find an excuse

USAGE SUMMARY

"find an excuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you need to come up with a reason for something. For example, "I need to find an excuse to get out of this meeting as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it may find an excuse.

The Economist

"They find an excuse," he said.

The Guardian

He couldn't find an excuse for a trip.

Independent

"If you can't compete with us, you find an excuse.

The Guardian

The SCAF will almost certainly find an excuse to pick its own constituent assembly.

The Economist

Today, "if I can find an excuse not to read something, I'm very grateful".

The New Yorker

Will the United States find an excuse to clobber Saddam Hussein?

The Economist

We talk briefly and then I find an excuse to get off the phone.

The New Yorker

"It's not to find an excuse, I'm always a really honest guy," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

* "Find an excuse to go inside and take a peek at what people are eating.

The New York Times - Tech

We're an hour and a half's drive away, but I'll find an excuse to go every month or so.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "find an excuse", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether the excuse is legitimate or fabricated. The phrase can imply either, depending on the surrounding words.

Common error

Avoid using "find an excuse" when a genuine reason or explanation is required. This phrase often suggests a lack of sincerity or a desire to avoid responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "find an excuse" is as a verb phrase. It typically functions as the predicate of a clause, describing the action of searching for or creating a justification. Ludwig's analysis and numerous examples confirm its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "find an excuse" is a commonly used verb phrase that implies searching for or creating a justification, often to avoid responsibility or to explain away a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely employed in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it can lean towards informal. When writing, be mindful of the potential negative connotation, as it often suggests insincerity. Consider alternatives like "seek a justification" in more formal settings. Understanding these nuances will help you use "find an excuse" effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make up a reason

This alternative emphasizes the act of inventing a reason.

manufacture a pretext

This suggests creating a false reason, with a connotation of deception.

invent a justification

This highlights the act of creating a reason to defend an action.

devise a rationale

This implies creating a logical or justifiable reason, though not necessarily truthful.

formulate a defense

This focuses on creating a reason to protect oneself from blame or criticism.

concoct a story

This suggests crafting a fabricated narrative to serve as an explanation.

think up a cover story

This implies creating a false explanation to conceal the truth.

create a diversion

This focuses on creating something that distracts from the real reason.

dream up an alibi

This implies creating a false story to prove one's innocence or absence from a crime scene.

trump up a charge

This suggests fabricating a false accusation or reason for blame.

FAQs

How can I use "find an excuse" in a sentence?

You can use "find an excuse" to describe the action of looking for a reason, often to avoid doing something. For example, "He tried to find an excuse to leave the party early."

What's a better way to say "find an excuse" in a formal context?

In formal settings, consider using phrases like "seek a justification", "identify a reason", or "formulate an explanation" instead of "find an excuse" to maintain a professional tone.

Is it always negative to say someone is trying to "find an excuse"?

While "find an excuse" often carries a negative connotation, implying that someone is avoiding responsibility, it can also be used neutrally to describe simply looking for a reason, depending on the context.

What is the difference between "find an excuse" and "make an excuse"?

"Find an excuse" suggests the act of searching for a pre-existing reason, while "make an excuse" suggests creating or fabricating a reason.