offer an excuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "offer an excuse" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use this phrase when someone has done something wrong and is trying to explain why they did it and/or to offer a valid reason. For example: "I offered an excuse for being late to work, but my boss didn't accept it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Other Democratic senators did not even offer an excuse, other than impatience.

The New York Times

"I picked the wrong spot to try to force the envelope," Murphy said, refusing to offer an excuse.

The New York Times - Sports

It would offer an excuse some Iranians might sorely want to throw out the nuclear inspectors and renounce the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.

The New York Times

But while he does not glorify Cash's worst behavior — smashing chandeliers, throwing a typewriter out a window, setting his car on fire — he is at times too eager to offer an excuse in Cash's defense.

The New Yorker

(The International Herald Tribune) Maps for your Smartphone The debut of Apple's new maps have caused some snickering, but they do offer an excuse to look at maps that are as good, or even better, than Google's.

The New York Times

The answer, I'd suggest, lies in the way claims that our problems are deep and structural offer an excuse for not acting, for doing nothing to alleviate the plight of the unemployed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

An overseas trip offers an excuse to talk about his vision for America's role in the world.

The New York Times

He initially offered an excuse before acknowledging his mistakes.

The New York Times - Sports

But Indianapolis offered an excuse, not a reason, for treating residents differently.

The New York Times

It offers an excuse to complain about drug addiction, to stress conservative views on family values; it encourages people to consider placing restrictions on abortion.

The New Yorker

In the 1950's, fashion shoots almost always offered an exotic journey; an exotic journey offered an excuse to buy new clothes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "offer an excuse", ensure the context implies a need for justification or explanation, especially after an error or misjudgment. Consider if a simple apology is more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "offer an excuse" when a genuine justification is needed. An excuse often implies a lesser degree of responsibility or a mitigating circumstance, while a justification aims to demonstrate the rightness or necessity of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "offer an excuse" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase, typically indicating an action (offering) directed toward an object (an excuse). Ludwig AI indicates that this is a valid and commonly used expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "offer an excuse" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the act of providing a reason, often to justify a mistake or misjudgment. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While it's essential to distinguish excuses from genuine justifications, this phrase appears frequently in news, media, and even scientific contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "provide a justification" or "present an explanation" depending on the context. As with any communication, it's crucial to ensure that the "excuse" offered is both appropriate and well-reasoned.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide a justification

Replaces "excuse" with "justification", implying a more formal or reasoned explanation.

attempt to justify

Focuses on the attempt to provide a valid reason, whether successful or not.

give a reason for

Uses a more general term "reason" instead of "excuse", focusing on providing an explanation.

explain one's actions

General explanation of behaviors.

present an explanation

Replaces both "offer" and "excuse" with more formal synonyms, emphasizing clarity.

defend one's position

Similar to offering an excuse, but places it in the context of defending an stance or action.

make an apology

Focuses on expressing regret, which often accompanies offering an excuse.

rationalize the behavior

Suggests an attempt to make the behavior seem reasonable or acceptable, potentially downplaying wrongdoing.

put forward a defense

Implies some context of accusation, which is a nuance that could be absent from QUERY.

plead a cause

Implies a formal or legal context, where an excuse is presented as a defense.

FAQs

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

You can use "offer an excuse" to describe someone providing a reason for their actions, such as: "He tried to "offer an excuse" for his lateness, but the boss wasn't buying it."

What's the difference between "offer an excuse" and "offer an explanation"?

"Offer an explanation" is a more general term, while ""offer an excuse"" specifically implies providing a reason to justify a fault or error. You might offer an explanation for something neutral, but you offer an excuse for something that needs justifying.

What can I say instead of "offer an excuse" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "provide a justification", "present an explanation", or "state the reasons for". These alternatives convey a more serious and considered approach.

Is it always negative to "offer an excuse"?

While ""offer an excuse"" often follows a negative action, it's not inherently negative. It simply means providing a reason. The perception depends on the validity and acceptance of the excuse itself.