good excuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good excuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a justification or reason that is considered acceptable or valid in a particular context. Example: "He had a good excuse for being late to the meeting, as he was stuck in traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Charlotte had a good excuse.

The New York Times - Sports

They had a good excuse.

The New York Times - Sports

And they have a good excuse.

The New Yorker

"There's always a good excuse," he admitted.

The New Yorker

Mind you, he has a good excuse.

Independent

He had a pretty good excuse.

The New York Times

"It's providing a good excuse," he said.

The New York Times

"There isn't a good excuse," she said.

The New York Times

He certainly had a good excuse.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a good excuse to get drunk.

The New York Times - Magazine

A good excuse for another duck fest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen your argument, follow "good excuse" with specific details and evidence supporting why the excuse is valid. This adds credibility and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid relying on "good excuse" repeatedly, as it can weaken your credibility and suggest a lack of accountability. Instead, focus on taking responsibility or offering solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good excuse" functions primarily as a noun phrase used to describe a reason or justification that is deemed acceptable or satisfactory in a given situation. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "good excuse" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to provide a valid reason or justification. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its prevalence in news media, as well as its presence in wikis and scientific literature, underscores its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure that the reason offered is genuinely acceptable and supported by details to enhance credibility. Alternatives like "valid reason" or "plausible explanation" can offer nuanced alternatives. Over-reliance on this phrase, however, should be avoided to maintain accountability. This analysis provides comprehensive guidance on the effective and appropriate use of "good excuse".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid reason

Focuses on the legitimacy of the reason provided.

acceptable justification

Emphasizes the acceptance and validity of the justification.

plausible explanation

Highlights the believability and feasibility of the explanation.

legitimate reason

Stresses the lawfulness and authenticity of the reason.

convincing alibi

Implies a strong and believable alibi to account for one's actions.

satisfactory explanation

Indicates that the explanation is sufficient and meets expectations.

credible justification

Focuses on the believability and trustworthiness of the justification.

sound rationale

Highlights the logical and well-reasoned basis of the excuse.

tenable argument

Suggests an argument that is defensible and can be maintained.

defensible position

Implies a position that can be justified and defended against criticism.

FAQs

What does "good excuse" mean?

A "good excuse" is a reason or explanation that is considered acceptable or valid in a specific context, often used to justify a mistake, absence, or failure.

What can I say instead of "good excuse"?

You can use alternatives like "valid reason", "acceptable justification", or "plausible explanation" depending on the context.

How do you use "good excuse" in a sentence?

You can use "good excuse" in a sentence like, "He had a "good excuse" for being late, as he was stuck in traffic" or "That's a "good excuse" to celebrate!"

Is it better to give a "good excuse" or take responsibility?

While a "good excuse" might provide temporary relief, taking responsibility is generally seen as more mature and builds trust. It's often better to acknowledge the situation and offer a solution.