false excuses

USAGE SUMMARY

'false excuses' is correct and can be used in written English.
It basically means excuses that are not true or that are made up. For example, you could say, "I'm tired of hearing all his false excuses for why he can't finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This is a budget based on rewritten history and false excuses.

The Guardian

The Indianapolis Star had reported that Mr. Galimore worked with other officials to give "false excuses" for Dr. Nasser's absence during an investigation into abuse in 2015.

The New York Times - Sports

In this context, "Learning From Las Vegas," a video compilation by Jennifer and Kevin McCoy, suggests a culture in which false excuses are the norm and genuine apologies rare.

The New York Times - Arts

She simply refused to pay back her debts, making up all sorts of false excuses.

BBC

Another message nothing but false excuses are used to justify the way we treat animals.

HuffPost

So do what you say you are going to do and do not make false excuses.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But she has the innate and compelling grace of a woman who has constructed a full life, one lived without concession or false excuse.

The New York Times - Style

In a statement released Sunday, he said Israel was trying "to find a false excuse to escalate the aggression against the Palestinians" and "to destroy the Egyptian efforts to improve the calm".

The New York Times

In this regard, some have suggested that academic dishonesty includes misrepresentation which includes providing a false excuse to gain an assignment extension or deferment of an exam (Whitley and Keith-Spiegel 2002).

International Journal for Educational Integrity

SB 1 was instead chosen since it "saved more money," while legislators offered the false excuse of the state of Illinois not having enough money.

Huffington Post

The Indianapolis Star reported in May that an attorney hired by USA Gymnastics directed Galimore to come up with a false excuse to explain Nassar's absence at major gymnastics events in the summer of 2015.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "false excuses", ensure that you can support your claim with evidence, as unsubstantiated accusations can damage your credibility.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is making "false excuses" without specifying what those excuses are and why they are untrue. Providing specific details strengthens your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "false excuses" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "false" modifies the noun "excuses". It describes reasons or justifications that are untrue or fabricated. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "false excuses" is a grammatically correct and commonly understood way to describe reasons or justifications that are not true. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English. While the phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, its neutral register allows for broader application. When using "false excuses", it's best to provide specific details to support your claim and enhance your credibility. Alternatives like "fabricated justifications" or "trumped-up pretexts" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fabricated justifications

Emphasizes the invented or made-up nature of the reasons given.

invented explanations

Highlights the creation of excuses, stressing the lack of truth.

trumped-up pretexts

Suggests that the reasons are not only false but also created to serve a specific purpose or agenda.

deceptive justifications

Emphasizes the misleading nature of the reasons being provided.

misleading accounts

Highlights the deceptive presentation of events to create a false impression.

concocted alibis

Focuses on the aspect of creating a false story to avoid blame or responsibility.

dishonest rationalizations

Highlights the lack of honesty in the attempts to justify actions.

contrived reasons

Focuses on the artificial and planned nature of the excuses.

bogus claims

Highlights the fraudulent nature of the offered explanations.

sham defenses

Suggests that the justifications are insincere and intended to deceive.

FAQs

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

You can use "false excuses" to describe reasons or justifications that are not true. For example, "The employee offered several "false excuses" for being late to work, but none of them were believable."

What's the difference between "false excuses" and "white lies"?

"False excuses" are typically used to avoid blame or responsibility, while "white lies" are often told to protect someone's feelings or avoid conflict. "False excuses" are more about self-preservation, whereas white lies are usually intended to be harmless.

What are some phrases similar to "false excuses"?

Similar phrases include "fabricated justifications", "trumped-up pretexts", and "dishonest rationalizations". These alternatives emphasize different aspects of the deceptive nature of the excuses.

When is it appropriate to call someone out for making "false excuses"?

It's appropriate to call someone out for making "false excuses" when you have clear evidence that their reasons are untrue and their actions are negatively impacting others or the situation at hand. Approach the conversation with factual information and a willingness to understand their perspective, even if you disagree with it.