does not excuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does not excuse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a particular action or situation does not justify or absolve someone from responsibility or blame. Example: "His lack of preparation does not excuse his poor performance in the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Carter's explanation does not excuse.

The Guardian - Books

That does not excuse crass anti-Keynesianism.

The Guardian - Business

Yet, limitation does not excuse inaction.

The Guardian - Opinion

That does not excuse what you've done..

The Guardian

This does not excuse the massacres.

The Guardian - Books

Of course, that does not excuse it.

The Guardian

While she does not excuse it, she understands their plight.

The New York Times

"This of course does not excuse what he did.

The Telegraph

This does not excuse "racial profiling" by police officers.

The New York Times

"Tithing does not excuse this," the husband said.

The New York Times

However, that does not excuse England's bowling on Wednesday.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "does not excuse", ensure the context clearly identifies both the action being excused and the reason offered as justification. This provides clarity and strengthens the argument.

Common error

Avoid implying that understanding the reasons behind an action means excusing it. Clearly differentiate between comprehending motivations and condoning the behavior; use "does not excuse" to reinforce this distinction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not excuse" functions as a negation and judgmental statement. It asserts that a particular reason or circumstance fails to legitimize or absolve a specific action or behavior. Ludwig shows various examples where this phrase is employed to deny the validity of a potential justification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

13%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "does not excuse" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to reject a justification for an action or behavior. Ludwig confirms its wide usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, but also in academic and scientific writing. It serves to clearly state that a particular reason is insufficient to overlook or legitimize something, emphasizing accountability. While many sources demonstrate its proper use, it's important to differentiate between understanding motivations and excusing behavior. Alternatives like "does not justify" or "does not condone" can be used to fine-tune the meaning based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not justify

Replaces "excuse" with "justify", focusing on the lack of valid reasons for an action.

is not a valid excuse for

A more verbose alternative that explicitly states that something is not a legitimate justification.

does not absolve

Focuses on the lack of release from blame or responsibility.

cannot be excused by

Emphasizes the impossibility of finding a valid reason to overlook the action.

does not pardon

Emphasizes that the action is not forgiven, carrying a sense of formal clemency.

does not condone

Highlights that the action is not approved or tolerated, implying a moral judgment.

offers no excuse for

Highlights the absence of any justification or mitigating factor.

does not vindicate

Indicates that the action does not prove someone's innocence or rightness.

does not legitimize

Focuses on the lack of making something acceptable or lawful.

does not mitigate

Suggests that the action does not lessen the severity or impact of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "does not excuse" in a sentence?

Use "does not excuse" to convey that a particular reason or circumstance fails to justify an action or behavior. For example, "His difficult childhood "does not excuse" his current behavior."

What are some alternatives to "does not excuse"?

You can use alternatives such as "does not justify", "does not pardon", or "does not condone" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "does not excuse"?

Yes, "does not excuse" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It clearly communicates that something does not provide a valid justification or reason for overlooking a particular action.

What is the difference between "does not excuse" and "does not justify"?

While both phrases are similar, ""does not excuse"" implies a failure to overlook or forgive, while "does not justify" suggests a lack of valid reasons or grounds for the action. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing forgiveness or rational explanation.