Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
that doesn't excuse
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
that doesn't justify
does not warrant
that is unacceptable
not a good reason
doesn't make sense
that's no excuse for
that is not a valid reason for
that does not warrant
that is not a justification for
is illogical
is unreasonable
is incomprehensible
is nonsensical
defies logic
is absurd
is beyond understanding
I can't wrap my head around it
doesn't seem logical
doesn't appeal to me
that cannot be allowed
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
54 human-written examples
Repeat: that doesn't excuse Cantona.
News & Media
But even if hate is what many want to hear, that doesn't excuse those who pander to that desire.
News & Media
But even if Trump is just along for the ride, that doesn't excuse what he is doing.
News & Media
Even if you live in a state that doesn't excuse students (e.g. CA), you still have options.
Wiki
See the difficult situations people are going through and realize that, while that doesn't excuse bad behavior, it does offer an explanation for their rudeness, unkindness or curt replies.
Wiki
That doesn't excuse it, I know.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
5 human-written examples
Of course, that does not excuse it.
News & Media
However much damage the West did and does to the East, that does not excuse barbarism.
News & Media
"Although Didier Drogba was hit by an object, that does not excuse his subsequent actions," said the club in a statement.
News & Media
Although "the worst post-war decisions were taken by Americans with little regard for British views, that does not excuse poor UK preparations..
News & Media
While you do have joint pain, that does not excuse you from doing exercises.
Wiki
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "that doesn't excuse" when you want to acknowledge a contributing factor or a provocation while maintaining that the resulting action was still wrong. It acts as a bridge between empathy and accountability.
Common error
Avoid using "that doesn't excuse" when you actually mean the logic itself is false. If the preceding statement is factually incorrect, use "that isn't true". Reserve "that doesn't excuse" for situations where the fact is true (e.g. 'He was tired') but doesn't validate the behavior (e.g. 'yelling at the staff').
Source & Trust
96%
Authority and reliability
4.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
In the data provided by Ludwig, "that doesn't excuse" functions as a negative assertion and a transitional clause. It typically refers back to a preceding statement of fact or circumstance to clarify that such a condition does not absolve a person or entity of responsibility.
Frequent in
News & Media
85%
Wiki
10%
Science
5%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Social Media
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "that doesn't excuse" is a robust and common English phrase used to uphold accountability. Ludwig AI shows that it is favored by major editorial outlets to balance circumstantial context with moral judgment. Whether used in sports commentary, political analysis or interpersonal advice (as seen in WikiHow), it consistently serves to separate an explanation from a justification. It is grammatically standard and highly effective in argumentative writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
that is no excuse for
Changes the verb to a noun-based predicate for slightly more formal emphasis
that doesn't justify
Focuses on the lack of logical or moral validation rather than just the act of excusing
that is no justification for
More formal and often used in legal or ethical arguments
that provides no defense for
Uses a defensive framing often found in argumentative or legal contexts
that is no reason for
Simplifies the concept to a lack of logical cause for a specific behavior
that does not mitigate
Specifically suggests that the situation does not lessen the severity of the act
that does not condone
Focuses on the refusal to overlook or give tacit approval to the behavior
that cannot explain away
Implies that while an explanation exists, it cannot dismiss the problem
this offers no pardon for
Uses more evocative, slightly older-fashioned language regarding forgiveness
that does not account for
Suggests that the factor mentioned does not provide a sufficient reason for the outcome
FAQs
How to use "that doesn't excuse" in a sentence?
You can use it as a standalone sentence or a transition. For example: "He was provoked, but "that doesn't excuse" his reaction."
What can I say instead of "that doesn't excuse"?
You can use alternatives like "that is no excuse for", "that doesn't justify", or "that is no justification for" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "that doesn't excuse" or "that don't excuse"?
The correct form is "that doesn't excuse" because 'that' is a singular third-person pronoun requiring the singular auxiliary 'does not' (doesn't).
What is the difference between "that doesn't excuse" and "that doesn't explain"?
While "that doesn't excuse" addresses moral accountability, "that doesn't explain" suggests that the logic or cause-and-effect relationship remains unclear.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
96%
Authority and reliability
4.9/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested