it excuses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it excuses" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a reason or justification for someone's behavior or actions. Example: "His difficult upbringing does not excuse his behavior, but it provides some context for understanding it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It excuses Bennie Leibman.

The New Yorker

"I don't think it excuses actions," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

But the novel doesn't exactly blame Veda; if anything it excuses her.

The Guardian - Books

It understands and sympathises with those ideas but it excuses itself from repeating them.

The Guardian - Books

Not that it excuses Apple, but many forget that such lapses also happened on Steve's watch.

The Guardian - Tech

When Parliament is in session, ministers need parliamentary approval for foreign travel if it excuses them from debates.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

But it hardly excuses it.

The Guardian - Books

It excused the errors that followed.

The New York Times - Arts

1. Make it excuse proof.

Huffington Post

Barbara Walters was having none of it: "Excuse me!

Huffington Post

Don't use the "everybody else does it" excuse.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it excuses", ensure you're clear about what 'it' refers to, maintaining clarity in your sentence's subject-verb relationship. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "it excuses" as a blanket statement to dismiss serious issues. While it can provide context or understanding, it should not serve as a justification for harmful actions. Always consider the ethical implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it excuses" functions as a verb phrase where 'it' acts as the subject and 'excuses' is the verb. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and used to denote that something provides a reason or justification for an action, potentially reducing blame or consequences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it excuses" is a grammatically sound phrase used to suggest that something provides a rationale for a behavior or situation, potentially lessening blame. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While common in news and media, wiki, and science contexts, it's crucial to avoid overgeneralization and use it ethically. Alternatives like ""it justifies"" or ""it mitigates"" offer similar meanings with slightly different connotations. Always ensure clarity and avoid using it to excuse harmful actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it justifies

This alternative focuses on the aspect of providing a valid reason or defense for something.

it rationalizes

This alternative implies an attempt to find a logical or plausible explanation, often after the fact.

it mitigates

This suggests that something lessens the severity or impact of an action or situation.

it palliates

Similar to 'mitigates', but implies soothing or making something appear less serious.

it vindicates

This implies clearing someone of blame or suspicion.

it defends

This focuses on providing an argument or support for an action or belief.

it explains away

This suggests minimizing or dismissing the significance of something through explanation.

it provides a rationale for

This phrase explicitly states that something offers a reasoned basis.

it offers a justification for

Similar to 'provides a rationale for', but more formal and direct.

it makes allowances for

This indicates considering extenuating circumstances when judging an action.

FAQs

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

You can use "it excuses" to explain how a particular factor mitigates or provides a rationale for an action. For example, "His difficult upbringing does not excuse his behavior, but "it excuses" it to some extent".

What are some alternatives to "it excuses"?

Alternatives to "it excuses" include phrases like "it justifies", "it rationalizes", or "it mitigates", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "it excuses"?

Yes, using "it excuses" can be inappropriate if it's used to trivialize or justify harmful behavior without acknowledging the full consequences or ethical considerations. Context is critical in determining appropriate usage.

What's the difference between "it excuses" and "it justifies"?

"It excuses" suggests a partial or incomplete acceptance, often implying that while the action isn't fully right, there's an explanation. "It justifies" implies a stronger validation, indicating the action is right or morally sound in the given context.