excuses for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excuses for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing reasons or justifications for a particular action or situation, often in a context where someone is trying to explain or rationalize their behavior. Example: "He always has excuses for being late to meetings, but we all know he just oversleeps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No excuses for it".

The New York Times - Sports

Inventing excuses for skipping lunch.

The Economist

He said he found excuses for everything.

The New York Times - Sports

"Not making any excuses for our kids.

The New York Times - Sports

We have no excuses for anything less.

The New York Times

You need no excuses for fishing".

The New York Times

So no excuses for plonk this Noël.

Independent

"You can't make excuses for great players".

The New Yorker

He added, "There's no excuses for that.

The New York Times - Sports

But there's no real excuses for it.

Independent

"There's no excuses for me," Cruz said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you aim to express accountability or to indicate that justifications are inadequate, use phrases like "There are no excuses for this behavior" to convey a firm stance.

Common error

Don't automatically dismiss explanations as mere "excuses for" without considering if legitimate factors influenced the situation. Be fair and objective in evaluating the validity of the reasons provided.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excuses for" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the object of the preposition "for". It modifies a preceding noun or verb, indicating the purpose or reason behind something, often with a negative connotation. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "excuses for" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating reasons or justifications, often with a negative implication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common in written English, especially in News & Media. When writing, it's crucial to differentiate between genuine reasons and weak justifications, avoiding the use of "excuses for" when legitimate factors are involved. The related phrases such as "reasons for" and "justifications for" can be used as neutral alternative phrases to "excuses for". Finally, expert analysis suggests a high confidence in its appropriateness, supported by the phrase's presence in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasons for

Indicates the underlying causes or explanations, focusing on factual basis more than justification.

justifications for

Implies a more formal or defensive explanation, often used when defending a decision or action.

rationales for

Similar to 'justifications', but suggests a logical or reasoned basis for something.

explanations for

Offers a descriptive account of why something happened, without necessarily implying blame or defense.

reasons behind

Focuses on the motivations or influences that led to a particular outcome or situation.

motives for

Highlights the underlying intentions or desires that drive an action or decision.

grounds for

Suggests a legal or formal basis for an action or belief.

basis for

Indicates the foundation or supporting evidence for something.

arguments for

Presents a case or set of reasons in favor of a particular viewpoint or course of action.

pretexts for

Implies a false or insincere reason given to conceal the real motive.

FAQs

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

You can use "excuses for" to discuss reasons or justifications, often implying disapproval or disbelief. For example: "He always has excuses for being late."

What are some alternatives to "excuses for"?

Alternatives include "reasons for", "justifications for", or "rationales for", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "reasons for" or "excuses for"?

"Reasons for" is more neutral, while "excuses for" often implies that the reasons are weak or unacceptable. The choice depends on the intended tone and context.

What does it mean when someone says "no excuses for" something?

It means that there is no acceptable justification for a particular action or outcome. It conveys a strong disapproval and a rejection of any attempt to rationalize the behavior.