helpfulprofessor.com site logo that links to homepage

51 Best Homework Excuses (Serious, Funny, Strict Teachers)

Homework. No one wants to do it. But no one wants to get in trouble either. So, here are some of the best homework excuses that are serious, funny, and might even work for strict teachers!

As a teacher myself, I’ve heard most of these excuses. I laughed at a few and rolled my eyes at most.

At the end of the day, you’re only going to get away with not doing homework if you’ve got a solid excuse and a bunch of evidence to back it up. Good luck!

Read Also: 27 Pros and Cons of Homework

Cliché Homework Excuses

These are terrible homework excuses that, really, students should avoid. They might be fun to use, but most of them have been over-used. Your teacher won’t believe you unless you’ve brought some evidence along with you.

1. My Dog ate my Homework. Look, no one’s ever going to believe this one. Maybe avoid it unless you want to spend lunch time inside catching up.

2. My Computer Broke. This one’s more believable but it’s been over-used. Thanks to all the liars out there, this homework excuse is well and truly ruined.

3. My Mom Forgot It. Nothing like blaming your mother for your own failures. Most teachers would probably tell you to take a little personal responsibility and send you on your way.

4. The Internet was Out. As believable as any excuse, your teacher might tell you that you’d better buy yourself an old hardback encyclopedia.

5. My Grandma Died. Again. The oldest excuse in the book, I always ask for evidence of this. Some people seem to have 15 grandmas.

6. The Older Kids Took it off me and Tore it Up. Chances are, your teacher’s going to be very concerned by this. They might even escalate this to a disciplinary issue!

Related: A List of Extension Excuses for College Students

Funny Homework Excuses

These ones might get a laugh out of your teacher and your classmates. But, you’re not likely to get out of trouble in the long run.

7. My Mother wanted to Display it on the Fridge. You might get a few laughs from your friends out of this one. But, your teacher is going to tell you to go home, take it off the fridge, and bring it to class!

8. The Police Confiscated it as Evidence. This one might make your teacher pause and wonder. Why is it confiscated? Is it so poorly written that the police consider it an outrage? Maybe your joke will deflect them from punishing you, though.

9. I was Abducted by Aliens and They took It. If your teacher believes this one, let me know. I’ve got some air guitars to sell them.

10. I sent it to you in the Post. In this day and age, you might have to tell your teacher they should wait a few months to it arrive. The postal service isn’t what it used to be.

11. My Dad mistook it for a Letter and Posted it to China. Funny, but clearly not true. Your teacher is going to ask one simple question: why is your dad sending letters to China?

12. I had to burn it in the Fireplace to keep myself Warm. Like Pablo Escobar burning cash, you’ve thrown caution to the wind and thrown your homework book into the fire because, well, if you didn’t, you wouldn’t have survived the freezing cold night.

13. It flew out the Window of the Car. Just picture it. You’re frantically doing your homework on the drive to school. Your dad winds down the window and – woosh – the homework’s gone for good. And class is in just 15 minutes!

14. I thought I’d do it Tomorrow because I’ll be Older and Wiser Then. A clever joke, but you’re probably going to be known as the class clown from that moment onwa rd!

15. I did my Work. It’s all Up Here in my Head. Be prepared for your teacher to give you a snap quiz on the spot if you’re bold enough to say you’ve got it all in your head! But, if you pull it off, maybe you’ll get away without too much trouble.

16. I didn’t do it because I didn’t want to add to your Workload. Sure, it sounds nice, but your teacher will see right through this cheeky response. But hey, when you’ve got nothing to lose it’s worth a try.

17. My Hand fell Asleep and I didn’t want to Wake It. Imagine you were trying so hard to do your homework and write down those answers. But, your hand just wouldn’t obey your command!

18. My Cat ate it knowing that I’d Blame the Dog. This one’s a funny twist on “my dog ate my homework” that might just get a laugh out of your teacher (and a little bit of leniency).

Related: Excuses for Skipping Class in College

Excuses For Strict Teachers

Okay, here’s where things get serious. If you’ve got a teacher who you know is going to be mad, you need to come into this with a plan. Usually, that means providing evidence to support your excuse.

19. I was Sick. And I have a Sick Note. Being sick (genuinely!) is one of the few reasons for not doing your homework that might actually work. You’re going to want to be able to present a note from your parent and maybe even a doctor.

20. My Mother or Father went to Hospital. And here’s the Sick Note. If your mom or dad is in hospital, chances are you’re going to get a free pass. Bring evidence, even if it’s a photo of dad in the hospital bed with tubes coming out of his nose!

21. My Computer Screen Broke. And here’s a Picture. I’ve actually gotten this one from students a few times and it really took me back. I thought: “is this legit, or is this image from 3 years ago?” A receipt from the computer repair store with a date on it is usually a better piece of evidence. But then again, why didn’t you go to the library?

22. The computer broke, but here are my hand-written notes. I’m usually pretty impressed by this excuse. Your computer broke, but you still made the effort to give the homework a go anyway. Great resilience!

23. The wi-fi didn’t work, but here are my hand-written notes. This excuse is very similar to the previous one. If you turn up with nothing and say the wi-fi broke, the teacher probably won’t accept that excuse. But if you actually tried to write some notes anyway, well done!

24. I wasn’t here when the work was assigned. This is an excellent homework excuse for strict teachers. It’s really quite legitimate. How were you supposed to know you had homework!?

25. I tried, but I didn’t understand the Instructions. This puts the onus back on the teacher. Why didn’t they provide clearer instructions? It’s usually a good idea to show some evidence that you at least gave it a go, though.

26. I volunteer at the soup kitchen on Monday Nights. Everyone loves a good Samaritan. If it gets you out of homework, well, that’s just the universe giving you good karma.

27. I’m so sorry. I thought it was right here in my Bag! This one helps show that it at least is a genuine mistake.

28. I had way too much Homework for my other Class. Follow this one up with “You should talk to that teacher about how their overbearing homework requirements are impacting your students!”

29. The Library was Closed and I don’t have Internet at Home. This one might get you a little more sympathy. The fact you don’t have internet at home means you’re not as privileged as many other kids, so your teacher might let you off lightly.

Related: Fun Things to do when Bored in Class

Truthful Homework Excuses

30. I was too busy doing something more important. Your teacher is instantly going to say “what was more important than your education?” Don’t respond with “video games.”

31. My parents kept me really busy on the weekend. But I promise I’ll do it tonight. One thing I would say about this excuse is that you’re saying “Hey, take it up with my parents. I wanted to do some homework!” But, you’re also saying you’ve got a plan to get it done asap.

32. I was at football practice all night. Many teachers will still say “learning comes before sports” (which, as a teacher, I agree with). But, you’ve got a leg to stand on here. You don’t want to let your team down, which is fair.

33. I did my homework, but I left it at home. This excuse does show that you at least put the effort in. But, you failed at the finish line! Come to class tomorrow with the homework and you’ll win back some respect from your teacher.

34. I forgot I even had homework. Hey, it’s truthful. But you’re not going to get any sympathy for this one.

35. The computer didn’t break. It was the Printer this time! An excuse that’s almost as bad as “my computer broke”, the printer issues excuse at least needs some photographic evidence to back it up. And, why didn’t you email the homework to your teacher?

36. I had a Headache. Headaches are the worst. As a teacher myself, I’d probably have a little sympathy for this excuse if it’s a one-off. But, I’d expect my student to bring a note from the parent to corroborate the story.

37. The homework was far too Easy. This isn’t a good reason not to do homework. Your teacher is going to expect you to absolutely ace your next test.

38. My tutor accidentally took it home with them. Nothing like blaming your tutor for your own problems. As a teacher, I’d probably roll my eyes and tell you that you need to keep better track of your things.

39. I accidentally squished it in the bottom of my bag and now it’s got rotten apple juice all over it. This one’s funny to me because, well, as a kid this always used to happen to me. Rotten bananas were usually the culprit.

40. I spilled cereal all over it because I was doing it over breakfast. This sounds believable. I would tell my student the should at least show me the ruined homework as evidence. And, I’d also tell them that breakfast isn’t the best time to do your homework.

See a List of 11 Homework Statistics

Blame the Parents

41. My parents don’t believe in homework and won’t let me do it. There are some parents like this. If a student said this to me, I’d be on the phone to the parents. So, if you don’t want your teacher to call your parents, don’t use this excuse.

42. My mother said band practice was more important. It’s really hard for teachers to argue with parents via the student. But in my experience the teacher usually responds with: “you need to have better organization skills to get all of these things done in your own time!”

43. I help my father at work on a Tuesday afternoon. I just can’t get it done on Tuesdays. Once again, the teacher is likely going to tell you to have more organization skills. But, you might occasionally get an extension out of this. Especially if you let the teacher know in advance.

44. My father looked at it, said it was outrageous government indoctrination, and told me not to do it. While I think this is hilarious, it’s also something that happens a lot these days. Why is this world so divided? Science isn’t controversial, people!

45. My mother was looking over my homework and forgot to give it back to me. Okay, time for me to put my teacher voice on: “She didn’t forget to give it back to you. You forgot to ask for it back.”

46. My mother threw it in the trash. This must have been frustrating to you! A teacher with a quick wit will respond: “it shouldn’t have looked like trash then. You must have done a bad job!” Or, a more serious teacher might just tell you that you need to be more organized net time.

Blame the Teachers

47. You give too much Homework. There are plenty of people out there in this world who think teachers do give too much homework. They believe it’s not fair and it’s preventing children from leading a balanced and healthy life.

48. Your instructions are impossible to understand. This one really puts the pressure back on the teacher because you’re basically telling them that they’re bad at their job.

49. This was way too hard for me. You need to give me more guidance. Sometimes, it’s true, teachers do assign homework that’s way too hard. You do need to be resourceful and find ways to learn yourself. But at the same time, the teacher really should know better.

50. The homework is too easy. It’s a complete waste of my time. Assigning homework is like playing Goldilocks. It can’t be too hard, can’t be too easy.

51. Between you and all my other teachers, you’re assigning hours of homework every night. You all need to get together and resolve this. This one’s surely going to set a cat amongst the pigeons. The teachers are going to talk about this at their next staff meeting. But, they might coordinate and come back at you as a united front!

FAQ: How to Get Out of Doing Homework?

The best ways to get out of doing homework are to:

  • Let the teacher know in advance that you won’t be able to do it. Teachers respond better when you give them an excuse before time, not after.
  • Bring evidence of why you didn’t do it. If you want your teacher to truly believe your excuse, you need evidence. This can be notes, photos, receipts, or anything else proving your story is true.

Really, the best way to avoid any issues is to just do the homework in the first place. But if you’re reading this article, chances are the horses have left the stable. You’re at a stage where you’ve got to come up with an excuse because in 10 minutes your teacher is going to be asking you why you haven’t done anything!

Well, good luck with that! I hope you don’t get into too much trouble, but I also hope you learn that next time the best solution is to just get that homework done in advance.

Chris

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/admin/ 5 Best Safes for College Dorms - Laptop Sized!
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/admin/ 50 Career Aspirations Examples
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/admin/ 5 Best Toys for Fine Motor Skills Development
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/admin/ 6 Best Whiteboards for Teachers

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Best Homework Excuses That Will Crack Your Ribs in 2023

best homework excuses

Homework is not a word most students would want to hear. I know of some who will reward you with a furious expression and spiteful attitude whenever you mention such a word to them. As a result of this negativity towards homework, students have funny excuses for not doing homework. Whereas some of them may work, there are those excuses for not turning in homework that may not augur well with some instructors.

Let’s dive into the subject of school homework excuses at length.

Best Homework Excuses: Why Do Students Give Them? 

While it may true that a majority of the students are lazy, several factors necessitate some students from not completing their homework. These may either be internal (on the part of the student) or external (related to the school, family, or general environment). But why exactly do students have such excuses for homework not done?

  • Punishment fears that nobody  is ready to be canned or suspended from school for not completing homework.
  • To make up for their mistakes:  Students give excuses for late homework to maintain a good reputation with their tutors and parents.
  • It’s the nature of students:  The majority of the students are generally cheeky and naughty and thus have an excuse for almost everything.

Although students have continued to devise new homework excuses now and then, some tutors have been smart enough to outwit them. The bottom line remains that students will continue to invent crazy homework excuses shortly, especially technological advancements.

We now venture into some of the best homework excuses that students have been giving over the years.

6 Funny Homework Excuses For High School Students

Most high school students are in the adolescent stage, and thus you can expect anything from them. These students will devise all forms of unimaginable homework excuses to get off the hook at this stage of life. Six of the top homework excuses for high students are:

  • The homework was too easy to complete:  Why bother completing something I already know how to do well enough?
  • I forgot about it:  Well, I had a lot on my mind and forgot to write the assignment down or carry my homework book with me at home.
  • I had nowhere to complete my homework:  My siblings were all over my room, and I couldn’t get the time and space to complete my homework comfortably.
  • We had a power blackout:  Immediately I arrived home, there was a power blackout, and my computer cannot work without power. My room was so dark that I got scared even to get up and do anything.
  • I have had enough of it!  What’s the point of continuing to complete homework assignments now that I am in high school? Come on; I have been doing these since kindergarten.
  • Homework is not a priority when I am at home:  I need to watch my favorite soap opera or cartoon when I get home, not tuck in some boring homework.

Every student will have a funny homework excuse whenever confronted by their teachers.

Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework

Nonetheless, some excellent homework excuses can get you out of trouble. Although these are not easy to come by, you can constantly maneuver your way around them and convince your tutor. Some of the good reasons for missing homework include:

  • The instructions were too hard to understand:  Maybe the tutor did not explain the instructions clear enough for you to understand. Other tasks are just too complex to complete regardless of the explanations given by the tutor.
  • You did not have the necessary prerequisites:  Equipment like calculators for math assignments and drawing boards for engineering papers are necessary. If you do not have them, there is no way you will complete your homework.
  • The dog ate my homework excuses:  Realistically, the dog might enter your room and make away with your homework book. If the tutor doesn’t understand, it will do some good to carry the tattered assignment book’s remains.
  • The computer crashed:  Every electronic gadget is prone to such. An understanding lecturer would give you a second chance when you give this homework excuse.

You should, however, note that most lecturers have known these excuses for no homework. How you explain yourself using such excuses will determine whether he/she will believe you or not.

5 Good Excuses For Missing Homework That Work

The best excuses for missing homework are those that convince your tutor or instructor without leaving a trail of question marks behind. To come up with such, you have to develop practical critical thinking skills and engage creativity. From some of the best homework excuses available, here are the crème de la crème:

  • I fell sick on my way home and was rushed to hospital
  • A natural disaster such as a giant hurricane or earthquake that interrupted regular power supply
  • I was absent when you assigned the homework
  • You were busy volunteering in a community social work activity
  • I got rained on my way to school in the morning

The reasons above seem genuine to any person, and you can be sure of getting away with them for not doing homework.

How To Make Creative Homework Excuses

Would you like to know how to make excuses for not doing your homework? Here are some expert tips that have worked for many and definitely for you too!

  • Avoid over-exaggeration:  Your excuses to get out of homework should be realistic enough to any rational person.
  • Honesty is the best policy:  A legitimate excuse would save you a lot of trouble instead of a mischievous and cunning reason.
  • Wisely choose your reason:  If you choose an excuse that your lecturer knows perfectly well that it is a lie, then your fall from grace would be twice as much!

With these tricks, you will be able to come up with the best homework excuse ever! Not even a genius professor can detect the slightest of mischief in your excuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexa Donne is an exceptional online writer who is skilled and passionate about her work. She creates high-quality content that captivates the readers’ attention and ensures you get the best grade in your research papers and essays.

the best excuses for homework

Don't Let Homework Take Over Your Life

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Our Mission

14 Hilarious Homework Excuses

If you're an educator, you've undoubtedly heard your fair share of excuses from students who don't have their assigned homework with them, which can range from plausible to hilariously absurd.

We've compiled some of the best homework excuses that educators in our Facebook community have heard during their time in the wacky world of teaching.

Students' Best Excuses 

'I couldn't do my homework because my room is haunted.'

This piece was originally submitted to our community forums by a reader. Due to audience interest, we’ve preserved it. The opinions expressed here are the writer’s own.

50 Best Excuses for Missing your Homework

We all have drained our brains thinking for the perfect lie that could save us from our teachers. While school days are said to be one of the most memorable days of our lives, homework is one thing that we all used to run away from and would do anything to be away from it. Nervousness tickles up the spine when the teacher starts calling out names, asking for homework, slowly coming up to your name.

And you did not do it!

the best excuses for homework

That is a moment when your brain is thinking hard for a solution, eyes staring blankly at your friends to get help, mouth mindlessly chewing nails and legs just wishing they could let you run out of the room. Alas, none of the things usually work out and it is left up to you to save yourself. And by the time you could make up the perfect justification, your teacher asks, “What about your homework? Have you done it dear?”

“No, ma’am. I mean yes, but actually…”

Well, there is always hope. It can be a good help if you try out these excuses for not doing your homework. There are always some cards that play the perfect role to help you out.

1. “I was ill for days!”

The king of all the excuses, illness can help you out surely. Now, it is important to keep in mind that your illness should sound practical as if it really happened to you. Do not tell of an ill situation that is hard to believe. I have heard that students sometimes even say that they caught rabies, and get blasted later. Viral infection, swelling, digestion issues and fever can work well.

2. “My cat scratched the papers and tore it off!”

Well, let’s not always blame the dogs for killing away your homework. This time, let your cat save you!

3. “I was busy volunteering for a social event”

Or even a community club, pets help, orphanage etc can be used to make up a perfect excuse. Teaming up with a social cause shows you as a responsible person towards your surroundings, and your teacher may like it and give you a day to cover up your work.

4. “Did not the homework was to be submitted today”

Well, this sounds as quite a common excuse, but definitely worth a try.

5. “Parents’ anniversary yesterday”

Yes, and that’s why you were busy all day round decorating up the house, fetching orders, planning the surprises which did not leave you any time for homework.

6. “Fall sick when asked about homework”

When your teacher is coming to you for homework, just bring out the actor inside you and pretend to be really sick, all of a sudden. You can act as if you have a really bad stomach, dizziness or feeling like throwing up as they happen suddenly. Rush to the medical room and you can be saved from a scolding.

7. “Lost it while house cleaning”

Let’s say the papers just got here and there while your room was being cleaned, and you could never find it again. It will be hard to believe one for your teacher though, but surely a fun thing to say as well.

8. “Vacuum cleaner ate it up”

Let the vacuum cleaner suck up your homework! And if the teacher asks that you could have still pulled it out, cleaned the paper and presented it to her, plainly say that it had too much chunk which was immediately cleaned.

9. “Mom gave a punishment for fighting”

And then think of a punishment which will keep you away from your room. Anything which is exhausting and time taking after which you were very tired and straight went off to sleep. For example, say you were asked to mow the lawn, clean the car, check and fix all the electric sockets etc. Surely this excuse can save you well because your teacher to knows that no one can cheat mom!

10. “Slipped out of my bag while I was crossing the bridge”

And below the bridge, there is the river, where it got dumped. But beware; do not think of saying the lie if there is no river in your way. You won’t be able to slip out of your teacher’s hands later!

11. “I did all of the work, but my computer crashed”

This excuse usually works well, because you did your homework but the system crashed. Play it well and you teacher will believe you.

12. “Baby sister pooped on it”

Eww, but it can definitely help you! And no one is going to think further about the assignment once they listen to this perfect lie.

13. “Got a lift while coming and forgot assignment in it”

Now you don’t know where the sweet guy who helped you went, neither you have any number to contact him.

14. “Dog peed on it”

Yes, finally the dog comes in to save you! And a further number of excuses that you can make up that involve your dog. Just like the lie where your younger sibling pooped on your precious homework, your teacher won’t think of it further.

15. “Had an alien visiting our block last night”

Anything bizarre can be cooked up once you say the word ‘Aliens’. You can say they sucked up all the ink of the entire block for their UFO’s fuel, or even that a tornado hit up when they were taking off the land. Aliens are always fun to talk about.

16. “Ran out of toilet paper”

Homework is important of course, but hygiene comes first!

17. “Someone pulled it out of my bag”

Pretend to be really worried, because you clearly remember keeping it in your backpack right this morning. But when you opened the bag in the class, poof! It has vanished. Your teacher will find it hard to believe because it is a lame excuse, but if you play it well, it can work as it points out that someone from class might have stolen it.

18. “Dad took it to work accidentally”

And while you were having breakfast, your dad was packing his bag for the office, searching for his files and papers and by mistake took off your homework with him too. But make sure your teacher does not end up calling your father to send in the homework.

19. “I was hypnotized”

Sounds fake. Totally. But it is possible anyway. Say your cousins were at your place last night and they tried up hypnotizing each other. Initially, it wasn’t happening, but when they tried the trick on you, it happened! And they made you clean all the chores of the house, bla bla bla. Make sure to tell that you were hypnotized all the time and got into senses right before school time.

20. “Butler tossed it into the bin”

Your butler cleaned up the room while you were getting ready. He thought it was some waste papers and threw them off. Plainly say that you were so furious that you asked dad to fire him right away.

21. “Gone into paper shredder”

Your cousin got a new paper shredder and wanted to test it. Before you could act in the situation, he picked up the assignment sheets lying near him and put into the machine. And you were crying your heart out when homework got chopped off finely.

22. “I felt my room was haunted”

And bring in all the conjuring effects that can trickle down a shiver of fear down the spine. Like the aliens, anything can be cooked up if you talk about paranormal activities. Lights got dimmed, bulbs burst off later, cold wind blew in through the wind, creepy sounds etc can all be a part of your story which made you really scared. So scared that you hid under the sheets and just slept off.

23. “Grandmother posted it away”

Say that your grandmom lost her glasses and had a very urgent letter to be delivered. By mistake, she picked up your homework and put it in the envelope. And all the while this happened, you were sleeping thus could not do anything.

24. “Burnt it to make some light”

Due to the heavy rain, there was low voltage and the fuse blew off. There was no light to see the fuse and fix it, thus you had to burn all the papers you could get your hands on, including your assignment. What a sacrifice it sounds! And when the power came back finally, there was not enough paper left in the house to start again.

25. “I forgot to bring my notebook”

The most common excuse, after all. Teachers have heard it a zillion times and find it lame. But it does happen that students forget their work due to a rush. But make sure that you do not use the lie each time you skip your homework because it does not make any sense that you forgot your homework every time.

26. “I was helping mom to host the guests last night”

This trick can definitely play well to save you from a punishment. After all, playing a good and responsible kid is never a bad idea!

