their excuse

USAGE SUMMARY

"their excuse" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the excuse given by someone or a group of people. For example: "My teacher asked why I was late for school and I gave them my excuse, but they didn't believe me and asked for their excuse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their excuse?

The New York Times

What was their excuse?

The New York Times

"What's their excuse?" he said.

The New York Times

(Their excuse: "We have a doctor's appointment").

The New York Times

"I don't know what their excuse is".

The New York Times

Their excuse was that some Republicans had proposed worse rules.

The New York Times

That should sound familiar: It was their excuse in 2008 as well.

The New York Times

"They just want to go and create a buffer zone – this is their excuse," said Izadeer.

Independent

Their excuse was that they didn't want to go because it was depressing.

The New York Times

What was their excuse three years ago when he was a free agent?

The New York Times - Sports

Their excuse for such extravagance is Stu Pickles, father of all the baby Pickleses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "their excuse", ensure the context clearly indicates whose excuse you are referring to. Ambiguity can arise if the subject is unclear.

Common error

Avoid using "their excuse" when a more neutral term like "their explanation" or "their reason" would be more appropriate, especially in formal or professional settings. "Excuse" often carries a negative connotation of inadequacy or insincerity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "their excuse" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the stated reason or justification provided by a group or individual, which may or may not be considered valid. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "their excuse" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to denote the justification offered by a group or individual. While "excuse" may carry a slightly negative connotation, the phrase itself maintains a neutral register, suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the potential for ambiguity and ensure clarity regarding whose excuse you are referencing. Alternatives like "their explanation" or "their reason" might be more appropriate in situations where a less accusatory tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

their explanation

Offers a broader term for clarifying reasons, whether valid or not; less accusatory than "excuse".

their justification

Focuses on the act of showing something to be right or reasonable; emphasizes a more formal or moral defense.

their reason

Implies a logical basis or cause; can be more neutral than "excuse", which often suggests fault.

their rationale

Suggests a reasoned, coherent basis for an action or decision; more formal and considered.

their defense

Focuses on protecting or justifying actions, often in response to criticism or accusation.

the reason they gave

Neutral way of expressing the reason provided, without implying acceptance or skepticism.

their pretext

Implies a false or misleading reason given to conceal the true motive; more negative connotation.

the grounds they cited

More formal and specific, indicating particular points or aspects used to defend a position.

their alibi

Specifically refers to a claim of being elsewhere when an incident occurred, often to avoid blame.

the story they told

Highlights the narrative aspect of the explanation, possibly suggesting it's embellished or untrue.

FAQs

What's a less accusatory way to say "their excuse"?

Consider using more neutral terms like "their explanation", "their reason", or "the justification they offered" to avoid implying insincerity or fault. These alternatives can make your writing sound more objective and less critical.

Is "their excuse" always negative?

While "excuse" can have a negative connotation, implying a weak or insincere reason, it's not always the case. The tone depends on the context and how the phrase is used. Sometimes it's simply a way of referring to the reason someone has given, without necessarily judging its validity.

How can I use "their excuse" effectively in a sentence?

Make sure the subject and context are clear so readers understand whose excuse you're referring to. For example, "The team's performance was poor, and their excuse was a lack of preparation". Ensure the sentence structure emphasizes the key point you're making about the excuse.

What is the difference between "their excuse" and "their justification"?

"Their excuse" often suggests a reason given to avoid blame or responsibility, while "their justification" implies an attempt to demonstrate that an action was right or reasonable. Justification is generally more formal and considered than excuse.