had an alibi

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had an alibi" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's proof of being elsewhere at the time a crime was committed, indicating they could not have been involved. Example: "During the investigation, the suspect claimed he had an alibi, stating he was at a different location when the crime occurred."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

But he had an alibi.

The New York Times

Nogemane said his client had an alibi.

The Guardian

Akmad Ampatuan also had an alibi, the secretary said.

The New York Times

The accusation was false and Lumumba was exonerated after it was clear he had an alibi.

The Guardian

The young man had an alibi, but after questioning by police he admitted to the murder.

The New Yorker

Americans had an alibi for their meagre saving: the rising value of their homes.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

But Maxim has an alibi.

The Economist

"But I have an alibi," he protests.

The Guardian - Film

(Although accused of the crime, he has an alibi).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The police will now have an alibi not to take any action".

Independent

"In response to red panda charges, I have an alibi," he wrote.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had an alibi", ensure that the alibi is specific regarding time and location to be effective. Vague alibis are often insufficient to clear suspicion.

Common error

Don't confuse an excuse with an alibi. An alibi specifically places a person elsewhere during the commission of a crime, while an excuse may simply explain behavior without negating presence at the scene.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had an alibi" functions as a predicate in a sentence, asserting that a subject possessed proof of being elsewhere when an event occurred. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically sound and widely accepted usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had an alibi" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that someone possesses proof of being elsewhere during an event, typically a crime. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it conveys a specific meaning related to defense and justification. To ensure clarity, remember that an alibi is not just any excuse; it's verifiable evidence that places the individual at a different location or engaged in a different activity at the time of an incident.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presented a solid alibi

Indicates a strong and reliable alibi was presented.

was elsewhere at the time

Simply indicates being at a different location during the relevant period.

could not have been at the scene

Directly states the impossibility of their presence at the location.

provided evidence of their absence

Focuses on the proof that they were not present at a certain place.

could prove their whereabouts

Focuses on proving location during a specific time, emphasizing the ability to demonstrate presence elsewhere.

was able to account for their time

Highlights the ability to explain how time was spent, providing a justification for their actions or inactions.

possessed a verifiable explanation

Stresses the existence of an explanation that can be confirmed or validated.

offered a credible defense

Emphasizes the presentation of a believable argument in their favor.

was cleared of suspicion

Indicates the removal of doubt due to presented evidence.

demonstrated their innocence

Highlights the act of showing they were not responsible.

FAQs

How is "had an alibi" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "had an alibi" indicates that a suspect can prove they were somewhere else when a crime occurred, making it impossible for them to have committed the act. A strong alibi can lead to charges being dropped or a successful defense in court.

What's the difference between "had an alibi" and "had a reason"?

"Had an alibi" specifically means someone can prove they were not at the scene of a crime when it was committed. "Had a reason" simply means there was a justification for an action, regardless of location or timing.

Can an alibi be something other than a physical location?

While most alibis involve being in a different physical location, an alibi can also involve being engaged in an activity that would have made it impossible to commit the act in question. The key is providing verifiable evidence to support the claim.

What kind of evidence can support that someone "had an alibi"?

Evidence supporting an alibi can include witness testimony, security camera footage, receipts, travel records, or any other documentation that places the person at a different location or engaged in a conflicting activity at the time of the crime.