27. “There was a power cut at our house the entire night”

And thus you could not see anything around you. A little silly it sounds, but if you play this excuse well, it can help you out for sure.

28. “I gave it for copying but did not get it back!”

Willing to play with your teacher’s mind? Then do try out this excuse. But be prepared for the fact that you may be scolded a little for letting others copy your work. But I’m sure it will be better than being blasted for not doing it at all!

29. “My maid packed food in it for a homeless guy”

Make sure to state right in the beginning that your maid can’t read. ‘Sharing is caring’ can indeed help you out and be a good excuse for skipping homework.

30. “Pen got no ink in the middle of work”

This excuse will be more sensible if you have done your homework, but not completed it. Add on some extra lines that the nearby stationery was closed too or anything else. Though a little hard to believe, it might work out too.

31. “I got robbed on the way to school!”

Why not add some drama to your lie! Make up a good story of how happy you were when you started from home as all your answers were correct but you got robbed in the way, and the bad guys took out everything from your bag and vanished. If possible, shed off a tear too, and the teacher will surely believe you and give you another chance to work on it. But hey, this excuse may not work every time as it is easy to catch out such fictitious excuses.

32. “My little brother made a boat and sailed it!”

Little kids can be a great saviour when it comes to making excuses. Plainly tell your teacher that your baby brother made a boat out of your assignment and sailed it in the bathtub.

33. “Tore it off because all my answers were wrong”

Play out a frustrated kid while telling this excuse, and say how dedicated you were to your work all night. But when you cross-checked the answers, you got angry with yourself so much that you just blew off the paper. Quite an unbelievable excuse though, but if you play it smartly, your teacher will surely believe in it.

34. “Kept it near the window and it blew away!”

Keep it simple, practical and real. Who can stop nature anyway?

35. “I just showed it to you!”

Sounds fun and adventurous, but do not dare to try if your teacher is sheer smart.

36. “Sister scribbled on it, so I had to erase it which took the entire night”

Again, let your family be your saviour!

37. “Did not know about submitting it today”

Though it is another common lie that goes around a lot, it can give you an extra day.

38. “Shifting house, thus misplaced it”

Tell your teacher that you are shifting your house to a new place, thus everyone was busy packing up the whole stuff. And now you have no idea where your stationery is packed!

39. “Drunk friend puked on my homework!”

And you could not do anything but to help him get to the washroom. And it was a stinking gross sight by the time you returned, thus you had to throw away your homework. This excuse can work well if you play it smartly.

40. “Could not understand the concept”

This shows that you tried doing your homework, but came across problems while doing it. You can make it even better by asking some doubts from your teacher to make it clear to your teacher that you indeed tried doing the homework.

41. “I was absent on that day homework was given”

And you don’t know anything about it. In fact, this is the most common lie that every student has given quite a times in their school times. And the teachers have got bored of hearing this lie. But you can still try it out.

42. “Forgot to save my work”

You were staying up all night, working hard on your assignment and then straight away went to sleep. And you went crazy in the morning when you realized that you had turned off your computer without saving your work!

43. “Neighbors were disturbing, thus I could not focus”

Well, it won’t be wrong to blame your neighbours little for not doing homework. Say the music was too loud or they were drunk and kept disturbing us at our home or anything else.

44. “Was busy doing other subject’s homework”

Teachers go a little crazy hearing this one, and they start lecturing the kids. But it happens often that students are already burying their heads in one subject so much that they can’t complete other subjects’ work.

45. “Was busy in a police investigation in the vicinity”

Let’s say that a crime scene popped out in your neighbourhood and you were called upon for a general investigation. The tiring questions made you really exhausted and you jumped into bed after it.

46. “Work got stuck due to printing error”

You were about to print your work, but let the printer take all your pains. Say it ran out of ink, bolts were loose or anything else. After all, technical errors can ooze up anytime.

47. “Had a fight with brother and he tore off my hard work!”

Oh, poor you! You did a good job at solving all the problems, sitting up all night. But he quarrelled with you right when you woke up in the morning and tore off your homework to bits just to annoy you. And every person knows that fights between siblings are a messy thing to tackle, so such things happen often!

48. “Had a bad toothache”

A toothache is a thing which can shiver a person even in his sleep. Your teacher may have gone through the sour experience as well, so such an excuse can keep you safe easily.

49. “Was grounded to my bedroom and homework was kept in the study”

An annoying lie which the teacher may not believe, but it can explain to him clearly that you need more time to complete your work.

50. “I confess…”

Sometimes, telling the truth is the best excuse to explain why you did not do your work. If no other way seems to work out, speak out the truth, blaming yourself a little that you felt lazy and did such an irresponsible thing. Tell your teacher that you would not repeat such a mistake and require some extra time to finish your work. Sometimes, truth wins overall.

Well, keep a thing in mind that the more bring such excuses into use, the lesser teachers will believe in you. do not make a regular habit of skipping homework. Make use of the above suggested fun excuses when it is actually required.

Sorry, comments are closed for this post

Put a stop to deadline pressure, and have your homework done by an expert.

Homework Excuses: Top Guide To Help You Not Do Homework

homework excuses

Homework excuses are common among students at all educational levels. It’s no secret that many learners dislike homework and must find ways to convince educators they are not at fault. Although academic life is exciting, it comes with burdens. Life hardships make some learners unable to complete homework within the deadlines that educators stipulate.

Whether in college, high school, or university, you will need excuses for not doing your homework. This article lists some of the best reasons learners give for not completing their homework. It’s helpful because not every learner is sufficiently creative to convince the teacher or professor to pardon them for not completing assignments.

What Are Homework Excuses?

A homework excuse is a story, explanation, or alibi that a student gives the teacher or professor for not completing their homework.

A learner may require an excuse for various reasons. For instance, they may need it to cover up for something else or lack a good reason to justify their inability to submit the assignment. Regardless of the case, students can use different excuses to convince educators not to punish or penalize them.

Excuses for not doing homework are essential for several reasons. For instance, a learner could be having a bad day. Or they may not feel like doing the assignment. Some educators bombard learners with many tasks with strict deadlines. In that case, students may lack time to do all the coursework and score their desired grades. Therefore, they can give excuses to get extra time to complete the homework.

What Is The Purpose Of HW Excuses?

Every student has been there- you have homework, but certain things prevent you from doing it.

The primary purpose of excuses is to temporarily help you get out of trouble for not doing the task. They can also allow you to focus on what prevents you from doing it.

Homework excuses give students a way to explain why they didn’t do their assignments. While learners have different reasons for using an excuse, the bottom line is avoiding the consequences of not completing the work or punishment. Nevertheless, students should keep a few things in mind whenever they use an excuse to justify their inability to submit homework on time.

First, learners should ensure their excuses are believable. A student shouldn’t try to use a fake reason, like saying your dog ate your homework. Second, they should prepare to back up their story if necessary. If the teacher asks for more information about the excuse, the learner should be ready to give it. Finally, students shouldn’t overuse excuses. If they constantly make excuses for not doing their homework, the teacher will catch on eventually.

Good Homework Excuses For Different Situations

An excuse for not completing homework can come in handy in different situations. Here are seven examples of reasons for not doing homework.

If you didn’t do your homework because you forgot about it, you could say that you were sick or that something came up that prevented you from doing it. Maybe you didn’t do your homework because you didn’t understand it. In that case, you can say that the instructions were confusing or that you couldn’t find the needed information. If you didn’t do your homework because you didn’t have enough time, you could say that you had extracurricular activities or that you had to work. Perhaps, you didn’t do your homework because you were procrastinating. In that case, you can say that you started it but ran out of time. If you didn’t do your homework because you were distracted, you can say that something came up or that you couldn’t focus. Maybe you didn’t do your homework because you were sick. If so, you can say that you had a doctor’s appointment or weren’t feeling well. If your reason for not doing homework was a busy schedule, you could say that you had a family emergency or that you had no option but to work.

Always remember that your excuse must be believable to serve its purpose. Therefore, choose a reason that best suits your situation.

Good Excuses To Miss Practice Or Class

Perhaps, you have other commitments that prevent you from attending practice or class. And this might prevent you from submitting your homework on time. In that case, you can give the following believable excuses:

  • I’m sorry I will miss practice/class. I have a doctor’s appointment.
  • I’m sorry I will miss practice/class. I have to work to avoid losing my job.
  • I’m sorry I will miss practice/class. My car broke down.
  • I’m sorry I will miss practice/class. My train has a delay.
  • I’m sorry I will miss practice/class. There is heavy traffic.

Note that you can also use these excuses for not completing your homework. Nevertheless, ensure you’re convincing the educator to believe you.

Advice On How To Give Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework

Not every learner can give an excuse and get away with it. That’s because educators were once students, meaning they knew all the tricks in the book. So, suppose you have difficulties giving your teacher a believable excuse for not completing and submitting homework. In that case, the following are tips for providing good excuses for not doing homework should help you get away with it.

Be confident: Unless you sell the excuse, chances are that your teacher won’t buy it. So, act as if you believe in what you’re saying, and chances are, your educator will find it too. Keep it short and sweet: The longer the story, the more likely it is to seem fabricated. So, make sure to keep your excuse short and to the point. Make it believable: As we said before, educators were once students. That means they know all of the excuses in the book. So, if you want to make your excuse believable, make sure it’s something that could happen. Be prepared to back it up: If your teacher asks for more information about your excuse, be ready to give it. And this will help make your story more believable. Don’t overuse excuses: If you’re constantly making excuses for not doing your homework, your teacher will catch on eventually. So, use them sparingly and only when necessary.

If you ever want to give excuses for homework, these tips should help you do so without getting caught. But if your teacher is on to your tricks, making up believable excuses might seem daunting. But don’t worry. There are still ways to make your reasons more plausible. For instance, try to use excuses that don’t involve technology. If you say your computer crashed and lost all your work, your teacher will likely ask for a hard copy or proof that you did the task.

Second, try to use excuses that are specific to the assignment. For example, if you’re trying to get out of doing a science project, saying you don’t have the materials is more believable than saying you don’t have the time. And finally, try to use excuses that are relevant to your life outside the school. If you’ve been sick recently or have a family emergency, your teacher is likelier to believe that you didn’t do your homework.

Nevertheless, the best way to avoid giving an excuse in the first place is to do your homework. That way, you won’t have to worry about coming up with a good reason for not doing it.

Tips On How To Avoid Making Excuses For Late Homework

Maybe you’ve given many excuses for not completing homework on time and think your teacher has begun suspecting you. Perhaps, you can no longer come up with the best excuses for not doing homework. In that case, the following tips will help you avoid giving excuses for missing class or not submitting homework on time.

  • Set a schedule: In addition to being organized, setting a schedule can help you avoid making excuses for failing to submit homework. That’s because scheduling will help you plan your time and ensure you’re working on your assignments when you’re supposed to be.
  • Be organized: If you want to avoid struggling to find the best excuses for missing school or not doing homework, try being organized. Organization means having a planner or another way to track your assignments and due dates.
  • Get rid of distractions: Another way to avoid excuses for failing to do homework is to get rid of distractions. And this could mean turning off your phone, getting off social media, and anything else that might prevent you from working on your assignments.
  • Start early: Another way to avoid excuses for missing homework is to start early. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to work on your assignments and won’t have to rush to finish them.
  • Ask for help: If you’re having trouble with your assignments, don’t hesitate to ask for help. For instance, you can turn to your parent, tutor, or even your teacher. Also, you can seek homework help online or pay for assignment . Nevertheless, choose a reputable service to ensure quality work and your information’s safety. Getting help will ensure that you complete your assignments and avoid making excuses for why they’re late.

These tips should help you avoid excuses because you will always complete your homework on time. Nevertheless, excuses are a necessary evil for students who want to get out of doing their homework. But with creativity, you can make even the most far-fetched excuse sound plausible. So next time you’re stuck trying to come up with an excuse, remember these tips, and you’ll be sure to get out of doing your homework in no time.

Get The Best Homework Help

Perhaps, you’re tired of struggling to find good excuses for missing homework. Maybe you want to ensure you always complete and submit your assignments on time. Perhaps you are out here thinking “who can do my assignment UK ?” In that case, we can help.

We offer high-quality homework assistance online to learners across educational levels. Whether in high school, pursuing our diploma, undergraduate, or post-graduate studies, we can help you. Our service is custom, cheap, and secure. We’re fast and reliable, with the best homework experts in all academic disciplines. Once you contact us saying, “Please do my homework,” we pick the most competent experts to start working on it immediately.

And this, combined with our expertise, enables us to deliver all assignments from our customers before their deadlines elapse. That means you will never struggle to find the best homework excuses with our service. So, use our service if you always want to be on good terms with your teacher or professor. Contact us now!

Get on top of your homework.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tosaylib

15 Good Excuses for When You Forgot to Do Your Homework

By: Author Hiuyan Lam

Posted on Last updated: October 20, 2023

Categories Social Responses

15 Good Excuses for When You Forgot to Do Your Homework

Having to do a ton of homework after a long day at school isn’t a great feeling. But, if you don’t do it, you’ll get in trouble if you don’t have good excuses not to do homework.

Instead of settling for a zero, you need to come up with good excuses to convince your teacher to give you a pass. These excuses not to do homework must be rock solid or else you might end up in even more trouble.

Saying the dog ate it is not a good excuse not to do homework, so don’t even think about using that one. Here are 15 of the best excuses not to do homework that are guaranteed to work:

Things to pay attention to before making up excuses not to do homework

  Before you go ahead and make up your excuses not to do homework, there are some things you must pay attention to. This will let you know if the excuse will work or not.   The main things are:  

female teacher holding a stick

   

4 excuses about blaming family when you forgot to do your homework

  Sometimes family can come in the way of getting your homework done on time. This can be because of a toxic home environment, or simply because a lot is going on at the moment.   Here are 4 good excuses not to do homework that can be blamed on your family:  

05 couple making conversations and being mad

You May Also Like:

11 of the Best Excuses to not Video Call Someone

relationship failure problem sad

3 excuses that blame technology

  As reliable as technology is these days, certain things may happen that will make it difficult for you to complete your homework assignments.   Here are 3 excuses not to complete homework that you can blame on technology:  

man using three computers researching

15 Good Excuses to Miss Class without Being Caught Lying

3 excuses for when you have conflicts

  Unfortunately, teachers can sometimes put too much pressure on students to complete homework.   Students might end up with a ton of homework that has to go in the same day, or experience scheduling conflicts with their extracurriculars.   If this is your experience, here are 3 excuses not to do homework:  

football game starting position words to describe athlete

5 excuses for when you blame yourself

  If there isn’t anyone to blame but yourself, it’s always a better idea to go with the truth than a lie. Being able to hold yourself accountable says a lot and it is obvious to seasoned teachers when students are grasping at straws.   Here are 5 excuses not to do homework when it’s all your fault:  

womain in sweater blanket sick taking medicine teddy bear table gray background

  Now that you have your excuses not to do homework, please don’t take advantage of them.   Sure, homework might be no fun, but it will be helpful in the long run and you’ll find that when test time comes, you’ll have an easier time recalling what you have learned!  

Bright Hub Education

The Ten Best Excuses for Late Homework from a Teacher Who's Heard Hundreds of Them

The Ten Best Excuses for Late Homework from a Teacher Who's Heard Hundreds of Them

Best Excuses for Late Homework

Top ten excuses for late homework

Please enable JavaScript

1. Know how gullible your teacher is. Some teachers will believe anything, especially new teachers. More experienced teachers are much more difficult to fool and more likely to be bitter and jaded. Experienced teachers have also heard most of the lame excuses you have planned. 2. Know how strict your teacher is . I’ll let you in on a teaching secret: most teachers want you to succeed. They want to believe you stayed up all night nursing your sick hamster. Use this to your advantage. 3. Find out if your teacher likes you. I’ll let you in on another secret: teachers play favorites. Are you a favorite? If you are, use any excuse you like. 4. Find out your teacher’s interests . Here’s another secret: teachers love being the center of attention. Why else would they subject themselves to the torment that comes with instructing teenagers? They love talking about themselves. Listen when they do.

  • The 10 Best Homework Excuses

1. I got my backpack stolen: use rampant crime among high school students to your advantage. No teacher in his right mind would expect you to turn in that big assignment if it got stolen the very day it was due. Although most teachers won’t follow through, filing a missing backpack report might not be a bad idea. 2. My mom and dad got in a huge fight last night and the cops came and I couldn’t concentrate on the assignment: Domestic violence isn’t something to lie about…unless it’s done to save your grade. This excuse works on so many levels: (1) Your teacher will never bring this up to your parents; and (2) you will garner sympathy for the rest of the year. The only way this could go wrong is if your teacher reports this to your guidance counselor and your counselor contacts your parents. That’s probably not going to happen. 3. I stayed at my dad’s this weekend and left it there and my mom refuses to let me go back and get it: Teachers are suckers for dysfunctional family stories. This is an all time classic. 4. I left my binder in my mom’s car and she’s at work across town: This is a twist on the easy to see through “I left it at home” excuse. A teacher can reasonably expect someone from home to bring your homework, but not even the meanest teacher would expect your mom to leave work. 5. I was really sick yesterday and unable to do anything. The only reason I came is because I didn’t want to miss any more work: Teachers will admire your perseverance and give you the extra day. 6. It’s that “time of the month”: If you’re a boy, don’t try this. This only works for females on male teachers. 7. Grandma died: Even if the teacher doubts the veracity of your grandma’s death, he’s not gonna call you out on it just in case it’s true. There are obvious problems with this excuse, including the guilt you’ll feel if your grandma does die that week. 8. My dog died and I was too upset to do my homework: This is rarely used, but effective, especially if your teacher has a dog. Only a heartless task master would not cut you a break over losing your best friend. 9. I had to take care of my baby sister who was up last night throwing up: Another underused classic. Be careful your teacher isn’t an e-mailer or he just might e-mail your parents for an update on your baby sister who doesn’t exist. 10. Tell the truth: This is a revolutionary excuse. Often if you just go to your teacher in the morning and tell him or her the truth, you’ll get some additional time. What’s your favorite homework excuse? Image by  Jan Vašek  from  Pixabay

This post is part of the series: Homework Excuses

Find the best, the worst, the most popular, and the funniest homework excuses with just a few clicks of the mouse.

  • The 10 Most Common “I Forgot my Homework” Excuses
  • Funny Homework Excuses

Daniel Wong

Equipping Students to Be Successful and Happy

11 Excuses for Not Doing Homework (And How to Stop Making Them)

July 5, 2022 By Daniel Wong 6 Comments

young man doing homework in his room

If you’re like many students, you’d rather take a nap, talk to your friends online, or play video games.

As you already know, finding reasons not to do your homework will prevent you from succeeding in school .

I’m sure you want to do well in school, and homework is definitely a part of that process.

In this article, I’ll go over 11 of the most common excuses for not doing homework and offer solutions to ensure that you stay engaged in school.

But first, make sure to download your free quick action guide…

FREE  QUICK ACTION GUIDE:  

12 Guaranteed Ways for Students to Improve Focus & Reduce Procrastination

Get your FREE copy of

12 Guaranteed Ways for Students to Improve Focus and Reduce Procrastination .  

The guide has already been downloaded thousands of times, so don't miss out!

Excuse #1: You lack the required knowledge

Let your parents and teacher know if you’re taking a class and feel as if you lack the necessary skills or knowledge to complete the homework.

Ask your teacher for extra guidance so you don’t fall too far behind. See if your parents can find the time to help you, or you can look for a tutor.

Your teachers are there to help you develop the skills you need to do well in their classes.

You’re not alone in feeling that you lack the necessary skills, so don’t be too embarrassed to ask for assistance. You might even find some great study buddies who feel the same way.

Excuse #2: You lack confidence

Many students compare themselves to their peers, which can lead to a lack of confidence. When that happens, it’s easy to make excuses for not doing the homework.

But here’s what you need to know…

Everyone lacks confidence about something.

You might be good at math but need extra help with English. Perhaps you excel at geography but find biology confusing.

Give yourself a break.

If you lack confidence in your ability to learn a particular subject, get the support you need. Your teachers, parents, and even friends will help you out and give you a needed morale boost.

Excuse #3: Your home life is too hectic

The excuses for submitting assignments late are numerous, but one that I hear often is that it’s too busy or noisy at home to focus.

Finding a quiet space and using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones can help reduce distractions. This will make it easier for you to finish your homework.

If that doesn’t work, try finding an alternative location to do your work, like the library or a friend’s house.

You can also talk to your parents about it. They might not even be aware of all the interruptions that are preventing you from completing your schoolwork.

Excuse #4: You don’t know where to start

Feeling anxious and overwhelmed are often the main reasons that cause students to not know where to start on their homework.

If you ever feel this way, here’s what I suggest you do:

  • Take a deep breath.
  • Create a space where you can get organised.
  • Make a list of all your assignments and deadlines.
  • Work on one assignment at a time.
  • Start with an easy assignment to get a quick win, or tackle the most challenging assignment to get it out of the way.

Excuse #5: You have poor study habits

Many students develop bad study habits over their years in school.

Not everyone learns the same way or at the same pace. As such, every student will have different study habits. If what you’re doing isn’t working, try a different approach.

If you’re trying to do your homework as soon as you get home from school but can’t focus, try having a snack and taking a power nap before getting to work instead.

If you’re staying up too late studying, set a rule for yourself that you’ll start doing your homework within one hour of getting home.

Establish a routine where you do your work at roughly the same time each day. Developing routines like this will improve your study habits , which will make you a more effective student.

Excuse #6: School isn’t important to you

A common misconception is that school isn’t important, that what you learn won’t be relevant once you leave school.

This isn’t completely true.

Of course, the education system can be improved. But the knowledge you acquire in school will help you to understand and appreciate the world better.

And the process of becoming a more effective student will lead you to develop traits like self-discipline and responsibility. These are the types of traits you’ll need in order to find success at any stage of life!

Excuse #7: You’re overloaded with after-school activities

I know it can be tough to balance schoolwork and extracurricular activities.

Maybe you’re on a sports team or you spend several hours each week volunteering.

Finding the right balance to ensure you have enough time for homework can be challenging.

When too many afterschool activities get in the way of completing your assignments on time, it’s time to review your schedule. Decide how you can prioritise the activities that are the most important.

You may need to put some activities on hold until you’re consistently staying on top of your schoolwork.

Speak with your coach, teachers, or parents about the ideas they have to help you manage your schedule more effectively.

Excuse #8: Studying is boring for you

If you find that doing your homework is uninteresting, it may be time for you to change your point of view.

