elaborate excuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elaborate excuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an excuse that is detailed or complex, often implying that it may be overly complicated or not entirely genuine. Example: "He provided an elaborate excuse for why he was late, involving a series of unfortunate events that seemed hard to believe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"This whole enterprise was just an elaborate excuse," says Barry Blitt about his cover for this week's issue.

The New Yorker

"Thirteen Conversations" is thrillingly smart, but not, like so many other pictures in this vein, merely an elaborate excuse for its own cleverness.

The New York Times

For some a roast can be seen as an enormously elaborate excuse for a tray of roast potatoes: done right, they are a glimpse of heaven.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By Françoise Mouly April 6, 2014 "This whole enterprise was just an elaborate excuse," says Barry Blitt about his cover for this week's issue.

The New Yorker

Unlike in England, where fox hunting is a blood sport in which hounds go for a kill, the American hunt is an elaborate excuse to ride hard through glorious countrysides.

The New York Times

While it might be acceptable for your male colleagues to leave the office early to pick up their children from school, you'll probably want to invent some sort of elaborate excuse, such as a sinkhole swallowing your entire home or your football team playing away.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

I kept friends and family unaware with elaborate excuses, only showing up when I was sure to impress.

The New York Times

By the beginning of seventh grade, though, Greg's interest in sports had waned, and he was frequently making elaborate excuses to avoid practice.

The New York Times - Magazine

The teachers looked at her more tenderly, tickled by her attack of Argentineness, and cooked up elaborate excuses for her usual silent inattention, which they now viewed as secret sorrow for her absent brother.

The Guardian - Books

Orwell cleverly plants lies, illiteracy and even a head hunt throughout the novel to explain the oppression, propaganda and elaborate excuses that led to the rise of the Soviet dictatorship.

The Guardian

At events, the duo maintained a sort of kayfabe, making up elaborate excuses for why their "co-hosts" couldn't make it.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "elaborate excuse", consider the connotation of potential dishonesty or over-complication. Ensure it aligns with your intended message.

Common error

While "elaborate excuse" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal contexts. Opt for more neutral terms like "detailed justification" or "comprehensive explanation" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elaborate excuse" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "elaborate" modifies the noun "excuse". It describes a reason or justification that is detailed and complex, often suggesting it may be contrived or insincere. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "elaborate excuse" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase, typically employed in neutral contexts, such as news and media, to describe a detailed and potentially dubious justification. While generally acceptable, it's wise to consider the connotation of potential dishonesty and adjust your phrasing accordingly, perhaps opting for a "detailed justification" or "complex rationale" in more formal settings. Despite its relative infrequency, mastering its use can add depth to your writing and speaking, particularly when expressing skepticism or disbelief regarding a given reason. Ludwig's examples are valuable in understanding its proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrived explanation

Highlights the artificial and possibly insincere nature of the explanation.

complex justification

Highlights the intricate nature of the reasoning, suggesting a layered explanation.

intricate pretext

Highlights the delicate and elaborate nature of the reason, suggesting it hides the true intent.

convoluted explanation

Emphasizes the confusing and intricate nature of the explanation provided.

ornate rationalization

Emphasizes the embellished and possibly excessive nature of the provided reasoning.

detailed alibi

Focuses on the defensive aspect of providing a reason, often implying potential deception.

implausible narrative

Focuses on the unconvincing nature of the story told as an excuse.

far-fetched reason

Implies the reason given is unlikely and difficult to believe.

sophisticated fabrication

Implies a carefully crafted and deceptive explanation.

inventive story

Suggests a creative, possibly fabricated, account.

FAQs

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

You can use "elaborate excuse" to describe a detailed and possibly fabricated reason for something. For example: "He provided an "elaborate excuse" for his absence, claiming his car broke down and he had to walk miles for help."

What's the difference between "elaborate excuse" and "simple excuse"?

"Elaborate excuse" implies a complex, detailed, and potentially untrue reason, while "simple excuse" suggests a straightforward and less detailed explanation.

What can I say instead of "elaborate excuse"?

You can use alternatives like "detailed justification", "complex rationale", or "contrived explanation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "elaborate excuse" formal or informal?

"Elaborate excuse" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although in very formal situations, alternatives like "detailed explanation" might be preferred.