq.

The Economist

Reckless people, they say, give careful people a bad name -- and create an excuse for landowners who might want to close roads or trails.

The New York Times

The primary purpose of a $2.4 million-plus Super Bowl TV spot is to assuage the ego of a company's chief executive and create an excuse for an extravagant party.

Forbes

But of course, "Mr Perfect" is a fallacy, a construction that I've created to try to dilute my fear or create an excuse for still being a virgin at what feels like a very late age.

Vice

If the person starts annoying you, tell your friend or give them a sign such as rolling your eyes, and then your friend could create an excuse for both of you to walk away from the person.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"It's creating an excuse for auto manufacturers to design sexy sports cars," he said.

The New York Times

Thinking of the median as the mediocre creates an excuse for neglect.

The New York Times - Books

Extending the Obama ad created an excuse for the Warren campaign to send out another fund-raising appeal on Thursday.

The New York Times

Although Morse expresses no regrets, he said his recall after the gun-safety measures passed created an excuse for other Democrats not to act.

The New Yorker

Most frustrating is that the investigation creates an excuse for silence from police officials who are relieved to say they can't comment because of an ongoing investigation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the implications of using this phrase. It often suggests an attempt to avoid responsibility or accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "create an excuse for" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your arguments seem weak or insincere. Opt for direct explanations instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create an excuse for" functions primarily as a verb phrase used to describe the act of devising or inventing a reason, often to justify an action or avoid responsibility. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "create an excuse for" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of inventing a reason, often to justify an action or avoid blame. Ludwig AI validates its usability in written English. While the phrase is understood and used, consider the negative implications and opt for more direct and honest explanations when possible. Its usage is most common in News & Media and Wiki sources. Alternatives like "invent a reason for" or "formulate a pretext for" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conjure up a rationale for

Focuses on devising a seemingly logical reason.

formulate a pretext for

Emphasizes the creation of a false or deceptive reason.

invent a justification for

Highlights the act of devising an excuse, potentially implying dishonesty.

devise a cover story for

Implies creating a fabricated narrative to conceal the truth.

manufacture an alibi for

Suggests the construction of a false account to prove innocence.

spin a yarn to justify

Suggests creating a story as an excuse or explanation.

whip up a reason for

Implies creating a reason quickly and possibly without much thought.

concoct a story to explain

Focuses on inventing a detailed narrative to provide an explanation.

dream up a narrative for

Suggests imagining or inventing a story to serve as an excuse.

construct a defense for

Focuses on building an argument or reason to protect from criticism or blame.

FAQs

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

You can use "create an excuse for" to describe the act of inventing a reason to justify an action or avoid blame. For example: "He tried to create an excuse for being late, but his story didn't hold up."

What are some alternatives to "create an excuse for"?

Alternatives include "invent a reason for", "make up an alibi for", or "formulate a pretext for". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "create an excuse for" or to offer a genuine explanation?

While "create an excuse for" implies fabrication, offering a genuine explanation focuses on providing truthful reasons. Honesty is generally more appreciated and builds trust, but there may be situations where people opt for the former.

What is the difference between "create an excuse for" and "provide a reason for"?

"Create an excuse for" often suggests a fabricated or less-than-truthful justification. In contrast, "provide a reason for" is more neutral and can refer to a genuine and valid explanation.