I always encourage students to cultivate a growth mindset . This is a mindset where you focus more on the learning process instead of on getting good grades.

Rather than seeing a particular subject as boring, develop a sense of wonder. Decide that you’re going to be intellectually curious, and you’ll discover that we live in a fascinating world.

And while you’re on that journey, remember that the students who succeed in school find ways to get the work done even when they find the subject boring.

For example, if you don’t like math, consider that it isn’t just about numbers – it’s a way of thinking.

Reframing how you think about a subject will enable you to see it as more interesting. In turn, you’ll become a better student over time.

Excuse #9: Your teachers assign too much homework

Sometimes, it may seem like your teachers assign more homework than you can keep up with. You might even believe that what you’re required to do is unreasonable.

If you find yourself in this situation, take a moment to think about everything else you’re doing.

Are you managing your time well?

Are you struggling with a particular class?

Do you use memory techniques to enable you to learn faster ?

Instead of allowing homework to overwhelm you, try talking to your teacher, tutor, or parents to figure out the best way forward for you.

Excuse #10: You already have so much overdue homework

Procrastinating on your homework can lead to a significant pile-up of assignments. This will affect your confidence in being able to complete them.

What’s more, once you get a set of new assignments, you probably won’t know how to do them because you didn’t do the previous assignments.

This creates a vicious cycle where you tell yourself that there’s no point in completing your newly assigned homework because you still have the old ones to do.

When this happens, the likelihood of completing any of the work decreases.

If you’re in this situation, set a reasonable goal of keeping up with all the newly assigned homework while completing, say, one overdue assignment a day, or one overdue assignment every two days.

Excuse #11: You don’t believe you can get good grades

If you hate school, there’s a chance that it’s because you feel the pressure to be a straight-A student .

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be perfect. After all, there’s no such thing as a perfect student.

But you do have to put in the effort and get the work done. The rest will then fall into place.

If you’re doing your best, you’re doing great! Celebrate your progress and keep moving forward.

Take it one step at a time, and don’t worry too much about what grades you’re getting at the moment.

In closing…

There are many possible reasons for you not to finish your homework.

No matter what those reasons are, it’s important to know that the people around you want to help you succeed.

From teachers to parents to coaches, you have a support network to provide solutions to almost any obstacle you face.

Identify the excuses listed in this article that are relevant to your situation, and apply the suggested solutions.

If you do that, you’ll become a better and happier student who makes far fewer excuses related to homework!

' src=

July 7, 2022 at 12:13 pm

Thank you so much for this article. These were the problems I was struggling with. Now that i know the solutions to it ,I’m sure I’ll do better than before.

' src=

July 7, 2022 at 1:05 pm

You’re very welcome.

' src=

July 7, 2022 at 6:20 pm

I pray that may Almighty God grant you long life, more knowledge, sound health, rest of mind, wealth and happiness, so that you can witness your good impact in this World 🌍. GOD has made you a useful tool for every students and parents that is actually seeking success.

July 7, 2022 at 7:42 pm

Thank you, God bless you too!

' src=

July 27, 2022 at 9:29 pm

Thank you so much for this. I have found a couple of solutions for excuses I’ve made in the past. I needed this.

July 27, 2022 at 9:42 pm

You’re welcome.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What to Say When You Didn't Do Your Homework

23 March 2023

12 minutes to read

A person sits in a booth with their open laptop in front of them, holding their head in their hand and looking dejected.

  • 01. The Dog Ate It
  • 02. I Don’t Remember Getting any Homework
  • 03. I Thought it Was in My Bag
  • 04. I Didn’t Understand the Homework
  • 05. My Computer Crashed
  • 06. Too Much Homework from Another Class
  • 07. I was Absent When the Homework was Assigned
  • 08. Busy with Extra-curricular Activities and Volunteering
  • 09. I Was So Sick!
  • 10. Tell the Truth
  • 11. Bonus Excuses
  • 12. Excuses for Not Going to Work

Have you ever stumbled to class, filled with dread and wondering how you're going to explain why you don't have any work to turn in? Surely most - if not all students have handed in a homework assignment late, at least a few times (or more!). Equally likely: just about every learner had no assignments ready to turn it, late or otherwise. When that happens, so as not to get into trouble, pupils cook up excuses why they couldn’t complete their homework when scheduled or at all.

If these assertions leave you feeling like we're speaking directly to you... we are. Your parents, professors, teachers and, yes, even your Superprofs were once pupils, too. We know how school life is and how, sometimes, learners have no desire to do homework. Or, in some cases, how any of that work should be done.

A Superprof homework help tutor would render all of those points moot. With such a mentor, you would have no trouble understanding  your study materials or what is expected of you. You would not need any excuses because your work would get done on time, every time. But if you did need a good excuse, this article delivers:

  • time-tested untruths with a proven track record
  • updated stories to keep up with the times
  • a few completely novel tales you can tailor to your needs

Maybe you don't have a Superprof tutor (yet). Maybe, for you, excuses remain the order of the day. Here again, your Superprof rides to the rescue by providing you with a list of excuses. And be sure to read to the end, where you'll find some handy excuses to get out of work - because it's not just students who sometimes aren't prepared for the day's challenges.

The number one excuse for not doing your homework is "my computer crashed" or similar, tech-related issues. A teacher may still be annoyed with you, but we all know that technology can be unreliable and most of us have fallen foul to this at some point. You may get a sympathetic teacher.

If not, the following methods may work:

Rush

The Dog Ate It

Dogs don't usually eat homework

The go-to excuse for not doing homework has to be the one about the dog laying waste to students' carefully penned essays. Or carefully calculated equations. Even those whose school days are far behind them likely remember invoking this mythical beast, on occasion.

Who hasn't heard about that homework-hating dog that must eat every assignment? Or maybe it's a homework-loving dog who craves the taste of graphite and ink. Did you know this excuse is grounded in fact? The original dog who ate homework was allegedly Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise's pet fox.

The legend, written by Forrest Wickman, recounts that, back in the 6th Century, the saint's tame fox was tasked with taking Ciarán's writings to the monastery Master. These papers were bound in a leather strap. One day, the fox chewed through the strap, allowing the papers to fly away with the wind.

Over the centuries, dogs have been accused of eating everything. Including, in one story published in 1808, a playing card that would have lost its master the high-stakes game he was playing.

Bringing the narrative full-circle is the tale of an Anglican priest whose sermons tended to go on and on. Reportedly, he had to cut his preaching short one Sunday because a dog had gotten into his study and had eaten several pages of the sermon. As the story goes, the worshippers were delighted at spending less time in the pews.

The bottom line: despite its lengthy history, perhaps this is not the most subtle or workable of excuses. However, should you, in all actuality, have a dog… If all else fails, you could bring a few chewed-on pages as proof.

I Don’t Remember Getting any Homework

Oh, no! You forgot to write your assignment into your work planner and now, you have nothing to turn in! Forgetting to write down your assignments doesn't ranks among the best excuses but you can still make it work if you have decent acting chops.

the best excuses for homework

The trouble with you supposedly having a Swiss cheese memory about homework assignments is today's technology. Upon any claim of faulty memory on your part, your teacher will certainly ask if you checked with your mates. Even direr for you: what if your homework was assigned online , through your school's online learning portal? And you logged in, clearly indicating you knew there was work to be done?

On the other hand, if your teacher uses no web-based learning platforms ... You probably DO remember getting your homework, but s/he can't be sure of that, right? This particular excuse would work best if the whole class - or, at least a majority of your classmates proclaimed the same. Just don't use this excuse while waiting for exam results because your teacher will know that you're fibbing.

I Thought it Was in My Bag

If your bookbag is full and has lots of pockets, this excuse will work well

Leaving your assignment on your desk at home is one of the more believable excuses for not having any work to turn in. Or maybe you had to change bags at the last minute because the other satchel's strap broke. How unfortunate that you didn't check all of the compartments!

This particular excuse works for just about anything, from the money you owe a friend to the book you promised to return. And, of course, for not doing homework. It is particularly effective if you first dig into your backpack as you normally would. Nothing to see here, Teacher, just a diligent pupil, whipping out last night's work...

And then, more frantically, your fingers scrabble and scour every pocket, even as you cast panicked glances around the room. If you could work up an embarrassed flush, that would be the icing on the cake. This one is a great excuse, it’s worked for students everywhere, especially those who can work up a sweat or a few tears on demand.

I Didn’t Understand the Homework

Confusion is always a good excuse for not doing homework. Even the best students need clarification on particularly tough assignments sometimes. So saying you didn't do your homework because you didn't understand it is perfectly reasonable.

the best excuses for homework

Admittedly, this excuse works better for science, maths or questions-based homework rather than essays. That doesn't mean it won't fly if the assignment called for you to write at length, though. You might simply explain how you didn't quite get the idea of what you were supposed to write about.

This excuse hits two birds with one stone when you combine it with 'could you explain it to me?' . You'll get help with your homework and a deadline extension. That would be particularly helpful if you genuinely didn’t understand the homework assignment.

Beware of this pitfall: Teacher might ask if you talked with any of your classmates to see if they could explain what you were supposed to do. You might say that you asked your parents or an older sibling for help. But avoid mentioning any mate your teacher might know, just in case s/he tries to verify your story.

My Computer Crashed

the best excuses for homework

If you were looking for excuses for not doing homework, you could hardly do better than a computer crash. Since COVID, more schools have continued the trend of using web-based platforms to assign and turn in homework.

Thus, a whole new spectrum of excuses has opened up to the desperate, homework-lacking learner. Besides computer crashes, you might invoke pets and/or younger siblings breaking your laptop. Hackers, power failures and even that your printer ran out of ink could also serve you well.

Of course, that last will be the least effective excuse, especially if you are a serial homework offender . Your teacher may contend that you could have loaded your work onto a USB drive and taken it to a print shop. Beware too that, if no other student suffered a power outage , invoking that reason may force to veer into the 'parents didn't pay the bill' territory. That would be the only other reason that only you had no electricity to power your devices.

Too Much Homework from Another Class

Doing homework assigned in every class can be an hours-long proposition. So it's understandable that you might cut corners, particularly in assignments for classes you don't like. This lays the groundwork for one of the best homework excuses.

the best excuses for homework

This excuse would work best for college and university students. Primary and secondary school teachers usually have an idea of how much homework their colleagues assign. And, if they didn't, it would be a snap for them to check. They may start by asking your classmates; those worthies' responses might prove embarrassing for you.

Even if you lay out everything you did for that supposed other class, this story puts you and your teacher in a difficult position. On one hand, they might think: "Poor you, clearly you’ve been given far too much homework!". On the other hand, they may well contend that other teachers' assignments aren't their concern. They might not even care if you're preparing for your exams .

They might clap back by saying that you're a college/university student so you should manage your schedule and workload more efficiently. Still, this excuse might work if your professor is too inexperienced to know better or a bit on the negligent side. Best to not underestimate them, though. Keep this one in reserve for when you truly have nothing else to offer.

I was Absent When the Homework was Assigned

the best excuses for homework

Classroom overcrowding is a huge problem in the UK. But it lays the groundwork for one of the best excuses for not doing homework. Does your teacher waste precious class time calling the roll? If so, how do they know it's really you who answered?

Despite your attendance tick in the register, this story could still fly if you could convince your teacher you were in the loo when the assignment was announced. It would work particularly well if you are, indeed, a frequent visitor to the loo during class. And if you don't routinely excuse yourself from class, you may try to convince your teacher that s/he marked you present by mistake on that day.

Here again, your classmates would have to vouch for you. Failing that, you might rope your parents into providing a note explaining that, of course, you were absent on that day. You had to do something far more important than attending class.

Busy with Extra-curricular Activities and Volunteering

If you want to polish your civic image , saying you couldn't do any homework because you were helping others would be a sure bet. Especially in these post-COVID times! If you're too busy helping out in your local clinic to solve equations, you will be a star in your teacher's eyes.

Volunteering is a handy homework excuse and does good for your community

You might even use this excuse if you're late to school but you might find less favour if you claim team sports or group activities as your extracurricular activity. Even rowing, playing chess and singing in the church choir would be suspect. Choose the reason you're too busy for homework wisely. If volunteering is your excuse, it would be best to actually volunteer because if you get found out, your fall from grace would be twice as far.

I Was So Sick!

the best excuses for homework

Not so long ago, in the halcyon, pre-COVID days, being sick was a classic excuse for not doing homework . One could claim a 24-hour bug, food poisoning or come to class looking convincingly wan and plead a fever the night before.

 Not only would you be excused from turning in your assignments but you might have garnered a bit of sympathy. To say nothing of a handy extension on your deadline for turning work in. These days, if you claim you've been bedridden, feverish and unable to distinguish your cat from your sheet of homework... You're likely to land yourself in quarantine, missing out on classes and leisure activities alike.

If pleading illness is your go-to move to excuse yourself from turning in assignments on time, you would do best to stick with food poisoning. And even that claim is no guarantee you won't be sent home posthaste, driven by the worry that you're suffering from something far graver than a revisit of the pizza you had last night.

Tell the Truth

If you typically dole out excuses for not doing your homework, perhaps it’s time to pull out your ace in the hole – the truth. Honesty is still the best policy. Your teacher will appreciate the refreshing change from the usual bombardment of excuses.

the best excuses for homework

Use truth-telling when you’re feeling especially sincere (and desperate). Or, the best yet: tell the truth all the time. Of course, you wouldn't have to worry about recycling excuses if you knocked your homework out like the champ you are. And you wouldn't have to worry about failing exams , either.

Bonus Excuses

In case the all-time best excuses listed above don't suit you or you've used them all at least once this school year, here are a few extra excuses to try that might save you from the wrath of Teacher :

  • I left it at home
  • I dropped it in the sewer on the way to school
  • I left it in my other satchel/bookbag/binder/notebook
  • I was looking it over and left it on the bus
  • I let (insert name of classmate) borrow it and s/he didn't give it back  you may even claim that the treacherous friend turned your work in as theirs
  • My little brother/sister drew all over it (or used it to make a paper aeroplane, a boat, a nest for their guinea pig...)
  • My mother/father accidentally shredded it, along with other important documents
  • My parents were looking it over and forgot to give it back
  • My tutor accidentally packed it away with his papers
  • I spilled (insert name of a document-ruining food or beverage) all over it

Admittedly, for all that they are plausible, these are funny excuses for not doing homework. Your teacher may give you props for your inventiveness and, if the assignment wasn't critical, might give you a pass... this time. But if chronic homework neglect is your study style, be careful not to use the same excuse too many times. Otherwise, your teacher may not be sympathetic towards you should there ever be a legitimate reason for not doing your homework.

We hope these excuses for no homework have been helpful - or, at least, entertaining. Just remember that the more you use them, the more unbelievable they’ll become to your teacher. In fact, it may just be more advantageous (and easier) for you to do your homework and hand it in on time. But before you go, you might also need a few good excuses to get out of doing PE .

Excuses for Not Going to Work

the best excuses for homework

Finally, we get to the best excuses to miss work. As our excuses for no homework show, everyone needs a day off sometimes, even students. But then, students may also have jobs so they need believable excuses for missing work, too.

Whether that's the spot you're in or your school days are long past, it's always a good idea to have few good excuses to miss work at the ready. Obviously, being sick is the best excuse to miss work. COVID changed everyone's mind about flu-like symptoms so if you call in to tell your boss that's how you'll feel, you'll likely not catch any flack. Everyone wants you to stay away if, indeed, you are incubating that pesky virus.

You might also cite a family emergency as your excuse not to go to work. Here, too, pandemic echoes make the excuse believable. But if you worry about jinxing your family, say you have a home emergency, instead. Warm weather will make a burst waterpipe less believable but you could squeak by with a broken window or door that you can't leave unattended.

Does your workplace offer mental health days? If so, needing a mental health break is the best excuse for not going to work, provided you don't take half the week off. If your job doesn't offer that perk, citing your mental health could be just the thing for your boss to make mental health days a thing.

Transportation troubles is a good excuse for missing work but not if you live in an area with public transportation or if you live close enough to bike or walk to work. However, if you say you had some sort of accident on the way to work... Not that anyone got injured, thank goodness, but you have to take your ride in for an estimate. And if you do bike to work, you could say your bike was stolen.

If these perfectly reasonable excuses for not going to work are out of step with your character, you might need a few outrageous reasons for not going to work. Did a goose or duck bite you? Did pigeons use you for target practice on the way to work? Or you might have been in a hurry to start your shift but your uniform was still wet so you put it in the microwave and it caught on fire.

It's easier to understand needing an excuse for not going to work than one for not doing homework for school. Still, as you can see, the range of excuses is limited only by your imagination and, of course, how willing your teacher or boss is to believe them. So use your stock of excuses wisely so they'll have maximum effect.

Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!

the best excuses for homework

Joseph is a French and Spanish to English translator, language enthusiast, and blogger.

Cancel reply

Your comment

Current ye@r *

Leave this field empty

Avatar

Thanks! My teacher totally got pranked! ⛔ 📝🤩

you are going to get in trouble and fail school if you use these

O.M.G. I ALWAYS USE THESE AND THE OTHER DAY MY TEACHER CAUGHT ON TO ME AND THE CLASS SNITCH TOLD HIM THAT THERE IS A WEBSITE THAT GIVES YOU EXCUSES TO USE IF U DONT TURN IN YOUR HOMEWORK ON TIME. MY TEACHER CHECKED IT OUT AND REALISED THAT I HAVE BEEN TAKING EXCUSES FROM HERE. HE GAVE ME 7 DAYS WORTH OF DETENTION, HE SAID THAT IT WILL MAKE UP FOR ALL 78 HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS THAT I HAVENT HANDED IN. IM SO ANNOYED. 😡😡😡😭😭😭🤬🤬🤬

good ones I wood love some more good ones

I forgot do my science project and these helped a lot 😁

Thank my deputy head who is a geography teacher actually believed these

thats goooooooooooooood

Thanks ill defo try some! tell me it if works people in the comment sections pls!

I didn’t attempt my tests during online classes due to COVID. Now colleges are going to be open. What reason should I give to the teacher for not attempting tests. I am very scared.😓

maybe say you got covid?

Computer crashed, wouldn’t load or your having internet problems. If ur still doing it..

Funny excuses you find in comics… deffo gotta try them tho

I used it for my English assignment it really helped me!😁

I tried the “tell the truth” excuse and my teacher caned me! In future I will be informing her of the death of my late hamster. Rip Hammy. I will also try my own excuse, my pen decided to be transgender and for that reason I couldn’t touch it in case of sexual assault claims. Thank you Penina

😂😂that pen one is brilliant

Nice bro Thx

most of them will probably still get me a detention in my school, but i think the shredder and the bus one is good

it is good excuse but it did not work . and by the way Allah will not forgive me that i lie

You should just tell the truth never lie

Just do your H/W on the date it is given.

it aint that easy, i wish it was tho

yea so um i have tis HUGE assignment due tm but its lik 11 pm i need to go to sleep on top of that i have an exem tomorrow and lost my locker keys so im just gonna say “i did it but i left it at home i will bring it tomorow” but the problem is that i have to do it tomarow

Nice for every time excuse bro

Thanks so much to this website. It has been AMAZING!!! 😁😁😁

There’s one if you have a sibling I thought up if you don’t do your hw and it’s bin two days, my (brother/sister) accidentally put it in (his/her) rucksack. The next day you can say, when you get to school tell your teacher my (brother/sister) binned it. If it was printed say your printer broke.

Frequently asked questions

How do i get out of doing homework.

Tell your parents you’ll study at your mate’s house. Take your bookbag with you!

But then, you can go anywhere you want. If you do go to your mates’, you can play games or anything other than doing homework.

Is not doing homework illegal?

There is no law that says you have to do homework. However, you could get into trouble if you never do any because the school might decide to lower your marks for lack of participation.

What to Say When You Didn't Do Your Homework

9 minutes reading time

Excuses for not doing your homework

  • 01. The Dog Ate It
  • 02. I Don’t Remember Getting any Homework
  • 03. I Thought it Was in My Bag
  • 04. I Didn’t Understand the Homework
  • 05. My Computer Crashed
  • 06. Too Much Homework from Another Class
  • 07. I was Absent When the Homework was Assigned
  • 08. Busy with Extra-curricular Activities and Volunteering
  • 09. I Was So Sick!
  • 10. Tell the Truth
  • 11. Bonus Excuses

Have you ever stumbled to class, filled with dread and wondering how you're going to explain why you don't have any work to turn in?

Surely most - if not all students have handed in a homework assignment late, at least a few times (or more!). Equally likely: just about every learner had no assignments ready to turn it, late or otherwise. When that happens, so as not to get into trouble, pupils cook up excuses why they couldn’t complete their homework when scheduled or at all.

If these assertions leave you feeling like we're speaking directly to you... we are. Your parents, professors, teachers and, yes, even your Superprofs were once pupils, too. We know how school life is and how, sometimes, learners have no desire to do homework. Or, in some cases, how any inkling of that work should be done.

A Superprof homework help tutor would render all of those points moot. With such a mentor, you would have no trouble understanding  your study materials or what is expected of you, a teacher can recommend some homework tips . You would not need any excuses because your work would get done on time, every time.

Maybe you don't have a Superprof tutor (yet). Maybe, for you, excuses remain the order of the day. If that's the case, you need some pretty good reasons to not have completed your assignments. Here again, your Superprof rides to the rescue by providing you with a list of excuses - some with a proven track record of credibility and others adapted to our computer-driven era.

Cassandre

The Dog Ate It

We head our list up with the classic - who hasn't heard about that homework-hating dog that must eat every assignment? Or maybe it's a homework-loving dog who craves the taste of graphite and ink...

The original dog who ate homework was allegedly Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise's pet fox.

Dogs don't usually eat homework

The legend, written by Forrest Wickman, recounts that, back in the 6th Century, when the saint's tame fox was tasked with taking Ciarán's writings to the monastery Master. These papers were bound in a leather strap. One day, the fox chewed through the strap, allowing the papers to fly away with the wind.

Over the centuries, dogs have been accused of eating everything including, in one story published in 1808, a playing card that would have lost its master the high-stakes game he was playing.

Bringing the narrative full-circle, another religious man, in this instance an Anglican priest whose sermons tended to go on and on, reportedly had to cut his preaching short one Sunday because a dog had gotten into his study and had eaten several pages of the sermon. The worshippers were reportedly delighted at spending less time in the pews.

The bottom line: despite its lengthy history, perhaps this is not the most subtle or workable of excuses. However, should you, in all actuality, have a dog… If all else fails, you could bring a few chewed-on pages as proof.

