plausible excuse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plausible excuse" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually refers to something that could be accepted as a valid reason for doing or not doing something. For example, "He offered a plausible excuse for why he was late to work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

I try to think of a plausible excuse to leave.

The New York Times

I was giving Mélodie a plausible excuse for future unavailability.

The Guardian

Failings by the campaign in Glasgow do not offer a plausible excuse.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the missile attack gave the Saudis a plausible excuse to close Hodeidah.

The Guardian

He can usually think up some plausible excuse for making the change.

The New Yorker

And, indeed, the faults committed in the rapes of women admit of no plausible excuse in Theseus.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

An unaffordable luxury ReprintsThere are some plausible excuses for this low profile.

The Economist

George responds with encouraging smiles, plausible excuses, and a commitment to Paolo that things will change, but nothing does.

Harvard Business Review

On days like that, I try to come up with all kinds of plausible excuses not to run.

The New Yorker

It's a bleak Monday in January, and you have spent half the morning trying to come up with plausible excuses to get out of doing any work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Though appointed viceroy of Rumelia, he repeatedly failed to carry out the orders of the Ottoman sultan, to whom he sent plausible excuses and many presents.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting a "plausible excuse", consider your audience and the context. An excuse that works in an informal setting may not be suitable for a professional environment. Tailor your language and level of detail accordingly.

Common error

Avoid excessive detail when offering a "plausible excuse". Over-explaining can make the excuse sound less genuine and more like a fabrication. Keep it concise and believable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plausible excuse" functions as a noun phrase, where "plausible" modifies "excuse". It typically describes a reason or justification presented to mitigate or explain an action, making it seem acceptable or understandable. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "plausible excuse" is a common and versatile term that describes a believable explanation, often used to justify actions or avoid blame. As Ludwig AI highlights, it appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and general writing, indicating its widespread acceptance and understanding. When using this phrase, consider your audience and the specific context to craft an excuse that is both believable and appropriate. Avoid over-explaining, as this can undermine the excuse's credibility. Remember to tailor your language to match the situation, and draw inspiration from the variety of examples provided by Ludwig to ensure accurate and effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valid reason

Stresses the legitimacy and soundness of the provided reason.

reasonable explanation

Highlights that the explanation is fair and makes sense given the situation.

credible explanation

Emphasizes the trustworthiness of the given explanation.

convincing justification

Highlights the power of the reason to persuade or satisfy.

believable alibi

Focuses specifically on providing a credible explanation for one's whereabouts during an event.

tenable pretext

Uses a more formal term for a reason that is held or defended.

acceptable rationale

Indicates a reason that is likely to be agreed upon or permitted.

ostensible reason

Refers to a stated reason that may or may not be the true one.

colorable excuse

Suggests an excuse that appears valid but might be deceptive.

specious justification

Implies a seemingly reasonable but ultimately flawed or misleading reason.

FAQs

How can I use "plausible excuse" in a sentence?

You can use "plausible excuse" to describe a believable reason for an action or inaction, such as, "He offered a "plausible excuse" for being late, claiming heavy traffic conditions".

What are some alternatives to "plausible excuse"?

Alternatives to "plausible excuse" include "credible explanation", "convincing justification", or "valid reason", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct: "plausible excuse" or "plausable excuse"?

"Plausible excuse" is the correct spelling. "Plausable" is a misspelling and should be avoided. Always use "plausible", which means believable or likely.

What's the difference between "plausible excuse" and "valid reason"?

While both phrases suggest a justification, "plausible excuse" often implies a situation where someone is trying to avoid blame or responsibility. A "valid reason", on the other hand, is a legitimate and justifiable cause without the implication of wrongdoing or evasion.