excuse for

USAGE SUMMARY

"excuse for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when you are asking for a reason or justification, usually for an action or a decision. For example, "What is your excuse for being late?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's no excuse for it.

The New York Times - Sports

A convenient excuse for philandering?

The New York Times

Any excuse for a party.

The New York Times

"There's no excuse for that.

The New York Times - Sports

An excuse for imperialism.

The New York Times

No excuse for cuts.

The Guardian

— are no excuse for inaction.

Yale University

Because there is no excuse for it.

The New York Times - Sports

We had no excuse for it.

The New York Times - Sports

There's absolutely no excuse for that.

The New York Times

He has some excuse for that.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "excuse for", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are seeking a genuine explanation or implying disapproval of a weak justification. Clarity is key to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "excuse for" when a strong, valid justification is actually present. "Excuse for" often implies a weak or inadequate reason. Opt for terms like "reason for" or "justification" to convey a more positive or neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excuse for" primarily functions as a noun phrase or a prepositional phrase, often used to inquire about or express dissatisfaction with a reason or justification. Ludwig provides many examples where it's used to question the validity of an action or statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "excuse for" is a versatile phrase primarily used to inquire about or express dissatisfaction with a reason or justification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media. While often neutral, it can convey a confrontational tone, implying disapproval of a weak explanation. Related phrases include "reason for" and "justification for", each with slightly different connotations. When using "excuse for", be mindful of its potential to imply skepticism and adjust your language accordingly to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretation. Remember, it's better to opt for other alternatives such as "explanation for" if there is indeed a valid justification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reason for

Focuses on the cause or basis of something, often used when seeking a clear explanation.

justification for

Highlights the act of showing something to be right or reasonable, often implying a need to defend an action.

rationale for

Emphasizes the underlying principles or logic behind a decision or action, suggesting a more reasoned approach.

explanation for

Focuses on clarifying or making something understandable, suitable for situations where comprehension is key.

argument for

Suggests presenting reasons to support a particular position or course of action.

basis for

Highlights the foundation or groundwork upon which something rests, often used in more formal contexts.

grounds for

Implies a legitimate or acceptable reason for an action or decision, suggesting a degree of formality.

pretext for

Suggests a false or concealed reason used to justify something, implying deception.

alibi for

Specifically refers to a claim or piece of evidence that proves someone was elsewhere when a crime was committed.

defense for

Emphasizes the act of protecting or justifying someone or something against criticism or attack.

FAQs

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

You can use "excuse for" to ask for a reason or justification for something, such as "What's your excuse for being late?" or to express disapproval, like "That's a poor excuse for an apology".

What's the difference between "excuse for" and "reason for"?

"Excuse for" often implies a weak or inadequate justification, while "reason for" is more neutral and simply asks for an explanation.

What can I say instead of "excuse for" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using "justification for", "rationale for", or "explanation for", which carry a more serious and less dismissive tone.

Is it always negative to use "excuse for"?

While "excuse for" often carries a negative connotation, implying disapproval or disbelief, it can be used neutrally when genuinely seeking an explanation without pre-judgment. Context is crucial.