I Don’t Remember Getting any Homework

The trouble with you supposedly having a Swiss cheese memory about homework assignments is today's technology.

Upon any claim of faulty memory on your part, your teacher will certainly ask if you checked with your mates. Even direr for you: what if your homework was assigned online , through your school's online learning portal - and you logged, in clearly indicating you knew there was work to be done?

If your teacher uses no web-based learning platforms ... You probably DO remember getting your homework, but s/he can't be sure of that, right?

This particular excuse would work best if the whole class - or, at least a majority of your classmates proclaimed the same.

You can effectively get homework done by simply setting up a calendar on your phone to avoid this sort of issue.

I Thought it Was in My Bag

This particular excuse works for just about anything, from the money you owe a friend to the book you promised to return. And, of course, undone homework .

It is particularly effective if you first dig into your backpack as you normally would - nothing to see here, Teacher! Just another diligent pupil, whipping out last night's work. .. And then, more frantically, your fingers scrabble and scour every pocket, even as you cast panicked glances around the room.

If you could work up an embarrassed flush, that would be the icing on the cake. " Of course you thought you packed it !", your teacher will think.

This one is a great excuse, it’s worked for students everywhere, especially those who can work up a sweat or a few tears on demand.

If your bookbag is full and has lots of pockets, this excuse will work well

I Didn’t Understand the Homework

This excuse works better for science, maths or questions-based homework rather than essays. That doesn't mean it won't fly if the assignment called for you to write at length; you might simply explain how you didn't quite get the idea of what you were supposed to write about. If you plan ahead of time there are many pointers on the best ways to complete homework assignments .

This excuse hits two birds with one stone when you combine it with 'could you explain it to me?' because you'll get help with your homework and a deadline extension , especially if you actually don’t understand the homework assignment.

Beware of this pitfall: Teacher might ask if you talked with any of your classmates to see if they could explain what you were supposed to do. You might say that you asked your parents or an older sibling for help but avoid mentioning any mate your teacher might know, just in case s/he tries to verify your story.

My Computer Crashed

With more schools turning to web-based platforms to assign and turn in homework, a whole new spectrum of excuses has opened up to the desperate, homework-lacking learner.

Besides computer crashes, you might invoke pets and/or younger siblings breaking your laptop, hackers, power failures and even that your printer ran out of ink. Of course, that last will be the least effective excuse, especially if you are a serial homework offender . Your teacher may contend that you could have loaded your work onto a USB drive and taken it to a print shop.

Beware too that, if no other student suffered a power outage , invoking that reason may force to veer into the 'parents didn't pay the bill' territory - the only other reason that only you had no electricity to power your devices.

Too Much Homework from Another Class

This excuse would work best for college and university students.

Elementary, Middle, and High school  teachers usually have an idea of how much homework their colleagues assign and, if they didn't, it would be a snap for them to check. They may start by asking your classmates; their responses might prove embarrassing for you.

Prioritizing which homework to complete is always a good excuse. Even if you lay out everything you did for that supposed other class, this story puts you and your teacher in a difficult position.

On one hand, they might think: "Poor you, clearly you’ve been given far too much homework!" but, on the other, they may well contend that other teachers' assignments aren't their concern and, being a college/university student, you should manage your schedule and workload more efficiently.

This excuse might work if your professor is too inexperienced to know better or a bit on the negligent side. Best to not underestimate them, though. Keep this one in reserve for when you truly have nothing else to offer.

I was Absent When the Homework was Assigned

Despite your attendance tick in the register, this story could still fly if you could convince your teacher you were in the loo when the assignment was announced. It would work particularly well if you are, indeed, a frequent visitor to the loo during class.

If you don't routinely excuse yourself from class, you may try to convince your teacher that s/he marked you present by mistake on that day.

Here again, your classmates would have to vouch for you. Failing that, you might rope your parents into providing a note explaining that, of course, you were absent on that day because you had to do something far more important than attending class.

Busy with Extra-curricular Activities and Volunteering

If you want to polish your civic, duty-bound image , saying you couldn't do any homework because you were helping others would be a sure bet.

Especially in these COVID times, if you're too busy doing senior citizens' shopping or helping out in your local clinic to solve equations or write dissertations, you will be nothing but a star in your teacher's eyes.

For the same reason - the coronavirus, it will be less believable if you claim team sports or group activities as your extracurricular activity. Even rowing, playing chess and singing in the church choir would be suspect.

Choose the reason you're too busy for homework wisely. If volunteering is your excuse, it would be best to actually volunteer because, if you get found out, your fall from grace would be twice as far.

Volunteering is a handy homework excuse and does good for your community

I Was So Sick!

Not so long ago, in the halcyon, pre-COVID days, being sick was a classic homework excuse . One could claim a 24-hour bug, food poisoning or come to class looking convincingly wan and plead a fever the night before.

Not only would you be excused from turning in your assignments but you might have garnered a bit of sympathy... to say nothing of a handy extension on your deadline for turning work in.

These days, if you claim you've been bedridden, feverish and unable to distinguish your cat from your sheet of homework, you're likely to land yourself in quarantine , missing out on classes and leisure activities alike.

If pleading illness is your go-to move to excuse yourself from turning in assignments on time, you would do best to stick with food poisoning... and even that claim is no guarantee you won't be sent home posthaste, driven by the worry that you're suffering from something far graver than a revisit of the pizza you had last night.

Tell the Truth

If you typically dole out excuses for why your homework is never done on time, perhaps it’s time to pull out your ace in the hole – the truth.

Honesty is still the best policy, after all, and your teacher will appreciate your telling the truth. It should be a refreshing change from the usual bombardment of (only somewhat believable) excuses.

Use truth-telling when you’re feeling especially sincere (and desperate). Or, the best yet: tell the truth all the time . Maybe to avoid all this, all you need is to focus more on your homework assignment .

Of course, you wouldn't have to worry about recycling excuses if you knocked your homework out like the champ you are...

Bonus Excuses

In case the all-time favs listed above don't suit you or you've used them all at least once this school year, here are a few extra excuses to try that might save you from the wrath of Teacher :

  • I left it at home
  • I dropped it in the sewer on the way to school
  • I left it in my other satchel/bookbag/binder/notebook
  • I was looking it over and left it on the bus
  • I let (insert name of classmate) borrow it and s/he didn't give it back  you may even claim that the treacherous friend turned your work in as theirs
  • My little brother/sister drew all over it (or used it to make a paper aeroplane, a boat, a nest for their guinea pig...)
  • My mother/father accidentally shredded it, along with other important documents
  • My parents were looking it over and forgot to give it back
  • My tutor accidentally packed it away with his papers
  • I spilled (insert name of a document-ruining food or beverage) all over it

Admittedly, for all that they are plausible, some of these excuses are quite funny. Your teacher may give you props for your inventiveness and, if the assignment wasn't critical, might give you a pass... this time.

If chronic homework neglect is your study style, be careful not to use the same excuse too many times. Otherwise, your teacher may not be sympathetic towards you should there ever be a legitimate reason for not doing your homework.

We hope these excuses have been helpful - or, at least, entertaining. Just remember that the more you use them, the more unbelievable they’ll become to your teacher.

In fact, it may just be more advantageous (and easier) for you to do your homework and hand it in on time.

Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating.

the best excuses for homework

Experienced writer with a love of developing stories and engaging readers. Jess is passionate about reading, learning and discovering new cultures through traveling.

Cancel reply

Your comment

Current ye@r *

Leave this field empty

Avatar

This helped my 9 year old daughter so much with her work many thanks!

Omg these are great except some of them are a little bad but most of them were EPIC

I put my homework on your desk yesterday because I finished it early. I don’t know what you did with it.

I once told my teacher I accidentally used it as fuel for the fire at home.

BEST WEBSITE EVER

These are pretty good! You practically saved my life here.

the best excuses for homework

12 of the Funniest Excuses for Not Doing Your Homework

the best excuses for homework

Homework is something that a lot of students choose not to do, even though they know they can get into a lot of trouble for skipping it. If you’re an educator, you’ve probably heard an unlimited number of excuses from your students, and some of them might have been absolutely hilarious.

From a student’s perspective, homework can be a serious obstacle to doing things they love, such as meeting with friends, playing video games or watching their favorite TV shows. In fact, a Chinese study found that more than 70 percent of schoolchildren don’t like homework .

Who’s going to want to do that math homework or write college papers when a new Marvel comic book has just been released, right?

So, when students begin to realize that they won’t complete the homework in time, they try to come up with believable excuses, which can be extremely creative, weird or funny.

So, to celebrate the inventive excuses students use to get out of homework, we’ve gathered some of the best from across the internet in the list below, enjoy.

1. “My brother’s friend , who came to our house yesterday, said he could eat paper, and I didn’t believe him. So he decided to show how much paper he could eat and grabbed my homework right out of my desk. I didn’t see that it was my homework and realized that it was too late.”

2. “ My dad needs a paper shredder for work, and it was delivered to our house yesterday. He wanted to show us how it works and mistakenly took my homework and destroyed it.”

3. “ My mom once said that she wanted my best homework framed. When I completed all the work yesterday, I said to her that it was the best because I did everything right, even the tasks for extra credit. Today, I couldn’t find it so I went to my mom. She said she had to have it framed because it was my best homework!”

4. “ I didn’t do my homework because I figured I’d do it tomorrow, because I’ll be older, and therefore be wiser, then.”

5. “ Yesterday, I didn’t have time to complete the homework because I was at the rally all day. The rally was calling for an increase to teacher pay, so I had to be there.”

6. “ To be honest, I didn’t do my homework because I know how heavy your current workload is and I didn’t want to add to it. I thought that I could give you some more free time.”

7. “ Well, incredible story. I was going to school this morning and it was very windy. I carried the homework in my hands, but it slipped out of them and blew away. I tried to chase it for a couple of blocks, so that’s why I’m late to class.”

8. “ While I was getting ready for school this morning, I was putting some books inside my backpack. When it was time for my homework, my mom said she needed to see me in the kitchen right away. I went there, and when I came back, my homework wasn’t there. Clearly, my dad accidentally took it to work because his briefcase was next to my backpack.”

9. “ I was in the school yard when I heard some student saying bad things about you. I felt like that should let him know that he was wrong. It would be wrong to hurt him, so I thought a good way was to throw something at him. I quickly looked through my backpack, but the only thing I could find was the homework I had to submit today. After hesitating a bit, I let him have it. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find it afterward; someone must have taken it.”

10. “ My grandpa was on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” yesterday, so he asked me if I would be available for a call if he didn’t know an answer and had to call a friend. I absolutely had to be there for him, so I didn’t have any time to complete today’s homework.”

11. “ After completing my essay yesterday, I looked at my assignment once again and realized that it was so good that it could make other students in the class feel bad about theirs. I decided not to hurt their feelings and left it at home. What can I say, I’m a great essay writer .”

12. “ I was sunbathing near the pool yesterday and doing the homework at the same time. When I was about done, something pushed me forward and I dropped my work right into the pool. It was so wet I couldn’t put it together, so I don’t have it right now.”

Just a Drop in the Ocean

The amount of homework is steadily increasing , so more and more students are finding creative excuses to avoid it. We collected just a small amount in this article, but there are literally thousands of excuses like these, and students keep coming up with new ones.

Hope these excuses brighten your mood right for the rest of the day!

Lucy Benton is a writing coach, an editor who finds her passion in expressing own thoughts as a blogger. She is constantly looking for the ways to improve her skills and expertise. Lucy also has her own blog, Prowritingpartner.com , where you can check her last publications. If you’re interested in working with Lucy , you can find her on Twitter .

  • procrastination

Daniel Reed

Leave a reply.

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related Posts

An illustration of how positive procrastination looks.

Positive Procrastination — Never Heard of It? Well Now You Have

in an article containing study tips, someone writing on a piece of paper on their desk

5 Tips To Study Better at University

someone studying or doing coursework on a laptop

How To Stay Motivated With College Coursework

in an article about homework, a picture of textbooks

Homework Hacks: How To Do College Assignments Faster

An illustration of a woman watching StudyTube videos for an article about how StudyTubers can be harmful. (Illustration by Sonja Vasiljeva, San Jose State University)

StudyTubers May Be More Harmful Than Helpful for College Students

Photo of a girl procrastinating for an article about Coursera and Psychology of Learning. (Photo by Tony Tran from Unsplash)

‘Psychology of Learning’ Offers Winning Strategies for Studying and Acquiring Knowledge

Productivity YouTube

Watch These 4 YouTube Channels to Be More Productive This Semester

StudyTube

YouTubers on ‘StudyTube’ Share Homework for a Living

Don't miss.

For an article about 'Bluey,' a blue background features the outlines of a snout and two ears. The words "What's the obsession with Bluey?" appear on the front.

What’s the Obsession with ‘Bluey’?

In an article about "the chosen," a Jesus figure is hand-drawn with a multitude of fishes around.

Hit Indie Series “The Chosen” Announces Season 4

In an article about online aesthetics, vines entangle a person's hand while they hold their phone and scroll through images.

Online Aesthetic Stifles Individualism

In an article about autumn songs, a black vinyl sits against a goovy retro 70s background.

10 Songs Perfect for Any Fall Playlist

For an article about writergram, a person writes on a notebook. A square reading "How to Write a Short Story" and another saying "Weird Writing-related things I did when I was younger" are shown.

The Write Side of Instagram

logo

Common Excuses for Not Doing Homework

High school, college, and the university is a transition period in one’s academic and professional journey fraught with doing homework. Not everybody likes sitting down and doing assignments, while others have their best lives in college. If you are among those who continuously seek ways to get away with not doing your homework, our article will give you tips that will make you score the best grades even without attempting the homework. You will find an explanation of some common excuses and tricks that your equals are using, top of the list is hiring someone to do it for you.

Every deadline violation is met with brutal force. In most instances, it can either be a warning, deduction of some percentage points, or assignment of an F (fail). Instructors give homework to assess many things, key among them being time management. The other aspect of assessment is the acquisition of knowledge or knowledge transfer.

Out of the many ways to escape not doing homework, hiring an academic ghostwriter can save your grades and reputation.

Given that assignments are burdensome, most students opt not to do them at all. Some who attempt it lazily end up at the very grade band as those who did not attempt at all, so what is the cure to this.

Best Excuses for not doing your homework on time

While others might struggle to do their homework, some students find it time-consuming, challenging exercise, and others feel that homework should be banned.

After surveying many college students, we present some of the common excuses they use for not completing their assignments.

In the act of helping students express themselves for not doing homework, we address how to do it right and sound genuine. Here are some believable excuses you can give for not attempting an assignment. However, be ready with documentation where necessary:

1. “I forgot my homework or assignment.”

This is now a cliché; many homework tracking apps can remind you of homework. I doubt if any professor or instructor falls for this.

2. “I was unwell.”

As a student, you can be taken ill sometimes. One reason could be due to the stress due to long study hours, working while studying, and having many assignments. Even when valid, some teachers do not trust students unless you produce a doctor’s appointment or a prescription. Thus, this can be preceded by a call home to your parents or guardians for confirmation.

3. “My laptop crashed.”

In the digital age, blended learning and online learning have taken their root pretty well. However, this is a poor excuse in this day and age for not doing homework. A teacher can say that you had enough time to borrow a laptop or repair yours. Saying this only exposes your poor time management skills. Unless the task was to be completed with a computer, you have all the time to complete an assignment.

4. “I was absent when the homework was given.”

Maybe you were sick or had some emergency. If there is documentation to support, you can go on and use this excuse for not doing homework.

5. “I had an overwhelming number of homework and assignments for different classes to complete.”

If you fall under this category, you can be excused, but only with enough evidence. But this should not be the case as we can help you do your homework. You can always pay someone to do your homework .

6. I was watching the Superbowl finals

Although this sounds absurd, in a world where talent pays more than education, your professor might spare you if you explain yourself well. Just be honest and tell them you were watching a favorite team play and you could not resist the temptation of escaping doing your homework.

Did you know that endless excuses can put you into professors' and instructors' bad books? Are you also aware of the extent to which websites that help you do homework can help?

GradeCrest is a premium essay writing service that can always step in to help you avoid giving excuses for not attending groups or doing your assignments.

Other Silly Excuses for not completing Homework

We call them silly because they are reasons that even you doubt whether a full instructor or a professor will buy.

  • “I was participating in extra-curricular activities (sports, debate, or volunteering).”
  • “I did not understand the homework. I reached you, but you failed to respond.”
  • “The dog ate my homework.”
  • “My younger brother poured water on my printed.”
  • “I thought I had copied the homework to my portable storage but seems I left it on my desktop.”
  • “I sent the homework but did not wait for the ‘submitted’ message.”
  • “I had serious food poisoning and had to stay home.”
  • “The computer was infected by ransomware, and I couldn’t raise the ransom.”
  • “I just did not feel like doing the homework. I was stressed.”
  • “I accidentally shredded the printed paper.”
  • “I was taking care of my grandparents.”

Planning an Excuse for not Completing Assignments? Consider These Facts!

It could be that you have genuine excuses for not doing homework. However, how you present the excuses could be costing you trust. If your excuses have not been working, here are some strategies.

  • Avoid bringing excuses every time . If you cannot complete your homework on time, pay someone to help you. It is best that you have a backup plan.
  • Always have supporting documents. If you were sick, try as much as possible to get prescription receipts and appointment letters from the doctor. If your computer broke, a genuine note from the technician could save you.
  • Do show that you are genuinely sorry. When explaining why you failed to turn in an assignment or homework, use facial expressions and body language that shows you are sorry. If possible, ask for a second chance or late submission and do your best to submit the homework on time.
  • Maintain honesty. Sometimes it is a class you hate or it is that one subject you seem not to crack. All the same, be honest with the professor or instructor. Sometimes having candid conversations around an issue can bring a lasting solution. If you were invited to a party or was out camping with friends, let your teacher know. Explain to them why you prioritized other issues over your assignment or doing your homework.
  • Never get caught, so cover-up. If you are going to give excuses for not doing homework, share any messages, photos with friends, or videos with family on social media. It helps you build a case against not doing homework. Your professor is human and might understand.

Irresistible Ways to Get Away without Doing Homework and Score Top Grades

Top of our recommendation on getting away with not doing homework but scoring an A for it is to hire a professional homework helper. You can also give the excuses we have discussed above, submit the wrong file, drop the class, retake the class, ask for late submission, or forget about school altogether.

However, the most subtle and assured way is to hire a professional writer who will work on your papers faster, update you on the progress, and give you reasons to have the best college life.

1. Field the best excuse

As a first resolve for not doing homework, students always rush to give excuses. We have explored some of the best excuses you can give your instructor and escape the homework pot.

While some excuses might work, others will make you look dumb. You need to present your excuses by making them believable persuasively.

As you go the excuses way, remember not to give an excuse that looks like a plain lie. For instance, you cannot say your parents locked your keys inside the house and left while the instructor is your neighbor or a friend to your parents.

Vividly, lame excuses would only land you into more trouble for not attempting your homework. As you deliver the excuse, appeal to the logic, emotions, and ethics. Yes, use rhetorical appeals to convince your professor.

You can even say you were volunteering to feed the homeless when it rained, and you could not get home on time. Sometimes saying that you were visiting your sick relative could also help.

In short, while you brainstorm about reasons for not completing assignments, do not settle for lame excuses – they are a sellout.

2. Apply for Late Submission

So you are in the middle of a party, a weekend getaway, or a serious interview, and you notice that your homework is due in a few hours, what would you do?

The first thing is to try not to panic. The second thing is to compose yourself and assess if you can write a paper or essay fast. If you cannot beat the deadline, you can then write a letter to your professor requesting a late submission.

In most cases, the late submission is better than no submission at all. Even though your grades will be slashed, it is better than having a Fail.

If you have commitments that hinder you from completing an assignment, such as being a nurse or a police officer on duty, you need to express your professor's concerns.

You can tell the professor that even though you had planned to deliver the assignment, you were caught up in some issues and can only send it in late. Once you choose a reason, stick to that one reason to help you get away with not doing your homework on time.

3. Hire a professional Homework Helper

When faced with stringent deadlines, a challenging instructor, and a whole early adult life to explore, doing college homework is the last thing that comes to your mind. But it is a reality you contend with soon as you register for any class.

Hiring a professional ghostwriter to complete your assignments and homework puts you ahead of 80% of the students who struggle to write papers. It is also a proven method of not doing your homework but still scoring the best grades.

A homework helper can also come in handy when the task you are assigned is technical. For instance, when assigned a research, thesis, capstone, or dissertation proposal, the chances are that a professional ghostwriter will do it faster and better than you would. Our website has professional writers who are always ready to do your assignments at a pocket-friendly price.

The best part yet! A professional writer will handle even your last-minute homework and deliver quality papers that will secure you the best grades. Only hire a professional writer from a credible website like GradeCrest.

To determine the legitimacy and reliability of any paper writing service, focus on the ratings, age, interaction, design of the website, content on the website, and the positive reviews. Above all, ask if your confidentiality and privacy is 100% guaranteed.

4. If things look bad, Drop the Class

To get away with not doing homework, you can opt to drop the entire class. However, there is a catch to this – dropping an important class might hurt your transcript and GPA.

If it is a minor class that adds nothing to your papers if push comes to shove, drop it by any means for your peace of mind. Again, you will need to have a sober and convincing reason explaining why you have resolved to drop the class.

5. Let someone take your online class

Paying someone to take your online class can also be a solution to not doing homework. A professional writer or scholar who takes your online class will handle your quiz, essays, research papers, term papers, discussion posts, and responses and ensure that you get away with not doing homework but score the best grade for it.

Instead of entirely deferring or postponing a class, which could have implications, you can pay a professional to handle your online class. That way, you shift the homework burden to your homework doer who does it professionally with a guarantee of better grades.

As someone does your online class, you need to read hard and follow up on what they have written. Revise with their papers and adopt their professional tones to avoid cheating again on online exams.

When someone is doing your online class, including homework, you can invest the free and unlimited time on other important issues.

Parting Shot

Our recommendations here on the best excuses for not doing homework might seem farfetched or trivial, but they can save you a grade/GPA. Sometimes you can find it hard to submit an assignment or do homework on time. Maybe it is because you have this ‘lit’ party that you can’t afford to miss. Other times it is work stuff, and we all know work-study-life balance is tough to achieve and maintain.

Gradecrest.com is your trusted website that helps you do your homework. We handle all types of essays and papers. When you want a research paper, we are best to pay to do your research paper. If it is an essay, we have the best essay writers for hire .

Still, we are the best case study writing website . Never let it escalate to the point where you are giving excuses for not doing homework.

