An excuse gives a reason for an action or omission.
The idea
Use poner una excusa; add para and an infinitive to express the action avoided.
Examples
- Puso una excusa para no venir.They made an excuse not to come.
- Siempre pone excusas para llegar tarde.They always make excuses for arriving late.
- No pongas una excusa por el retraso.Do not make an excuse for the delay.
- El vecino puso una excusa para evitar la reunión.The neighbour made an excuse to avoid the meeting.
- ¿Vas a poner otra excusa para no ayudar?Are you going to make another excuse not to help?
- El alumno puso una excusa por no entregar el proyecto.The student made an excuse for not handing in the project.
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Watch out
Avoid hacer una excusa; say poner una excusa.
Try it yourself
Complete the sentence: No quiero poner una ___ por faltar. (excusa / mesa)
Show answer or example answer
excusa
excusa names the excuse.
Complete the sentence: Puso una excusa ___ no llamar. (para / desde)
Show answer or example answer
para
para introduces the avoided action.
Complete the sentence: Ayer la directora ___ una excusa. (puso / pondrá)
Show answer or example answer
puso
puso refers to yesterday.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Complete the sentence: No quiero poner una ___ por faltar. (excusa / mesa)
Complete the sentence: Puso una excusa ___ no llamar. (para / desde)
Complete the sentence: Ayer la directora ___ una excusa. (puso / pondrá)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe an excuse for missing an event.