We are an online writing agency the types your essays on time. Besides, the privacy of our clients and the safety of their data are well-enforced. You can safely process payments on our website.

Are you ready to get homework assistance now? Please place an order with us!

Still in doubt on how we can help you, read on how essay writing websites help students and people .

the best excuses for homework

Gradecrest is a professional writing service that provides original model papers. We offer personalized services along with research materials for assistance purposes only. All the materials from our website should be used with proper references. See our Terms of Use Page for proper details.

paypal logo

Better Responses

Make Better Connections With Better Conversations

48 Best Excuses For Not Doing Homework

  • September 12, 2023

Last Updated on September 12, 2023 by Ketan

No, you can’t use ‘I’d a fever’ as the best excuse for not doing homework. 

Because someone already has the same reason. And it’s too regular. 

Also, blaming a dog for biting out your assignment book is totally unbelievable.

Then you may ask, what to say when the teacher asks ‘Where’s your homework?’ 

Well, don’t worry to help you out in such a situation, we provide you with all the fresh, believable excuses to give. 

That your teacher will accept it as a valid reason for missing your assignment.

( Note: This is just for entertainment purposes. Please don’t make a habit of relying on these excuses every day. Better if you do your homework on time.) 

Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework

You know you must do your exam on time.

But you didn’t get the right time or mood to actually sit and complete it. 

Whether you’ve played all day, overslept, or just not doing homework anyway, you need something to say to your teacher as a valid reason. 

Have these good reasons to convince your teacher why you came to school without the homework. 

Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework

1. Someone told me that the date of submission is extended. 

2. I have done my homework, but I forget where I put my notebook. 

3. We have surprised guest visitors and they stay the whole day. 

4. Because I didn’t know where to start, I’m unable to complete the homework.

5. There’s some fixing work going on at my home, especially in my room. 

6. I was about to do homework, but I don’t understand a thing.

7. There were some other priorities. More important than homework.

8. I have a reason, but I can’t share it with you, please believe me. 

9. I’ve misplaced the notebooks, still unable to find them. So I couldn’t complete it. 

10. There was a rumor that you were on leave today.   

11. I had no time for homework because there are so many things going on at home. 

12. My family and I were out of the city the entire day yesterday and we returned late.

13. After school, I have to work at our family business. My dad already trained me for it.  

14. I forgot my bag here so I’m not able to complete it at home. 

15. Thought I would do it late at night, but I slept quite earlier than usual. 

16. My entire day went into doing some extracurricular, and I didn’t get time for homework.

READ NEXT:  Great Comebacks For Your Kids

Funny Reasons For Not Doing Homework

Well, some excuses are so ridiculous that they make your teacher and your fellow students laugh. 

Indeed, there is a risk of you appearing dumb in front of your class. 

But because it’s a hilarious and creative reason, it might still work in your favor. 

Or at least to come up with new excuses than anyone else can think of.

Funny Reasons For Not Doing Homework

1. It was my birthday yesterday. And, I don’t want to celebrate it by doing just homework.

2. My parents brought a pet for me. So I played with him the whole day. 

3. After I completed my homework, my sibling ripped my assignment apart. 

4. I’ve to babysit my lil brother with nobody at home to take care of us. 

5. I was lost in the mall while going shopping with my mum and found it in the evening.

6. My elder sibling has thrown my assignment book in the trash.

7. Our cousin used my homework to make a paper plane and they just flew it.

8. My family wants me to go to a boarding school, so I’m just getting ready for it.  

9.  I was looking for the right time to get it done, but I didn’t get it . 

10. My mom and dad fought and the entire day went on just to settle things down. 

11. My grandparents visited our home yesterday, and I’ve been busy with them. 

12. Because there is so much homework for different subjects, I can’t do any of them. 

13. My internet went off while you’ve given the assignments to us. 

14. I accept that I didn’t do my homework now, but I promise to complete it tomorrow. 

15. There’s some family issue going on at home. So, I’m unable to complete the assignment.

16. My dad took my bag for some reason and today I have to come with a spare bag.

Believable Excuses For Not Doing Homework

Whatever reason you are about to give for not completing your assignment, your teacher will judge it logically. 

So you just can’t share any reason that’s on your mind. 

Be careful with your reasons or excuses before saying why you didn’t do your homework. 

If you want some believable reasons that your teacher can’t deny, here’s the whole list of them. 

Believable Excuses For Not Doing Homework

1. I asked my dad to help me with my homework, but he doesn’t know a thing either. 

2. I’ve saved my assignment, but I don’t know where it is now. The file is lost on the PC. 

3. I was forgetting to save my homework and all the work was just gone. 

4. There were system errors on my PC. So it was not possible to do homework. 

5. My computer just got hacked and I must delete everything including homework. 

6. I felt the pain in my writing hand, and now I’m feeling better. 

7. After school, we had to go to some event and I lost my bag somewhere there. 

8. I thought today was a holiday. So I didn’t do it.

9. Remember I told you that my computer is in repair, the technician hasn’t returned it. 

10. I’ve been at an important event with my family and came back this morning. 

11. It was my sister’s marriage, so I was not able to complete my homework. 

12. I was stuck in the giant toy car the whole day and not able to do homework later. 

13. We bought a new TV. So, me and my brother watched our cartoon the whole day. 

14. I was helping other kids in school to complete assignments, but I forgot mine. 

15. My notebook fell into our swimming pool and I couldn’t save it in time. 

16. It’s not my dog, but my cat peed on my notebook. I couldn’t bring my notebook today, but I will tomorrow.

READ NEXT:  Smart Responses To Every ‘Why?’ Question

We all agree that we have the entire day to do it, but the best time to do homework is ‘the last hour’ before submission. 

But sometimes you can’t even do your homework in that precious time, too. 

Because you don’t want to do it, or just give up. 

When you fail to do or submit your assignment last time, you need some good excuses for not doing homework that your teacher could believe and accept. 

We hope we’ve suggested the best reasons to share to be safe this time. 

But Hey, next time you do your homework properly, Right? 

This list covers last-minute excuses to get you another chance. 

Hope this frees you from any punishments or embarrassment at school. 

But, promise us, that you will do your homework on time from now on. We don’t want you to use these excuses anymore, too.

  • Recent Posts

Ketan

  • 17 Better Responses To “You’re Not My Type” From A Girl Or Guy - November 11, 2023
  • 8 Clever Responses To “It Won’t Happen Again” - November 8, 2023
  • 7 Funny Replies To “How Can I Help You?” - November 3, 2023

Hi, there ! It’s nice to meet you.

Sign up to receive upcoming content, as we post..

Check your inbox to confirm your subscription.

the best excuses for homework

Specialized in marketing, with 'communication' as a favorite subject, Ketan P. is a head writer at 'Better Responses'. He loves to share his unique perspectives and ways to make everyday conversations a bit 'lively'.

You may also like...

Good Responses To Pleasure Doing Business With You

7 Good Responses To “Pleasure Doing Business With You”

Sassy Replies To You’re Innocent Compliment

12 Sassy Replies To “You’re Innocent” Compliment

Formal Replies To What Are You Doing

8 Formal Replies To “What Are You Doing?” At Work

the best excuses for homework

  • Next 16 Best Replies To “Hey Handsome”
  • Previous 12 Witty Responses To Sarcasm (That Gets On Your Nerves)
  • How It Works
  • Write my homework
  • Sociology assignments
  • Excel homework
  • Online exam help
  • Take my online class
  • Online test help
  • Java homework
  • Hire a nerd
  • Python homework
  • Science homework
  • C++ homework
  • Case study assignment
  • Matlab homework
  • Math assignments
  • Algebra homework
  • Geometry homework
  • Chemistry assignments
  • Physics assignments
  • Statistics homework
  • Programming Assignment
  • Linguistics assignments
  • History assignments
  • Economics assignments
  • Accounting homework
  • Computer science assignments
  • English assignments
  • Finance assignments
  • Homework answers
  • Biology assignments
  • Homework tips
  • Buy assignment
  • Do my homework for money
  • Solve my homework
  • Assignment writer
  • College homework help
  • Academic subjects
  • Nursing assignment
  • Psychology homework
  • Literature assignment
  • Trigonometry homework
  • Marketing assignment
  • Engineering assignment
  • Business homework
  • Calculus homework
  • Law assignment
  • Assignment writing service
  • Discussion board post
  • Best homework help websites

What Are The Popular Homework Excuses Of Students?

homework excuses

Talk about homework, and you will have all the guns of criticism pointed towards you. When you type ‘hw excuses’ on the Google search bar, millions will pop up in seconds; if not, thousands of results will pop up. It implies that there are many excuses for not doing homework from students and professionals as well.

We explore different homework excuses and discuss their validity. But should students even complain about homework at all? I mean, it’s something meant to help them better their grades.

However, let us first discuss the bad and good homework excuses.

Table of Contents

Good excuses for not doing homework, excuses for late homework submission, best excuses for missing school, good excuses to miss practice.

When students fail to do their homework completely, here are some good excuses for missing homework that they give:

  • My computer crashed

The technological advances in the education sector have made it possible for online learning using computers. It means that students have to prepare and finish their homework using their computers.

However, machines are prone to failure, and crashing is one of them. Therefore, this can be one of the best homework excuses since it is something the lecturer can identify with directly.

  • There was a power blackout at home

Electricity is one of the essential amenities for all homes. With homework, one needs a proper lighting and a good internet connection.

There are times where power blackouts occur in the whole neighborhood, and you cannot finish your homework. It is a great homework excuse that you can get away with immediately.

  • It rained the whole evening

Weather is one of the natural phenomena that man has no control of in any way. There are times when it rains for hours without stopping.

As a result, you might get home late or develop a cold, which may hinder you from doing your homework well. You can give this excuse and have your way.

  • I had an extra responsibility on my plate.

High school and college may take up some responsibilities at home. Some of this might including washing the dishes or looking after your siblings.

Your parents might get home late, which means you have to take up some extra roles that may make you forget your homework. With your parents’ backing, this can be one of the best reasons for not doing homework.

Sometimes you might complete your homework on time, but you cannot submit it when required. Below are some of the best homework excuses for late submissions:

  • There was a traffic snarl-up

Mondays and Fridays are some of the busiest days on the roads. The result of this is traffic jams which may make you arrive late in school, thus not submitting your homework.

An understanding lecturer can take this excuse and let you walk away Scott free.

  • I forgot my homework book at home

You can complete your homework on time but forget the book at home, which means you won’t present the homework on time.

Using this excuse, you can convince your lecturer that you indeed forgot your book at home with the completed assignment.

  • I did not understand the question well

Not all homework assignments are the same. Some technical questions may require more research.

Telling your tutor that you took more time because you didn’t understand it can save you greatly.

  • I had too much homework

There are times when you have a pile of homework, which is all due the next morning. Therefore, you can start with the manageable ones and ask for more time from your tutor to complete the remaining.

When you think of the long lectures and tight schedules in school, you might opt to skip a day or two. Look at the following best excuses for missing school that work well for college and university students.

  • I had a bad day

Ladies can easily get away with such an excuse. You can tell your lecturer that you had a migraine after experiencing your monthly periods. Female teachers can spare you on this, but it may not work on male lecturers.

  • I attended my monthly dental checkup

It is easy to tell your lecturer that you found a long queue at the dentist, which went on until late in the afternoon. With the dentist’s letter at hand, this can be an impressive excuse for missing class.

  • I was busy with an extra-curricular activity or volunteering somewhere

College and university students work in part-time jobs to get an extra penny. Sometimes work may be overwhelming and force you to work deep in the night. You can give this excuse to your professor and abscond school.

  • I attended a seminar or conference

For university students, seminars and workshops are an essential part of their learning. You can tell your head of the department that you attended a two-day seminar somewhere which made you miss school.

Are you looking for good excuses to miss practice because they are boring? Try out the following:

  • I am not feeling well

Because you are not feeling, you will not be able to participate in the practice session. It will work on most trainers.

  • I am not good at a particular sport

Athletics in college calls for students to participate in one sport or the other. If games are not your thing and you are thinking of absconding, you can show your illegibility and have your free time.

  • The weather is not conducive today

You can say that you are allergic to a particular, extreme weather condition and miss a particular practice session.

  • I have a project to submit

College and university students can easily get away with such an excuse. You can say that you are supposed to meet your supervisor at that time.

Can You Do My Homework Fast?

Are you tired of giving excuses for not doing your homework or feel that you do not have good excuses to miss practice?

Get quality online homework help today at cheap rates.

who invented homework

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

the best excuses for homework

  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Curious Desire

Quench Curiosity

Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework [Complete Guide]

October 16, 2023 by Ammar

When the pile of homework seems insurmountable, having valid Excuses for Not Doing Homework can be a lifesaver. In this straightforward guide, we provide practical and genuine reasons for students who find themselves unable to complete their assignments.

Whether it’s unexpected personal challenges, technological issues, or the need for additional time to grasp complex concepts, these authentic excuses enable students to communicate their circumstances responsibly. Say goodbye to the stress of incomplete assignments and hello to a more effective way of addressing homework challenges.

Table of Contents

30 Stunning Excuses for not doing homework

In the world of academics, when homework piles up and time runs short, having “Stunning Excuses for Not Doing Homework” can be a game-changer. In this concise guide, we present innovative and genuine reasons that students can employ when faced with the daunting task of unfinished assignments.

Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework [Complete Guide]

Whether it’s unforeseen personal hurdles, technological setbacks, or the need for additional resources to tackle complex topics, these remarkable excuses empower students to communicate their challenges responsibly. Say farewell to the stress of incomplete assignments and embrace a more effective way to manage academic pressures.

Here are some excuses which are given below:

1. I WAS SICK

It’s a classic excuse, and being genuinely ill can indeed hinder homework completion. When using this excuse, it’s crucial to convey your sincerity to your teacher.

Mention specific symptoms or even a doctor’s note if possible. Teachers are generally understanding when it comes to health issues, so don’t be afraid to ask for an extension or extra help catching up on missed work .

If you’re not genuinely sick , consider the ethical aspect. Faking illness is not recommended, and it’s essential to maintain trust with your teachers. Instead, try to manage your time better to avoid last-minute homework crises.

If you use this excuse often, consider discussing a homework plan with your teacher in advance to accommodate potential health-related setbacks.

2. MY COMPUTER CRASHED

In today’s digital age, computer problems can indeed disrupt homework. To make this excuse believable, ensure your computer isn’t working correctly before using it.

When you explain this to your teacher, be honest about the issue and express your frustration. They may offer an extension or suggest alternative ways to complete the assignment .

Regularly back up your work to avoid losing it due to technical problems. If you do encounter a computer issue, try to resolve it as quickly as possible to minimize disruption.

3. MY INTERNET DIED

A loss of internet connection can be a genuine obstacle for online research or submission. If your internet goes down, contact your teacher promptly and explain the situation.

Ensure that your teacher understands the necessity of internet access for the specific assignment. In the meantime, you can try to complete any offline portions of your homework.

Always have a backup plan for internet access, such as using a mobile data connection or a nearby library, to prevent this excuse from becoming a recurring issue.

4. I BROKE MY ARM

Physical injuries like a broken arm are tangible and easily verifiable excuses. If you’ve suffered such an injury, provide medical documentation or even a picture of your cast.

Remember that honesty is essential. Faking an injury is not recommended, as it can lead to serious consequences and damage your credibility with teachers.

Use this excuse only when it’s genuine, and focus on your recovery. Homework can wait when you’re dealing with a real injury.

5. THERE WAS A DEATH IN THE FAMILY

A family tragedy is a serious and believable reason for missing homework. If you’ve experienced a loss, notify your teacher as soon as possible. They will likely be understanding and give you the time you need to cope.

However, consider the ethical implications of using this excuse falsely. Faking a family death is highly inappropriate and can have severe consequences.

Be prepared to provide some documentation or information about the situation, but remember that you’re not obliged to share more than you’re comfortable with.

6. MY BAG GOT STOLEN

Having your belongings stolen is an unfortunate incident that can disrupt your ability to complete homework. If this happens, report it to the appropriate authorities and inform your teacher.

Provide details about what was in your bag and explain the urgency of the situation. Teachers are generally sympathetic to theft-related issues.

Take preventive measures, like using a locker or keeping valuable items in a secure place, to reduce the likelihood of theft .

7. I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT

Car accidents can lead to physical and emotional trauma. If you’ve been in one, ensure your safety is the top priority and seek medical attention if necessary.

When informing your teacher, be honest about the impact of the accident on your ability to complete homework. Mention any physical or emotional distress you’re experiencing.

Only use this excuse when it’s valid, and prioritize your recovery over homework.

8. I HAD TO WORK

Many students have part-time jobs to support themselves or their families. If work commitments prevent you from completing homework, discuss your situation with your teacher in advance.

Explain the importance of your job for your financial stability and your commitment to your studies. Most teachers will be accommodating if they know your circumstances.

Plan your work schedule carefully to minimize conflicts with homework deadlines. Communication with your employer and teacher is key.

9. I GOT STUCK BABYSITTING MY YOUNGER SIBLINGS

As an older sibling , babysitting responsibilities can occasionally interfere with homework. Explain to your teacher that your family relies on you for childcare and that it’s a temporary situation.

Highlight your commitment to your family while also emphasizing your commitment to your education .

Try to create a schedule that balances your babysitting responsibilities and homework time to avoid last-minute issues.

10. PRACTICE RAN LATER THAN USUAL

Extracurricular activities like sports or band practice can extend beyond their expected duration. Inform your teacher about your commitment to these activities and the unexpected delay in returning home .

Express your dedication to both academics and extracurriculars. Teachers often appreciate students who are involved in school activities.

Communicate with your extracurricular coach or advisor to manage your time effectively and avoid conflicts with homework.

11. I HAD A FAMILY EMERGENCY

In cases of genuine family emergencies, such as a sudden illness or accident involving a family member, it’s essential to inform your teacher as soon as possible. Provide details about the situation and ask for an extension if needed.

Be honest and considerate of your family’s privacy while explaining the circumstances to your teacher.

Keep lines of communication open with your teacher and be prepared to provide documentation, if requested, to verify the emergency .

12. MY PET REQUIRED IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION

Pets are like family to many people, and their health issues can be concerning. If your pet needs urgent care , let your teacher know and explain the situation.

Be sure to provide any necessary documentation from the veterinarian or proof of the emergency vet visit . Ensure your pet’s well-being and then address your homework responsibilities.

13. I’M FACING TECHNICAL ISSUES WITH A SPECIFIC SOFTWARE

Sometimes, homework assignments may require specialized software that experiences technical glitches. If you encounter such issues, report them to your teacher and provide specific details about the problem.

Teachers generally understand that technology can be unreliable and may offer alternative solutions. Troubleshoot technical problems proactively and seek help from IT support if needed.

14. I HAD A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

Mental health is as crucial as physical health . If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, inform your teacher honestly and express your need for time to address your well-being.

Seek support from a counselor or mental health professional, and consider sharing this information with your teacher to ensure understanding. Prioritize your mental health and seek assistance from a healthcare professional.

15. I WAS VOLUNTEERING FOR A CHARITY EVENT

Volunteering for a worthy cause is commendable. If your volunteer work unexpectedly extended into your homework time, explain your commitment to community service and ask for an extension.

Highlight the valuable skills and experiences gained through volunteering. Balance your volunteering commitments with your academic responsibilities by planning your schedule effectively.

16. MY NOTES WERE STOLEN

If you’ve taken thorough notes for your homework but they were stolen or lost, report the incident to your teacher and request an extension to recreate your work.

Be honest about the situation and express your dedication to completing the assignment. Make digital copies of important notes to prevent loss or theft.

17. I’M EXPERIENCING FAMILY CONFLICT

Family conflicts can be emotionally draining. If you find yourself in the midst of such a situation, communicate with your teacher about the emotional strain it’s causing.

Mention your commitment to resolving the conflict and your intention to complete the homework. Seek support from a trusted adult or counselor to navigate family conflicts more effectively.

18. MY NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERIENCED A NATURAL DISASTER

Natural disasters can disrupt daily life . If your area is affected, inform your teacher about the situation, including power outages or evacuation requirements.

Share your concern for your community’s safety and well-being. Prepare an emergency kit and have backup plans for studying during power outages.

19. I’M DEALING WITH A SERIOUS MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS

If you or a family member receives a serious medical diagnosis, let your teacher know about the situation and the emotional impact it’s having on you.

Emphasize your commitment to managing the situation and maintaining your academic responsibilities. Seek support from healthcare professionals and consider discussing accommodations with your school’s guidance counselor.

20. I’M EXPERIENCING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH MY SCHOOL’S ONLINE PLATFORM

Technical issues with your school’s online platform can be frustrating. If these problems prevent you from accessing or submitting homework, report them to your teacher.

Explain the specific challenges you’re facing and request alternative submission methods or an extension. Keep records of technical issues, including error messages, to help troubleshoot and support your request for an extension.

21. I’M TRAVELING FOR A FAMILY EVENT

Family events like weddings or reunions can lead to travel and time constraints. Notify your teacher in advance of your travel plans and discuss the potential impact on your homework.

Express your commitment to your family while recognizing your academic responsibilities. Plan your travel and homework schedule carefully to avoid last-minute conflicts.

22. I LOST MY WORK DUE TO A FILE CORRUPTION

File corruption is an unexpected technical issue. If it happens, report it to your teacher and explain the circumstances.

Express your frustration and ask for guidance on how to recover or recreate your work. Regularly back up your files to minimize the risk of data loss.

23. I’M FACING A LANGUAGE BARRIER

If you’re learning a new language and struggling to understand the homework, reach out to your teacher for assistance.

Explain the language barrier and your commitment to improving your language skills. Seek additional language support, such as tutoring or language classes, to overcome barriers more effectively.

24. MY CALCULATORS OR SUPPLIES WERE STOLEN

Missing calculators or essential supplies can hinder your ability to complete math or science assignments. Notify your teacher and explain the situation.

Request an extension to acquire replacement supplies or borrow from a classmate. Keep your school supplies secure and consider labeling them to prevent theft.

25. I’M EXPERIENCING A POWER OUTAGE

Power outages can disrupt access to computers and study resources. If this occurs, report it to your teacher and explain the circumstances.

Request an extension or ask for alternative methods of submission. Have backup lighting and study materials available for such situations.

26. I’M STRUGGLING WITH A PERSONAL CRISIS

Personal crises, such as a breakup or a challenging family situation, can be emotionally taxing. Communicate with your teacher about the crisis and its impact on your ability to focus on homework.

Express your commitment to resolving the personal crisis and maintaining your academic responsibilities. Seek support from trusted friends , family, or counselors to navigate personal crises effectively.

17. I’M EXPERIENCING A HOUSING INSTABILITY

Housing instability can create stress and uncertainty. If you’re facing this issue, inform your teacher and discuss the challenges it poses to your homework completion.

Emphasize your commitment to resolving housing instability and your dedication to your education. Connect with housing support services in your community to address the instability more effectively.

28. I’M STRUGGLING WITH TIME MANAGEMENT

Sometimes, students struggle with time management and find themselves unable to complete homework due to procrastination or over commitment to other activities.

Acknowledge the issue and ask your teacher for guidance on improving time management skills. Consider seeking assistance from a teacher or counselor to develop effective time management strategies.

29. I’M FACING TRANSPORTATION ISSUES

Lack of reliable transportation can be a barrier to completing homework, especially if you rely on public transportation. Notify your teacher about transportation challenges and their impact on your ability to access resources or attend school.

Request support or accommodations to address transportation issues. Explore carpooling, biking, or walking as alternative transportation methods when possible.

30. I’M STRUGGLING WITH MOTIVATION

Sometimes, students experience a lack of motivation , making it challenging to complete homework. Be honest with your teacher about your motivation struggles and ask for strategies to stay on track.

Express your desire to overcome this issue and succeed academically. Seek inspiration from classmates, teachers, or online resources to boost motivation and focus on your studies.

These additional excuses and tips should help you address various situations that can hinder homework completion. Remember to prioritize honesty and open communication with your teachers, and seek support when needed to overcome challenges effectively.

Resources Consulted For Research On This Article

  • What are the best excuses not to do homework? – Quora
  • What are some best excuses for not doing your homework? – Reddit
  • best excuses for not doing your homework – Medium

25 Best Excuses for Not Doing Homework: Debunking the Myths

dog ate my homework

For as long as we can remember, homework has always been a component of school life. It is an essential tool for enhancing classroom learning, refining study techniques, and getting ready for tests. But occasionally, finishing homework can be difficult and daunting. Some students turn to make-up justifications in these circumstances to completely evade the assignment. Although using an excuse to avoid doing your homework may seem like a fast fix, it might hinder academic development and personal improvement.

We seek to dispel the misconceptions around the “Excuses for Not Doing Homework” that frequently circulate among students in this blog post. We will provide you with useful advice on how to help your students deal with homework difficulties and establish appropriate study habits so that you won’t have to resort to justifications.

1. “I forgot to do my homework.”

Although forgetting to complete your homework is a frequent justification, it’s vital to keep in mind that time management and organization are crucial skills for success. Try the following to remember your assignments:

  • Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of due dates.
  • Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to make them less overwhelming.

2. “I didn’t understand the assignment.”

Schoolwork can occasionally be difficult or unclear, which makes this justification enticing. Try these steps instead of ignoring the assignment:

  • Review the instructions and ask for clarification from your teacher or classmates.
  • Research the topic online or consult additional resources to gain a better understanding.

3. “My internet was down, so I couldn’t conduct any online research.”

Online research is a necessary component of many projects in the modern digital world. However, problems with internet access might happen. What you can do is:

  • Inform your teacher about the internet problem and request an extension if necessary.
  • Utilize offline resources, such as textbooks or reference books available at your school or local library.

4. “I had a family emergency.”

Unexpected family crises might throw your schedule off. However, it’s crucial to get in touch with your teacher and look for other options:

  • Inform your teacher about the situation as soon as possible.
  • Discuss the possibility of an extension or make-up work.

5. “I didn’t have the required materials.”

Not having your textbooks, notebooks, or other necessary resources might make it difficult for you to finish your assignment. To get through this defense:

  • Double-check your bag before leaving school to ensure you have all the necessary materials.
  • Keep a checklist of essential items for each class and refer to it before leaving school.

6. “I was too tired to do my homework.”

It makes sense to feel worn out after a full day of academics and extracurricular activities. However, it’s crucial to put your academic obligations first. These suggestions can help you fight fatigue:

  • Take short breaks and engage in physical activity or relaxation techniques to rejuvenate yourself.
  • Ensure you have a consistent sleep schedule and aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

7. “I didn’t have enough time to finish my homework.”

Success in academics depends on good time management. Even if it could feel as though there aren’t enough hours in the day, good planning and organization can enable you to schedule time for homework. Think about the following:

  • Create a daily or weekly schedule that includes dedicated homework time.
  • Prioritize your assignments based on urgency and importance.

8. “I had other significant obligations.”

For students, juggling several obligations is a regular difficulty. You must, however, give your academic obligations priority. Here are some tips for handling your responsibilities wisely :

  • Plan and allocate specific time slots for each commitment, including homework.
  • Learn to say “no” when necessary and avoid taking on more responsibilities than you can handle.

9. “I didn’t have access to a computer or printer.”

Your ability to finish assignments that call for access to a computer or printer may occasionally be hampered by technological challenges. Here are some substitutes:

  • Utilize public computers at your local library or community centers.
  • Ask your school if they have computer or printer resources available for students to use.

10. “I participated in extracurricular activities or practiced sports.”

Sports and extracurricular involvement are key educational components, but it’s crucial to maintain a healthy balance. Think about the following advice:

  • Communicate with your coach or activity leader about your homework commitments.
  • Plan your schedule, ensuring you have dedicated time for both homework and extracurricular activities.

11. “I had a doctor’s appointment.”

Medical appointments are sometimes unavoidable but always important. However, it’s crucial to prepare ahead of time and organize your schoolwork properly. Think about the following actions:

  • Inform your teacher in advance about the appointment and inquire about any missed assignments.
  • Prioritize completing your homework before or after the appointment to stay on track.

12. “I didn’t have the necessary resources or materials at home.”

Although a problem, there are workarounds if there aren’t enough resources. Consider these options:

  • Visit your school or local library to access the materials you need.
  • Collaborate with classmates and arrange study sessions where you can share resources.

13. “My online platform was experiencing a technical problem.”

Even while technical difficulties might be annoying, you shouldn’t allow them to keep you from finishing your homework. Take the following actions:

  • Reach out to your teacher or the technical support team for assistance.
  • Use alternative devices or browsers to access the online platform.

14. “I had a family celebration or event.”

While attending family gatherings and activities is vital, it’s also crucial to strike a balance between your obligations and your academic obligations. Take into account this advice:

  • Plan your time effectively and allocate specific periods for homework before or after the celebration.
  • Communicate with your family about your homework commitments and ask for their support.

15. “I had no idea it was an assignment.”

The secret to successfully managing your schoolwork is to be informed and organized. Follow these recommendations:

  • Pay attention in class and actively listen to announcements or instructions regarding assignments.
  • Develop a system to track and record homework assignments, such as a planner or digital calendar.

16. “I had lots of homework from other classes.”

It might be difficult to manage several tasks from various classes, but it’s crucial to set priorities and manage your time well. Think about the following suggestion:

  • Create a schedule or to-do list that outlines all your assignments and their respective deadlines.
  • Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and tackle them one at a time.

17. “I didn’t have a quiet place to study.”

It might be tough to concentrate and do assignments in a loud atmosphere. To make a setting that is conducive to studying, try these techniques:

  • Find a quiet area in your home, such as a designated study corner or a library.
  • Use noise-canceling headphones or play instrumental music to drown out distractions.

18. “I had other work responsibilities or a part-time job.”

Finding a balance between a job and schoolwork might be difficult, but it is achievable. Think about the following ideas:

  • Communicate your availability and scheduling preferences to your employer.
  • Plan your work hours around your homework schedule and allocate specific time slots for studying.

19. “I wasn’t feeling very well.”

There are measures you can take to control the problem, however, illness might make it difficult for you to do your homework:

  • Prioritize rest and focus on your recovery to prevent further health issues.
  • Communicate with your teacher about your condition and inquire about missed assignments or extensions.

20. “I experienced a personal crisis or emotional problems.”

Personal problems and emotional challenges might make it difficult for you to focus on your assignments. Here is how to overcome such difficulties:

  • Reach out for support from trusted friends, family members, or school counselors to help you cope with the situation.
  • Communicate with your teachers about your circumstances and explore potential accommodations or extensions.

21. “I had a computer problem”

Computer technical difficulties might be annoying, but they shouldn’t serve as a regular justification. To solve this problem, think about the following strategies:

  • Troubleshoot the issue by restarting your computer or seeking assistance from tech support.
  • Utilize alternative devices, such as a smartphone or tablet, to access necessary resources or complete assignments.

22. “I went on a social outing or event with friends.”

While keeping up your social life is vital, it’s crucial to strike a balance with your academic obligations. Here’s how to locate a neutral position:

  • Plan your social outings and allocate specific time for homework beforehand.
  • Communicate with your friends about your homework commitments and request their support.

23. “I didn’t find the homework assignment interesting.”

Even if not every task will hold your attention, it’s important to approach it with the proper attitude. Take into account these tactics:

  • Find ways to relate the assignment to your interests or goals.
  • Seek guidance from your teacher or classmates to gain a better understanding of the assignment’s relevance.

24. “I had a family duty or responsibility.”

Even while family duties might be time-consuming, it is feasible to achieve a balance between them and your academic requirements. Try these things:

  • Communicate with your family about your academic responsibilities and seek their understanding.
  • Plan your time effectively by setting aside dedicated periods for homework.

25. “I didn’t think it was necessary.”

You could occasionally ponder the significance or relevance of a specific homework assignment. It’s important to understand the benefits of discipline and constant practice, though. Think about these viewpoints:

  • See homework as an opportunity to reinforce what you’ve learned and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
  • Recognize that completing assignments demonstrates your commitment to learning and your academic growth.

We have emphasized the need of accepting responsibility for academic responsibilities by disproving the “25 Best Excuses for Not Doing Homework.” Instead of making excuses, success will be paved by establishing productive study habits, time management abilities, and proactive communication.

Remember that while excuses may provide short-term solace, they ultimately impede development and advancement. Students may overcome homework difficulties and meet academic objectives by having a proactive mentality, asking for help when they need it, and remaining focused.

So let’s set such justifications aside, adopt a cheerful outlook, and pursue assignments with tenacity and diligence. Dedication to studying will pay off in the long run and advance your success as a whole.

Stacey Wonder

Related Posts

friends holding hands together

WAIT! Do you need help with your essay?

Enter your email to get 15% off your first order.

gift

The discount is in your inbox.

New User? Start here.

Funniest Excuses You Can Cite for Not Doing Your Homework

blog author name

Table of Contents

The life of students is quite funny. As teachers keep assigning tasks to students, they keep on coming up with innovative excuses at the same pace. While the excuses were limited to health and family issues a decade back, today’s students are getting more creative with justifications.

Some of them are believable, while others are not.

Doing homework helps one get acquainted with the topic, which helps in gaining knowledge and performing well in exams. The fact that good assignments lead to elevating grades is not new, yet students make excuses for not doing it.

Some common reasons include insufficient time, electricity breakout, or health issues. Once in a while, it can be true, but some students have adapted to the habit of making excuses.

Today we are going to share some of the funniest, most relatable and most believable excuses that students come up with for not doing their homework.

Let’s start off with the common and general excuses

Excused Related to Technical Difficulties

Let’s look into some of the common technical difficulties which students face which lead them to

  • Computer or internet issues

In this digital era, most work is done online on computers. Relying online to gain exclusive facts and looking through journals and articles are common. Students who do not have proper resources will have trouble framing assignments.

” Sorry, sir, my internet was not working. Hence I couldn’t complete my essay on time”.

  • Printer or scanner problems

Not having printer or scanner can be another trouble. Images, papers, and materials are needed need to be printed as hard copies for smooth functioning.

“My printer got stuck, so I had to go to the repair shop. It took all my time, and I cannot complete my homework on time”.

Excused Due to a Lack of Understanding

  • Difficult assignment or unclear instructions

Every student has that one subject which makes their faces sulk. When assigned to those topics, students feel confused and face hurdles like researching, organizing, writing and even editing.

Even unclear instructions on the assignments can blur clarity. Students need direction on the assignments to follow, and without it coming up with unique ideas can be a big task.

  • Challenging subject matter

One can be good in chemistry but not in maths; others can be good in maths but not chemistry.

There is always that one subject which is extremely difficult to comprehend. To avoid doing assignments on those, students often find excuses to avoid doing it.

Excuses Stemming from Personal Reasons

  • Family emergencies

Some students also face family emergencies due to which they cannot complete assignments on time. Death, sickness and too many responsibilities can be a few reasons.

“My grandmother got ill last night suddenly. Hence, I am unable to submit my paper on time.”

  • Illness or health issues

Students cannot complete assignments due to death, sickness and too many responsibilities too. Sudden emergencies in the family or even ill health of students can affect the time for homework composition.

“My migraine has been getting worse for the last few days. My doctor has recommended avoiding paperwork for now.”

Legit Excuses Due to Time Constraints

Facing time constraints is one of the most common reasons for students for late submission.

  •   Overwhelming workload

“I am still trying to settle in my dorm. As soon as I am done, I promise to submit all my pending tasks.”

Native students studying abroad must focus on their studies while filling up the gaps in their personal lives. They have tremendous pressure on studies, mental well-being and health, limiting the time to focus solely on assignments.

  • Extracurricular activities or part-time job

“I was working the whole night due to my night shift. My assignment is complete, but it still needs finishing touches. Please allow me a day to make it up to the work.

Students with more responsibilities on their shoulders also take up part-time jobs. And some follow other interests through extracurricular activities. Both jobs and extracurriculars lessen the time that could have been utilized to focus on academic tasks.

The Most Creative Excuses Ever

Now let’s get into some of the creative excuses which students have come up with recently

  • Pet destroyed homework

“Sir, my cat scratched my notes”. Or ” Sir, my dog spilt food over my homework”. 

These may sound funny, but pet parents suffer through these issues and sometimes it can make a good excuse for them.

  • Pet swallowed or hid homework

Students who are new to having pets can have their homework swallowed, which is not a good scene. Even if this does not always happen, it makes up for a funny excuse.

“My cat scratched and ate my entire homework”

“I was playing with my dog and he suddenly found my assignment and hid it in a secret place”

Environmental Excuses for Not Doing Homework

Over the years, we have seen a lot of concerns regarding the environment and sustainability. Here is how students have started using environmental issues as excuses for not doing homework:

  • Natural disasters affecting homework completion

Students who live in areas prone to earthquakes, floods or landslides can come up with the excuse of being unable to complete due to natural calamities.

“There was a landslide due to heavy rain and it has done tremendous damage to the property including my homework”.

  • Power outages or blackouts

Power outage is quite common in rural areas. Those who face frequent electricity breakouts and do not have alternative means to make up for it can also use a lack of electricity as an excuse.

“Due to poor electric conditions we have a blackout the entire day due to which I could not work on my homework”.

Bizarre and Unconventional Excuses

  • Alien abduction

“I was doing my homework when I saw a UFO outside my window. I glared at it when I suddenly saw a strange. I ran away from the room and came back with a bat. But found out that my window was open and my homework was gone”. I guess aliens can read and write.

  • Time travel mishaps

I decided to take a nap on Sunday and then do my homework. I woke up after 2 hours, did my homework, and did my usual daily chores. The next thing I knew, it was Monday morning, and I had not completed my homework. I guess I was dreaming or travelling in time which should have been the future”.

Yes, it sounds funny, but students also use these as excuses.

How to Make Your Excuses Believable? Strategies for Using Excuses

Unless your excuse is believable and matches your story, you would get caught up in your lies due to loopholes due to poor planning.

” Mam, I need 2 days to work on my homework because my father is ill “  is something which needs a sad tone rather than a cheerful tone.

Hence body language, tone and the way you appear matter too.

Having an expression of remorse to show guilt but being ready to take responsibility also brings huge change.

However, we would always suggest students be a bit more responsible and ask for help rather than making excuses. There will always be that one friend, sibling or teacher who can help you overcome the genuine troubles you face during assignment composition.

Consequences of Giving Excuses and Alternatives to It

Everything comes with consequences. Although making up excuses may look like you got saved, there will be certain downsides which you will notice in the end.

Those who get into the habit of making up excuses end up being deceptive and ineffectual. In the long run, they are unreliable and do not learn anything. Skills, talents, and knowledge are some that such students face.

Growing up, we all have faced ups and downs, and sometimes legitimate reasons make us use excuses. Even in the worst situations, it would be better to be transparent and seek extra time and help honestly rather than make up false excuses. If not stopped, this habit can deeply get embedded in the personality, affecting one greatly.

A good way of giving up on doing homework-related excuses is by developing good study habits. Have a good timetable and follow proper time management skills to get work done on time. Students who do not take education, time and vitality seriously will always look for excuses.

By now, you know some of the obvious and creative excuses students can use. Some are specific and sounds believable, while others hang on the thread of rationality. But at the end of the day, they are all excuses which are means of running away from doing academic tasks.

Although it sometimes gets difficult to focus on all kinds of assignments, students should learn how to beat the cons rather than being a pro at lying. Being honest with their studies and homework will benefit them in the future and make them more responsible. Coming up with excuses is an indirect way of adopting lies that can affect the personality in the long run.

Students should be encouraged to work with honesty and offered sufficient time to work on their tasks. Those lacking efficient time and resources often come up with these excuses which could be lessened if professors and parents are willing to assist students.

The Stupidest yet Funny Excuses for Not Doing Homework

The list of making excuses does not end there. Here are some of the other funniest excuses which we have heard from students for not doing homework:

  • I was doing my homework on the rooftop for fresh air. Suddenly a gush of strong wind came and blew my assignment.
  • I kept my homework on the table. My servant thought it was just a piece of paper and threw it away.
  • My instincts told me that if I did my homework today, I would fail the final exam; hence I didn’t do it.
  • I knew my English essay was the best, so I didn’t bring it in to let other students have their time to shine.
  • I asked (a friend) to bring my homework, but he didn’t come today.
  • I went to my grandma’s house and left it there.
  • My sister was sobbing in the bus station, and I had no tissue paper. So I gave her my papers to console her.
  • My house had a gas leak, and I couldn’t go in to get it.
  • I put it in my bag this morning; a pickpocket must have stolen it.
  • Sorry sir, I forgot the last deadline date.

Stupidest Excuses for Not Doing Homework to Use with Your Parents

If you want some excuses which involve your parents to sound more believable, then here they are:

  • My father had diarrhoea, and he took my assignment as we had no tissue paper. That’s the last time I saw it.
  • My mother is sick, and I was helping her with house chores.
  • My father told me to work on my physics assignment rather than history because I wanted to be an astronaut.
  • My little sister had locked it in her piggy suitcase, and we couldn’t find the key.
  • My father mistook my file for his and took it to the office.
  • I went to my grandfather’s home over the weekend in the countryside, and he buried it as we had no wood.
  • We had a big fight last night, so I could not dedicate time to assignment making.
  • It was my parent’s anniversary, so I was planning a good dinner for them.
  • My sister had a toothache, so I had to rush her to the hospital.
  • My parents were not home last night, and I looked after my younger siblings.

Stupidest Excuses for Not Doing Homework to Use with Your Classmates

Here are some of the funny excuses which we see students make with their classmates

  • I fought with a friend, and she tore my homework.
  • I bought it to school, but now I can’t find it, someone must have stolen it.
  • My friend told she would bring my homework, but she is absent.
  • My friend promised to help me with my homework, but she didn’t.
  • My friend and I decided to do our homework together but couldn’t due to last-minute family emergencies.
  • Two of my friends and I were planning to do it together. Since one of my friends could not complete her part, our thesis is not done.
  • My project mate is out of town. Hence our project would need some extra time.
  • My classmate left our homework at his house and couldn’t find it the next day.

What are the best excuses for not doing homework?

Ans. Some of the best excuses for not doing homework are:

· I couldn’t complete it due to a lack of research material

· My mother was ill. Hence, I had lack of time

· I got caught up in life roles and responsibilities, so my work was incomplete.

· It was raining heavily and we had a leak on roof spilling rain water on my task.

· I switched my assignment with my brother.

· I was at sports practice.

What to tell your teacher when you don’t do your homework?

Ans. When students do not do their homework, they come up with innovative excuses which can be related to health, electricity, family problems or even personal ones. Such as

· I had fever so I couldn’t do my homework.

· We just got a new pet hence I did not have time to do it

· We are having renovation at home so I could not do my essay.

How do you write a letter to your teacher with your best excuse for not doing your homework or classwork?

Ans. A letter to a teacher should always be formal. State why you cannot submit your assignment, followed by a sincere apology along with the scheduled dates on which you will be submitting your work.

How can I excuse my teacher for not doing homework?

Ans. Some of the best excuses to make for not doing your homework are:

· I couldn’t do my homework because I was sick

· I broke my leg last night

· My father was sick

· I confused the dates and didn’t bring my assignment today.

How do I apologize to my teacher for not doing homework?

Ans. Sincerely apologizing by telling the real reason would help students get more extended time with honesty. Students who lie end up make more lies until they are caught, which leads to a bad reputation.

Mark

Hi, I am Mark, a Literature writer by profession. Fueled by a lifelong passion for Literature, story, and creative expression, I went on to get a PhD in creative writing. Over all these years, my passion has helped me manage a publication of my write ups in prominent websites and e-magazines. I have also been working part-time as a writing expert for myassignmenthelp.com for 5+ years now. It’s fun to guide students on academic write ups and bag those top grades like a pro. Apart from my professional life, I am a big-time foodie and travel enthusiast in my personal life. So, when I am not working, I am probably travelling places to try regional delicacies and sharing my experiences with people through my blog. 

Related Post

icon

Writing Get your essay and assignment written from scratch by PhD expert

Rewriting: Paraphrase or rewrite your friend's essay with similar meaning at reduced cost

Editing: Proofread your work by experts and improve grade at Lowest cost

Enter phone no. to receive critical updates and urgent messages !

Please upload all relevant files for quick & complete assistance.

  • Featured Post
  • Popular Post

icon

Get original papers written according to your instructions and save time for what matters most.

A Conscious Rethink

30 Good Excuses To Get Out Of Something (That Are Believable)

young woman texting a good excuse to get out of something

Do you need a good excuse to get out of something? You’re in the right place.

For the purpose of this article, we’ll assume that you want to reject someone close to you, like a friend asking you to go out or a loved one asking you to spend time with them.

However, if you carefully follow the steps below, you’ll be able to get out of anything. Plus, you can be honest, avoid hurting anyone, and feel guilt-free about it.

You can even use some of these excuses in your professional life and with acquaintances, not just friends and family. Keep reading to learn how to tailor them based on your specific circumstances.

But let’s start with the list of excuses you can use to get out of something you just don’t want to do.

30 Excuses To Get Out Of Going Somewhere Or Doing Something

  • “Sorry, I’m not feeling so well.”
  • “Sorry, I have a lot of work to do right now.”
  • “I wish I could, but my family came to visit unexpectedly.”
  • “I’m sorry, but I totally forgot that it’s my cousin’s birthday today.”
  • “I’m sorry, but I already made plans with my family that I totally forgot about!”
  • “My partner is having a crisis, and I really need to be there for them right now.”
  • “Sorry, but I’m running behind on work, and I might get fired if I don’t do all this on time.”
  • “To be honest, I’m exhausted these days, and I don’t think I can bring myself to go out.”
  • “Sorry, my friend just asked me for help with something, could we see each other some other time?”
  • “I wish I could, but I can’t find anyone to take care of my pet, so I’ll have to reschedule.”
  • “Sorry, my loved one is having an emergency and I really have to be there for them right now.”
  • “Oh god, I totally forgot about our plans, I’m so sorry! I hope we can reschedule.”
  • “I have an early day tomorrow, so I’ve got to get to bed. Maybe we can do this next week instead.”
  • “My house is a mess, and I really need to get my life in order before making any more plans. Sorry about that; I hope you understand.”
  • “I hurt my ankle while hiking, so I’ll be in bed for a few days. I’ll let you know when I’m back on my feet and we’ll get together then!”
  • “My car broke down, and so did I. I’m really not in the mood to go out right now, sorry.”
  • “I wish I could, but I’m currently broke. Please be patient while I get my life in order.”
  • “You wouldn’t believe the day I had; I can’t bring myself to see anyone right now. Let’s talk a few days from now.”
  • “Last night was crazy, and I don’t have the energy to get out of bed today, hope you understand. Sorry for the late response.”
  • “Something came up at work, and with the traffic, there’s no way I can make it, sorry about that, let’s reschedule.”
  • “I have to be honest with you, I really don’t feel like it today, hope you can understand, I’m going through some things and will get back to you as soon as I’m on my feet again.”
  • “I have a deadline, and it can’t wait. Let’s talk once I clear my schedule.”
  • “I have a lot of meetings today, and by the time they’re all done, I’ll be exhausted. So let’s do this another time.”
  • “I caught something, and I might be contagious, so let’s stay safe and see each other once I’m feeling well again.”
  • “I lost my wallet with my ID, so going anywhere is really hard for me right now, but let’s talk again when I sort this thing out.”
  • “My roommate/partner and I got into a huge fight, so give me some time to sort all this out, and we’ll talk later.”
  • “To be honest, I’d rather just stay home and get cozy, life hasn’t been easy on me lately.”
  • “I ran into my ex today and it floored me emotionally, so I really need some alone time right now, hope you understand.”
  • “I have to go to the doctor’s to get some test results, I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”
  • “I’m waiting for the delivery guy, ordered something really important and can’t miss the chance to get it as soon as possible, let’s rain check please.”

How To Use These Excuses

1. be ready for follow-up questions..

Whichever excuse you use, be prepared for questions.

“I’m having a personal issue that I need to urgently tend to,” would probably be enough for a boss or a coworker not to ask you more about it. But if it’s a loved one, they may want to know the details. This is why some of the examples on the list include specifics to help you navigate follow-up questions.

You need to be prepared for follow-up questions, so decide how honest you want to be. For instance, saying, “I had a one-night stand, and I’m at the hospital waiting for the results because I might have an STD,” could be rephrased into, “I have to go to the doctor’s to get some test results, I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”

However, if you say this, the person will probably have follow-up questions, so you could even say, “I’m down with a cold.”

When something is a health issue, you could make it general, and people likely won’t ask you more about it.

However, be careful with using health issues if they’re not real. If you’re feeling sick every Sunday night, the person is going to realize that the issue is not about your health at all.

“I’m going through something personal that I don’t want to talk about,” is a good excuse if it’s true. So consider staying in the “honest zone” when coming up with your excuses.

2. Choose a general excuse or a specific one.

Depending on how honest you want it to be, pick a general excuse or a specific one. “I don’t want to go out” can be rephrased into, “I just want to be by myself today, sorry for the late response, hope you have fun, and we’ll do it another time.”

A good excuse to not hang out might be: “I’ve just been under a lot of stress lately, and it’s getting to me, so I don’t feel like it. I’m sorry. Let me get back to you when I’m on my feet again.” The only question is, how honest do you want to be with this person?

A generic excuse, like the first one on the list above, will work a charm. However, they’re often like literally saying the words “generic excuse” to the person after they ask you to do something. So, if you frequently use generic excuses (especially if fake), the person is going to give up on asking you to do things. Therefore, consider being as honest as you can be and get specific with your loved ones, but rephrase if necessary.

3. Use details with loved ones.

“I don’t feel like getting out of bed and going out,” could be changed by saying, “To be honest, I’d rather just stay home and get cozy, life hasn’t been easy on me lately.” Or, “I just popped open a bag of chips, and there’s this show on Netflix… I know… Don’t hate me, but I just can’t, the bed is hugging me.”

So, consider using details and being honest with your loved ones. “I ran into my ex today and it tore me up emotionally, so I really need some alone time right now, hope you understand,” is a very good excuse if it’s a real one.

The problem with being specific without being honest about it is that you’d need to remember your lie and back it up later. There will also be follow-up questions, so it’s best to stay in the “honest zone.”

4. Stay in the “honest zone.”

You could be honest by being entirely vague by saying something like “You wouldn’t believe the day I had; I can’t bring myself to see anyone right now. Let’s talk a few days from now.”

Stay in the “honest zone” by making your problem general. Is it a personal issue, your professional life, your love life, family problems, or your social life that is standing in your way? “I’m not feeling well,” could be anything in the world if you’re having a health issue that you don’t want to talk about.

Similarly, “I’m busy with work,” is a valid excuse for wanting to rest after a hard day instead of going out with your friends.

However, don’t hesitate to share something about what’s going on with you with the person you’re talking to. You could rephrase what you need to say by carefully picking the words and actually saying the truth… Just put some thought into it if you have enough time. Pick an excuse that best fits your situation from the list, or come up with one that describes what you really want to say.

5. Make a long story short.

How much do you want to share with this person? If you use a general excuse too often, your family or friends are likely to give up on asking you to do things, so consider making a long story short.

Maybe you don’t want to tell them that you are practically destitute, but you could say, “I wish I could, but I’m currently broke, so please be patient until I get my life in order, and we’ll hang out later.”

Open up, but close the doors to further discussions by saying that you don’t want to talk about it. Turn a long story about how you got into gambling and now are in debt into a story about how you’re currently broke.

Why are you broke? “Bad luck.” You don’t have to share things that you don’t want to, just keep your excuse close to what it really is so that you can remember it, back it up, and stick to it if needed.

6. Rephrase what you need to say.

Think about your long story and how you can keep it short. Then think about how to rephrase it. Maybe you don’t want them to know that you’ll be spending the night with your ex, but you could tell them that your love life is still too much of a mess and you need to deal with that.

When they ask about the details, tell them that letting go is a process and that you need to be alone for a while. Even though you’ll be with your ex. Keep that last part to yourself, just don’t go too far away from the “honest zone,” even if it means sticking to something general instead.

7. Make it clear and end the discussion.

There are some things that people are just not going to talk about anymore when you bring them up. If you said, “I had a one-night stand, and I’m at the hospital waiting to see if I have an STD,” it would likely elicit very few follow-up questions.

Make it clear by being bold or by using a generic excuse from the list. Consider even just saying, “I’m sorry, I just really don’t want to do it right now. I’m overwhelmed with my own things; give me some time please.”

If you don’t want to be asked about it, end the discussion by making it clear that you don’t want to talk about it further. People can take a hint.

Just avoid being too honest in your professional life and with people other than your loved ones.

8. Simply be honest about it.

“I had a long day, and I really don’t feel like going anywhere,” is a good enough excuse already. Consider simply being honest about why you can’t hang out with them, and it might be enough to do the trick.

Hey, don’t forget that you just need to stay in the zone. You don’t have to be entirely honest about it. But if the person asking is your loved one, keep in mind that you most definitely can if you want to.

9. Consider a fake excuse.

On the other hand, you could simply choose a fake excuse from the list, and it will be effective as long as you stick to your story. However, it’s much better to come up with your own excuse based on the examples listed above. If you tailor it, you can be at least a bit honest about it, and that will help your loved one understand you better. As a result, they will continue to ask you to do things.

In other areas of your life, such as your job, using generic excuses is usually good enough as long as there’s truth to it and you don’t overdo it.

10. Make sure to express the wish to reschedule.

Whether you choose to be honest about it or not, if you do want to be asked again, make sure to reschedule. As soon as you use the excuse, emphasize that you do want to do something another time, it is just this specific date that doesn’t work for you. This will ensure that your friends and family ask you again.

How To Be Honest While Using Excuses

1. pick an excuse that best fits your situation..

Stay honest by picking an excuse from the list that best describes your real reasoning and tailoring it to your situation. Reveal something about the actual reason you don’t want to go instead of just using generic excuses.

2. Consider something general.

On the other hand, if you don’t want all the follow-ups and explaining, consider something general, like being sick. It’s okay to use these excuses as long as you don’t overdo it or downright lie about it entirely. Feeling blue is kind of like being sick, so don’t forget that you can just be in the “honest zone” when not wishing to share too much about what you’re going through.

3. Consider how honest and specific you want to be.

How honest and specific do you want to be? Is the person going to accept your response if you’re entirely honest with them? What if you rephrase it? While you can be as honest as you want to be, it’s not a guarantee that an honest excuse will be accepted as a good one.

So, consider what the person would accept as a valid excuse. Then you can phrase your excuse accordingly.

4. Reschedule only if you want to.

As already mentioned, if you don’t want them to give up on asking you to do things, make sure to point out that you want to reschedule. On the flip side, if you don’t want them asking you to do things, just use the generic excuse. This can even be considered being honest when it’s a repeated and obvious hint that you don’t want to hang out with that person anymore.

5. Stay honest while not getting into it.

You can be honest about the real reason you can’t make it, just make it a short story instead of a long one as we mentioned in one of the earlier steps. However, consider opening up to the person entirely if they are someone you trust and care for. It is not recommended to use fake or generic excuses with people close to you that should know the truth.

As for acquaintances and coworkers, generic excuses pretty much cover everything you would really need to say. Just be sure that you’re not making it up entirely in case you need to validate your story, and make sure that you can stick to it.

As already mentioned, “I’m going through something personal that I need to tend to immediately,” should be enough for most people. Just don’t overdo it.

This page may contain links to affiliate partners. I receive a commission if you choose to purchase anything after clicking on them.

google news follow button

You may also like...

young woman looking back over her shoulder to camera as she walks a forest path

10 Fateful Decisions That Will Shape Your Future (For Better Or Worse)

pensive middle-aged woman wearing smart blouse and glasses

10 Eye-Opening Questions Everyone Should Ask Themselves (Before It’s Too Late)

young brunette woman with funny look on her face sitting in a vintage but rusting old car

10 Pieces Of Advice To Give To Anyone You Know In Their 20s

a young woman wearing a bright orange top sitting cross-legged on some handrails with a urban backdrop

8 Things You Must Stand Your Ground On (Even If It Upsets Some People)

young woman holding notepad looking competent as if she knows how to adult

12 “Adulting” Skills That Everyone Should Master (But Many People Don’t)

homeless person from the neck down sitting on the floor surrounded by his possessions

What I Learned About Life From Being Homeless (15 Lessons)

woman smiling while walking through streets

18 Signs You Value Being Real Over Being Popular

forlorn woman sitting on couch looking troubled

If Your Life Is Rough Right Now, Turn To These 12 Truths To Help You Through

low angle view of a young discontent woman

25 ways you risk ruining your life (that are actually very common)

About The Author

the best excuses for homework

Ana Vakos enjoys writing about love and all the problems that come with it. Everyone has experiences with love, and everyone needs dating advice, so giving these topics more attention and spreading the word means a lot to her.

Excuseindex.com

New excuses every week!

girl doing homework at her desk in her room

Hans Herbert

60 excuses for not doing homework (without blaming the dog).

  • December 21, 2022
  • ❂  School

Some people enjoy doing homework, while others despise it. Regardless of the type of person you are, homework can be boring, repetitive, or too difficult to understand. And sometimes there is just too much of it! In addition, if you have a full class schedule, homework can quickly become overwhelming.

There are several excuses for not doing homework, whether due to procrastination, lack of motivation, or external forces preventing you from doing it (like your dog eating it). We’ve all been there, so try not to be too hard on yourself. But rest assured, if you get into a situation where you cannot complete your homework, we’ve created this list of excuses that might help ease your anxiety while gaining some sympathy points from your teachers.

Excuses for not doing homework

We researched this topic and asked an English teacher of 35 years about some of her students’ most common and best excuses for not doing homework . She helped us put together the following list:

1. I was sick

Being sick, or claiming that you’re sick, can be used to get out of almost any scenario, including an instance where you did not complete your homework. Who wants to do homework when they are sick? Maybe some people will, but the majority will want to get their rest and recover to their usual selves.

2. My computer crashed

This excuse would not have worked only a couple of decades ago, but today, almost every student relies on their computer or laptop to do their work. So if you don’t have computer access, this is a plausible excuse for not doing your homework on time. 

3. My internet died

Like the excuse above, completing your assigned homework can be difficult if you don’t have internet access. Of course, not all homework relies on an internet connection, but if you need to research a particular topic, then it certainly might.

4. I broke my arm

If you broke your arm or any other bone, that is a believable excuse for not doing your homework. If this is your excuse and you didn’t break a bone, you’ll need to figure out a way to sell it. Is getting a fake cast worth going the extra distance just to get out of a bit of homework? We’ll let you be the judge of that!

teen giving the thumbs up with a broken arm

5. There was a death in the family

Nobody will question your reasons if there has been a death in your family or of a loved one. This excuse will definitely buy you some time. If nobody actually passed away, you can still use this one with a low chance of getting caught, but it might make you feel guilty inside. This is a good excuse if you can live with yourself for making such a thing up.

6. My bag got stolen

Having your property stolen is another one of those believable excuses for not doing your homework. If you tell your teacher that your bag was stolen and it contained your work, they will give you a pass and some additional sympathy points along the way.

7. I was in a car accident

Being injured in a car accident is another excellent excuse for not doing homework. Not all car injuries are visible, either. So if you were in a fake car crash, you could claim internal injuries or whiplash.

8. I had to work

Unfortunately, many students today need to work a part-time job to pay for things like tuition, books, food, and other items of necessity. If you tell your teacher that you had to work to help out the family or pay for your school, they will give you a pass.

9. I got stuck babysitting my younger siblings

If you’re the older brother or sister, you’ll know that babysitting is part of your job. You will get stuck babysitting from time to time, which might prevent you from completing your homework. 

10. Practice ran later than usual

Being part of extracurricular activities like sports or part of the school band will mean that you’ll need to practice. Sometimes, practice can go longer than anticipated and cut into your normal time when you do homework. 

11. I had a personal issue I was dealing with

Using personal issues as an excuse for not doing homework is good because it’s very open-ended. Personal issues could mean a variety of things; most likely, your teacher won’t pry too much. Saying you’re having personal issues at home might also gain you sympathy points with your teachers.

12. My parents forced me to spend time with them

You might get annoyed with your parents when they want to spend time with you as you get older because you have more important things to do in your eyes. However, it’s tough to blame your parents for wanting to do something as a family. Unfortunately, this time hanging out with them may cut into your homework. This excuse is perfect if your parents are divorced.

13. I have too much homework in other subjects

If you have a lot of homework from different classes, you will need to prioritize what gets done first, especially if you have limited time. This means that sometimes homework will not get done in classes that you feel are less important. If you are going to use this excuse for not doing your homework, you shouldn’t tell your teacher that their class is not essential to you but that you had too much work in other classes that were worth more of your grade.

14. I was in the hospital

If you tell your teacher that you were at the hospital and couldn’t complete the homework, the first thing they should ask is if you are okay. If they do this, you’ll know they are sympathetic toward you. Using the hospital as an excuse to get out of homework is very general; you could have been in the hospital for countless reasons, so pick wisely if you are going to use this one.

15. My pet got sick

Using a sick pet as an excuse for getting out of doing your homework is another believable option. If your teacher is also a pet owner, then they will surely understand your situation. 

16. I thought it was due tomorrow

Claiming ignorance may or may not work, depending on your teacher. You might get a pass if you tell them straight-faced that you thought it was due tomorrow. Make sure to hand in your homework the next day if you are going to use this excuse.

17. Bullies took it away from me and ripped it up

Using bullies as an excuse for not doing your homework is another good way to earn sympathy points from your teacher. The only problem with this excuse is that your teacher will want to know who is bullying you. If you’re making this up, you won’t want to pin the blame on somebody. Also, if you’re telling the truth, exposing your bully may get you into deeper trouble with them. 

two big kids bullying a smaller kid in class

18. My baby brother/sister spilled milk all over it

Gahh! Your baby brother or sister spilled milk all over your freshly printed assignment. This excuse is similar to your dog eating it. It might work if your teacher is gullible. 

19. I missed the lesson where it was assigned

This excuse involves playing the ignorance card again. For example, if you were absent earlier in the week when the assignment was given out, you could use this reason for not handing it in. However, your teacher may flip things back on you and tell you that you are responsible for asking someone what you missed. 

20. I was doing volunteer work

Using volunteer work as a reason for not doing homework will, at the very least, portray you as a good person. Whether or not your teacher goes easy on you is another story. 

21. I did it, but I must have forgotten it at home

Claiming that you did your homework but somehow forgot it at home could work, depending on your acting skills. This is another excuse where if you use it, you better hand it in the next day. 

22. It was too easy, so I thought it was a waste of time

You’re a brave individual if you use this excuse with your teachers. If you have demonstrated your intellect with your teachers, and they know that you’re smarter than the other kids, you might get away with this. However, it might make you look like a jerk. 

23. My parents rushed me out the door, and I didn’t get a chance to grab it on the way out

Blaming your parents because you didn’t hand in your homework is a good way to divert the blame to somebody else. Maybe you have a big family, and mornings are always chaotic. If this is your situation, this excuse might be good. 

24. I mixed it up with someone else

If you try to claim that you mixed up your homework with someone else’s, you will need to provide more details to your teacher because this can be confusing. So be prepared to have a backstory ready for why you handed in your brother/sister/friend’s homework instead. 

25. I ate something and had an allergic reaction

Using food poisoning or an allergic reaction to something you ate will buy you a day or two for your homework if your teacher is sympathetic.

girl having an allergic reaction to peanuts

26. The homework file on my computer got corrupted

You finally finished your homework and went to save it, but something weird happened, and the file got corrupted. Now, all your assignment reads is a bunch of gibberish, and there is no way to undo it.

27. I was studying for something more important

If you’re getting good grades in a particular class, you can use this excuse and say that you had to study for another class because your grades are not as good. Claiming that it’s more important to get your grades up in another class for your overall GPA will work in this scenario. 

28. I was out of town

If you had to go out of town on short notice, it might leave you with no time to finish your homework. Using this excuse will work if the reason you went out of town appears valid. You could also claim that you were out of town on a family vacation. 

29. I was too tired and fell asleep earlier than usual

Lack of sleep can cause a lot of health problems. If you have insomnia, you know how painful it can be to sleep rarely. If by chance, one night, you were just so tired that you fell asleep earlier, then so be it. You’re not used to sleeping much, so you have to take advantage of the times when you can, even at the expense of not doing your homework.

30. My dog ate it

We’re joking with this one, but we had to add it to the list anyways.  According to the teacher we consulted for this list, this excuse still gets used. Saying your dog ate your homework is another way of saying, “I didn’t do it, and we both know it.”

Funny excuses for not doing homework

If you’re feeling creative and brave, you can use one of these funny excuses for not doing your homework with your teacher. Keep in mind these excuses will probably not work. However, using one of these funny excuses may get a reaction or a laugh out of your teacher. If you can break them down a bit with your comedic approach for why you didn’t do your homework, then that’s one step in the right direction for them to go easy on you.  

  • I was attacked by a swarm of bees
  • I was stuck in a parallel universe where homework doesn’t exist
  • I was cursed by a witch and had to break the spell
  • I was trapped inside a magical painting and couldn’t escape
  • I was possessed by a demon and lost control of my actions
  • I was in a hotdog eating contest and was so full that I couldn’t move after
  • TV is just too good right now
  • My homework was so well done that I didn’t want to make the other students look bad
  • I fell into a giant puddle, and my homework was ruined
  • I was abducted by aliens and just returned to Earth

boy being abducted by aliens from his bedroom

Excuses for not doing homework to use with your parents

If you’ve been able to provide some good excuses for not doing homework to your teachers and they believed them, that’s great, but you’ll also need to work on your parents. Your reasons for not doing homework may work on your teachers, but you’ll have to adapt for your parents because they have more information about your personal life. For example, claiming a family emergency will not work with your parents as it would with your teachers. 

So if you’re at home playing videogames or watching TV instead of doing your homework, try using these excuses with your parents to get them off your back:

1. My teacher extended the deadline

The class was complaining about too much homework, so your teacher did everyone a solid and extended the deadline.

2. I finished everything while I was in school

The teacher gives lots of opportunities to work in class, so I used this time to finish all my homework to chill when I got home.

3. I’m waiting for my classmate to complete their section of the assignment first

I can’t do my homework until my classmates finish their section of our group project. They are the ones slowing me down!

4. Homework is pointless in my class and not worth any marks

My teacher told us that tests and exams make up 100% of our final grade, so there’s no point in doing the homework if it isn’t worth anything. 

5. I already know everything there is to know

I have already studied for the class and know everything there is to know. So doing the homework won’t teach me anything.

6. My teacher went easy on us and didn’t give us any work for a week

The teacher felt bad about giving us so much homework in previous weeks, so they decided not to give the class any more homework for the next week.

7. A substitute teacher is filling in

Our regular teacher is away, and a substitute teacher is filling in. The new substitute teacher does not care what we do since they are only there temporarily. 

8. You’re going to do your homework later on a video chat with your classmates 

You’re taking it easy right now because later at night, you will get on a video chat with classmates and do the work together.

9. My teacher said the homework was optional

My teacher gave us the option to do the homework and said it wouldn’t be graded either way. Normally I would do it regardless, but I didn’t feel like it this time.

10. I’m already getting straight A’s and need a break

I just need a break! I’ve been working so hard lately, and my grades reflect that. If I skip homework for one night, it will not affect my grades.

Spicy New Content 🌶️

Excuses for not doing homework to use with your classmates.

Sometimes you’ll need excuses for not doing homework to use with your classmates, primarily if they are relying on you for group work. For example, if you are working on a project or assignment together and haven’t completed your portion of the work, they might get pissed off. For this reason, it’s good to have excuses you can use with your classmates.

It could be a migraine, a cold, flu, covid-19, or other viruses. You were so sick you couldn’t complete the homework. 

2. My pet was sick

You were worried about your family pet, so you took them to the vet to ensure they were okay. You were there all night worrying about them.

3. There was a power outage at home

The whole block lost power, and as a result, you couldn’t do your share of the homework. The power outage lasted all night, so there was nothing you could do!

4. I thought it was due later

Whoops! You swear you thought it was due later. 

5. My ex was harassing me

You were trying to do the work, but your ex kept harassing you by calling and texting you or even showing up at your front door. Needless to say, you couldn’t get much done because of them.

6. I had no place to work

Typically, you work in your room, but you couldn’t this time because there were renovations taking place in your house. So you had to move all your stuff out of your room, which took forever!

7. My parents forced me to do something 

How annoying! Your parents insisted you do something together as a family. You tried to tell them you had vital homework to do, but they insisted, stating that you don’t spend enough time together.  This excuse works great if your parents are divorced. 

8. I was in an accident

Maybe it was a car accident, or you fell down the stairs. Regardless of the accident, you were too injured to do anything and needed to recover.

9. I was fighting with my partner

Being in a relationship is tough . So tough that sometimes you fight all night with your partner about meaningless topics. Once you two get going, the next thing you know is that it’s past midnight, and you got nothing done. 

young couple having an argument

10. I’ve been carrying the group all year, and now it’s your turn

It’s time for everybody else to pick up the slack! You’ve been the key to your group’s success in class so far, and you’re tired of carrying everyone else. Sheesh!

What if your teacher or parents are strict and don’t believe your excuses?

Sometimes your excuses for not doing homework will not cut it, no matter how much you try to convince your teacher or parents. They may be so strict that they will not accept any possible reason you may throw at them.

In these scenarios, it’s better to just come clean and explain why your homework isn’t complete without passing the blame. 

This is because if your teacher or parents don’t believe you or care regardless of what you say, you can have a clean conscience by telling the truth. Furthermore, if your parents or teachers know you’re telling the truth, they might have more respect for you and your situation, knowing that you could have blamed it on the dog or an alien abduction. 

How to finish homework faster

If you’re tired of using excuses for not doing your homework and want to become a better student, then it’s a good idea to learn some tips on how to finish your homework faster. If you can finish your homework faster, you’ll have extra time to do the things you want with your friends and family.  This will reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with the feeling of not getting your homework done. Not only will these tips help with getting your homework done faster, but they will also teach you how to get caught up on schoolwork if you’re falling behind.

Here are some tips on how to finish your homework faster:

1. Set up your workstation

The first step is to make sure you are doing your homework in a productive environment. If you do your homework in your room or an office, make sure that your space is neat and tidy. A clear space can equal a clear mind, which can put you in the right mindset before you start working.

2. Make a list of things that need to get done

Make a list of all the things you need to get done. Don’t worry if the list is larger than anticipated. Seeing everything in a list will become satisfying when you start crossing things off it.  Before you know it, your list will shrink in size and eventually disappear.

3. Estimate the time it will take for you to complete each item on your list

It’s a good idea to put a time estimate for all the things on your list. This way, you can start prioritizing items based on time. You can also plan your breaks better this way.

4. Unplug from screens and distractions

If one of your main problems is procrastination, then it is especially important to limit distractions. It’s easy to get wrapped up on Instagram or Tiktok for hours at a time.  Unplug from your phone and any other screen that isn’t necessary for your homework.

5. Start with any outstanding items

If you’re wondering how to get caught up on school work that is outstanding, then you should with all your outstanding items first! Pick the easiest outstanding item to get the ball rolling, then work to finish them all before moving on to tasks with future due dates.

6. Break down larger tasks into smaller ones

If you have a lot of bigger tasks, then you should break them down into smaller ones. For example, if you have to write an essay on a particular topic, break the essay down into smaller chunks like the intro paragraph, the supporting paragraphs, and the conclusion. Make each of those paragraphs a smaller task. It will seem more manageable this way.

7. Start with something small and easy

If you’re really struggling to even get started, then the best thing you can do is just pick the smallest and easiest task on your list of items and do that first. Once you cross it off the list, you might become more motivated to move on to the next item. Keep going from there and build momentum.

8. Take breaks and stretch

Taking breaks is really important for mental and physical well-being. Within every hour, do 50 minutes of concentrated and focused work with a 10-minute break at the end. Stretching is another great thing you can do while on your break to get your blood flowing. Set a timer for 50 minutes, then again for 10 minutes when the 50 minutes elapse. 

9. Stay focused

If you do 1-hour blocks of 50 minutes of work, with 10 minutes of break, then its important that the 50 minutes of work is high quality. Do your best to stay focused on the task at hand. Then, you can release that focus on your 10-minute break. 

10. Relax and reward yourself at the end of your working session

Did you complete your list? A large portion of it? Or did you only complete a few small tasks? If you’ve struggled with homework, then any amount you’ve completed should be a celebration. Even if you only completed 1 task on your list, that’s one task that wasn’t completed yesterday. Make sure to give yourself credit, and reward yourself with whatever makes you happy.  Of course, the more you complete, the bigger the reward!

happy girl stretching after finishing her homework

How to finish homework last minute

There isn’t a method on how to finish homework last minute that will always work. Realistically, you shouldn’t be leaving things until the last minute. However, there is one technique you can try.

If you have an assignment that due the next day, but you haven’t done anything for it, do the absolute bare minimum and hand it in. Pull your teacher aside and say that life got in the way, but you still wanted to submit something. Explain that you aren’t happy with your work, and would kindly request that you can resubmit it again in another few days to show what you’re truly capable of.  

Your teacher might see this as a positive effort and will reward you with a later deadline. Of course, this means that you will need to put more effort into the assignment. If you don’t do it, or hand in something lackluster, then this strategy on how to finish homework last minute will not work again.

If you’re having trouble finishing your assigned work in school, then we hope this list of excuses for not doing homework will help you.  Of course, we always recommend taking an honest approach. However, if you’re feeling embarrassed or ashamed about not finishing your homework again, then try one of these excuses if it makes you feel better.

Share this post

guest

how to get out of homework 1 say you sick and your tired and just ignorn the teacher and here you go

people partying and hooking up at a jam you won't want to make excuses for being late to a party for

19 Hostess Approved Excuses for Being Late to a Party

bride in a wedding dress holds up a mechanical clock and looks shocked because her groom is making excuses for being late to a wedding

19 Worthwhile Excuses for Being Late to a Wedding

teenage boy and girl with pink dyed hair are bumping elbows in front of a soccer net as an excuse not to kiss someone

23 Excuses for Not Kissing: Guide to Avoiding Awkward Situations

Woman who just quit her job is walking out of the building with a box and her belongings while her co-workers clap

29 Good Excuses for Quitting a Job to Help Save Face

the best excuses for homework

31 Apologetic Excuses For Forgetting a Birthday

An older man pointing to his wrist indicating that the man he's talking to is late. Both men are wearing suits, sitting down in a professional setting.

15 Excuses for Being Late to an Interview & How to Cancel

person performing a drug test with a cup of urine

19 Excuses To Postpone A Drug Test & What To Do If You Fail

beautiful woman stands in front of a yellow background as she tried to come up with excuses for asking for advice

9 Timely Excuses For Asking For Advice

two police officers with yellow traffic vests on radio about someone making excuses to question authority

7 Foolproof Excuses For Questioning Authority

  • PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • This Or That Game New
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up

The 21+ Best Excuses to Use When You Want to Work from Home

Last Updated: June 3, 2023 Fact Checked

Last-Minute Excuses

Long-term work from home excuses.

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau . Glenn Carreau is a wikiHow Staff Writer, currently based in Los Angeles. With over four years of experience writing for several online publications, she has covered topics ranging from world history to the entertainment industry. Glenn graduated with honors from Columbia College Chicago, earning a B.A. in Interactive Arts and Media and a minor in Professional Writing. Today, Glenn continues to feed her lifelong love of learning while serving wikiHow's many readers. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 35,046 times. Learn more...

Need a break from commuting to work day in and day out? Are you wondering what qualifies as a valid excuse to work from home? We’re here to help! The concept of working from home has become increasingly popular in recent years, and while it’s not for everyone, plenty of people feel that working from home is better for their schedule and their mental health. Read on for a comprehensive list of excuses (with examples) to use, including both last-minute excuses for a single day at home and long-term excuses you can use to work from home permanently.

Things You Should Know

  • If you need a last-minute excuse to work from home, choose an excuse that your boss is likely to sympathize with, like car troubles or a bad reaction to food.
  • For a more permanent excuse to work from home, explain to your boss that remote work is better for your productivity or you need a more flexible schedule.
  • There are many advantages to working from home. It can save you time and money from commuting and ensure you have a much comfier working environment.

Step 1 Car trouble

  • For example: “Hi Jan! I wanted to let you know that my car is being worked on, as it wouldn’t start this morning. I won’t be able to commute until I get it back, but I’ll be working from home in the meantime.”
  • This excuse can still work even if you live somewhere with public transportation. You could say, “Since I’m already running late due to car troubles, I thought working from home would be the most productive option.”

Step 2 Food reaction

  • For example: “Hi, Fred. I’ll spare you the details, but my Celiac is acting up, and I can’t make it to work. However, I can still work from home today.”
  • “I believe I have food poisoning from dinner last night. I’ll spare you the details, but I don’t think commuting to work is possible today. Still, I’m happy to work from home while I wait for this to run its course.”
  • You don’t need to get specific about symptoms; just tell your boss that you’re having a bad reaction to food, a Celiac attack, or something similar. They can read between the lines!

Step 3 Doctor’s appointment

  • “Hi, Ben. I’m sorry for the short notice, but I just got a call from my doctor about an appointment opening. Once I’m done there, would it be possible to work from home today?”
  • “Hello, Margaret. My doctor was able to give me a last-minute appointment this afternoon, so I’ll need to take a couple of hours off work. Could I work from home until then to save the commute time?”
  • Before you use this excuse, find out if your workplace requires you to submit proof of medical appointments or treatment.

Step 4 Sickness

  • “I have the flu, so I think it’d be best for me to work from home—I don’t want to get anyone else in the office sick. I’ll likely be out for a few days, but I’ll be sure to keep you in the loop and let you know when I expect to be back.”
  • If you’re really sick, concentrating on work might be difficult. It’s also okay to call in sick entirely or take a couple of days off to get through the worst of the illness and then work from home while it runs its course.
  • If you have COVID, be sure to follow the CDC’s current guidelines and check to see if your company has a protocol to follow in the event that an employee gets sick.
  • If you decide to officially call in sick (instead of offering to work from home) be sure to check and see if your work has a sick day limit before using this excuse too many times!

Step 5 Injury or sudden pain

  • “Just wanted to let you know that I’ll be waiting in urgent care for at least a couple of hours today, as I woke up with severe back pain. I’m happy to work from my home for now.”
  • “I’m having a bad sciatica flare-up today, and I know from experience that driving to work would be very painful. I’d like to work from home today and likely for another few days until the pain clears up.”

Step 6 Migraine

  • “I’ve been dealing with a pretty bad migraine since yesterday evening, and I think I would do better work in the peace and quiet of my own home.”
  • “I have a migraine today, and I’m concerned that working in the office would make my symptoms even worse. Would it be possible to work from home?”

Step 7 Burnout and stress

  • “It’s been a stressful time for me, and my doctor feels that I’m showing symptoms of burnout. If it’s possible, I’d like to work from home for a few days to see if that helps me get back on track.”
  • “I think it’s important for my mental health to take a step back and work from home this week. I can tell I’m starting to burn out and would like to avoid that if I can.”

Step 8 Water leak or main break

  • For example: “Hey Kate, I just got the news that there’s been a water main break in my neighborhood. The company wants somebody home to test the faucets once repairs are complete, so I’d like to work from home today.”
  • “Unfortunately, there’s a nasty leak in my ceiling and water all over my kitchen. Would it be possible to work from home today? I’m happy to stay online while I wait for my plumber to arrive.”

Step 9 Bad weather

  • “It looks like some pretty heavy rain and sleet is forecasted for later this afternoon, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable making a 30+ minute drive home in that. I’d like to work from home today if that’s all right.”
  • “The roads are pretty icy after last night’s weather, and I’d prefer not to chance driving to work when working from home would save me a lot of time.”
  • Remember that you can only use this excuse when bad weather is in the forecast! Your request won’t be very realistic on a dry, sunny day.

Step 10 Important delivery

  • For example, you could say, “I’m having new furniture delivered between 10 AM and 4 PM tomorrow and need to sign for it, so I’d like to work from home to be safe.”
  • “I’m not sure of the exact time my delivery will arrive, and I’d rather avoid paying extra for a re-delivery. Would it be possible to work from home on Friday?”

Step 11 Getting work done on your house

  • “Hey Alex, I’m getting a new water heater installed today and need to work from home while the electric company replaces it.”
  • “I’ll be working from home today, as workers are coming to replace the rug in my living room and I need to let them inside.”

Step 12 Bad traffic

  • “I’m seeing a lot of traffic on the highway I take to work. Rather than wasting hours of time navigating traffic, would it be possible for me to work from home instead?”

Step 13 Family emergency

  • “A family emergency has come up, and I’d like to take today to deal with that. However, I can still work a couple of hours from home if that’s all right.”
  • If you do mention the emergency, you don’t have to include too many details. You could just say, “My grandmother needs a ride to the doctor today, and I’ll be helping her out. Is it all right if I work from home in the meantime?”

Step 14 No childcare

  • For example: “I was just notified that my son’s daycare is closed for today, so I’ll need to stay home and watch him. You can still reach me online, and I’ll be working whenever I get downtime.”

Step 15 Sick child

  • Try something like, “So sorry for the short notice, but I can’t make it to work today. My daughter is sick, and I need to take care of her. I plan to work from home and will still be online if you need to reach out for anything.”
  • "My son started running a temperature last night, and he's feeling pretty sick. I'm happy to work from home, but I'll need to look after him today and possibly for a couple more days this week."

Step 16 Sick pet

  • “My cat isn’t acting like herself today, and I think she’s sick. I’m bringing her to the emergency vet now, and if it’s all right, I’d like to work from home after so I can keep an eye on her.”
  • “Just wanted to let you know that I won’t be in today. My dog is having some stomach issues and has a vet appointment later, so I’ll be working from home until it’s time to go. Thank you for understanding!”
  • You could work from home after the death of a pet. For example, “My dog passed away this weekend, and I’m still grieving. I’d like to work from home for a few days while I process.” Just remember to use that excuse very sparingly.

Step 17 Death in the family

  • “I wanted to let you know that my grandfather passed away over the weekend, and I don’t think I’m in a good frame of mind to work in the office right now. Would it be possible to work from home this week?”
  • Remember, you can also take time off in the wake of a loved one’s death. Check and see if your workplace offers bereavement leave, which can be provided to employees who have lost a loved one.

Step 1 Reducing your commute time

  • “Would you be open to the idea of me working from home a couple of days each week? I think it would really help me get a jump on my projects since I won’t be spending 45 minutes driving to and from work.”

Step 2 Need a flexible schedule

  • “I think a more flexible schedule would be really helpful for me in terms of productivity. I’d love to discuss what a more permanent work-from-home arrangement might look like.”
  • “In my experience, I'm most productive when my working hours are a bit more spread out than the typical workday. Can we discuss the possibility of me working from home and taking on more flexible hours?”

Step 3 Better concentration

  • “I was wondering if we could discuss the possibility of a permanent work-from-home situation. The few times I’ve done it in the past, it’s done wonders for my concentration, and I think it would be a good change for me.”
  • “I think remote work may help me focus better on my work and guarantee I get things done without interruption. Could we discuss the possibility of a permanent change to working from home?”

Step 4 Focusing on mental health

  • “After a lot of consideration, I think the best option for my mental health would be a part-time or permanent work-from-home arrangement. I think it’d be much less stressful for me and increase my productivity as a result.
  • “I’d like to talk about creating a permanent work-from-home schedule for myself. I’ve been trying to better manage my mental health recently, and I find I can do that—and get more work done—when working remotely.”

Expert Q&A

  • Try not to use too many last-minute work-from-home excuses in a close period unless your boss is okay with you working from home part-time. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
  • Steer clear of packing every excuse with details, as that can actually make them sound fake. Explain your reasons, apologize for the late notice, and give your boss further information as soon as possible. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

Good Excuses to Miss Work on Short Notice

  • ↑ https://hqhire.com/reasons-to-work-from-home/
  • ↑ https://matchbuilt.com/blog/best-excuses-to-miss-work/
  • ↑ https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-call-in-sick
  • ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/it-okay-ask-your-employer-stay-home-bad-weather-ncna965126
  • ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/excuses-for-being-late
  • ↑ https://hbr.org/2017/05/how-to-convince-your-boss-to-let-you-work-from-home

About This Article

Glenn Carreau

  • Send fan mail to authors

Did this article help you?

Am I a Narcissist or an Empath Quiz

Featured Articles

Do a French Manicure

Trending Articles

Make Yourself More Attractive

Watch Articles

Carve Turkey Breast

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Buildremote

28 Justifiable Excuses To Work From Home

Excuses to work from home

Look up ☝️. See our company name is Buildremote (emphasis on remote)? We don’t think you ever need an excuse to work from home .

Most companies should just embrace it and go fully remote . But on the off-chance, you work a hybrid schedule or for a company mandating you be in the office , you might need a solid, last-minute excuse to work from home for a day (or maybe even permanently).

We asked our list of contributors to share their best excuses to work from home (WFH). We received 200+ responses and organized the best ones into the categories below. Click one of a link below to jump to a category:

Most convincing excuses | Best last-minuted reasons |  Reasons to WFH permanently | Funniest ones

The Absolute Best Excuses To Work From Home

We surveyed our list of 1,000+ remote workers to ask a simple question: “What is the best excuse to work from home?” Here are the 12 most convincing reasons:

Dental emergency

Doctor’s appointment, domestic crisis, family emergency, home inspection, household emergency.

  • Important packages being delivered

Mental health day

Religious celebration.

See Also:  The Best Excuses To Get Out Of Work

Reasons To Work From Home Last Minute

In our survey, we discovered the 10 best reasons to work from home last minute. If you’re in a pinch and need to stay home for just that day, consider one of these reasons:

The 24-hour flu

Car trouble, death in the family, have a fever (and i’m contagious), irritable bowel syndrome, not “100% me” today, sick child or relative, tradespeople appointment.

See Also:  Only The Good Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice

Excuses To Work From Home Permanently

Maybe you’re sick of the ping-ponging back and forth between the office and remote. If that’s the case, and you want to work from home permanently, consider one of these reasons:

Distractions in the office

More productive at home, need uninterrupted time, avoid the commute, daycare costs, not a people person, we don’t live in 1870.

Find one of the best companies to work remotely for in our awards list.

The Funniest Excuses To Work From Home

  • The alarm never went off

Bad weather

Case of the hiccups, death of your beloved gerbil, i’m an emotional support human, i’m too good at my job (people are getting jealous), keeping the pet therapist bills down, misplaced car keys, parking malfunction, there’s a moose on the highway, good excuses for working from home (if you need explanations), alarm never went off.

My alarm didn’t go off when the power went out last night, and now I have to take away everything in my refrigerator before something mutates and I’m completely to blame for the first-ever zombie outbreak.

– Paul Somerville of Electric Scooter Guide

Traffic congestion, inclement weather, and long commutes can all be avoided by working from home. And with gas prices always on the rise, working from home can also save you a lot of money in transportation costs.

– Erin Zadoorian of Budpop

This one is a bit more tricky since bad weather doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s unsafe to travel. However, if there’s a major storm or other weather event that is causing disruptions, it’s probably best to work from home rather than risk coming into the office only to have to turn around and go back home again. Plus, working from home in these situations can actually be pretty fun since you don’t have to deal with commuting in bad weather!

– Rohit Bimbra of HomeHealthcareShoppe.com

Car trouble, in my opinion, makes for a great justification for staying inside instead of heading into the office. Inevitably, most of us will encounter automotive issues. It doesn’t matter if your car has a dead battery or a bent wheel from a collision. Rather than wasting time learning unfamiliar public transportation routes if your car breaks down, you’d be better off putting in some productive hours at home.

– Travis Lindemen of Nexus IT Group

One could say they have a case of the hiccups and need to be in a quiet environment.

– Zach Larsen of Pineapple Money

Working from the office involves hefty daycare expenses and thus most employees are often on the hunt for better-paying jobs. Working from home allows keeping an eye on the kids and saving on these expenses. It helps to offer more liquidity and flexibility to the employees and loyalty to the employers.

– Smriti Tuteja of Yogic-Experience

Unfortunately, death is a part of life. If you’ve recently lost a loved one, it’s understandable that you might not be in the right frame of mind to go into the office. In these cases, it’s best to work from home and take some time to grieve.

– Stacy Lewis of Eternity Modern

The best humorous excuse to work from home is to claim that your pet gerbil died, leaving you heartbroken and in desperate need of some quality time at home to mourn its loss. You and your gerbil had grand plans to drive across the country and, in its absence, you feel compelled to embark on this journey in memory of your gerbil. How could any manager deny you such a heartfelt and legitimate reason to work remotely during your now solo travels?

– Bryan Driscoll of Bryan J Driscoll JD LLC

While most of us do our best to plan ahead for routine dental checkups, sometimes accidents happen and we need to see the dentist immediately, whether for a cracked tooth or a missing filling. Working from home can save you time, energy, and possibly pain compared to the alternative of commuting to and from work, then going to the dentist, and finally commuting back home.

– Sandra Rios of Buzz Agency

If you find that you’re constantly getting sidetracked by office politics or other people’s conversations, working from home can help you stay focused on the task. You can create a more productive environment for yourself where you won’t be interrupted every few minutes.

– Ryan Bolling of Bolling Behavioral Consulting

Telling your employer that you have a doctor’s appointment or any other medical issue is the best excuse to work from home. Remember, your company can’t ask you to come to the office if you’re sick. Plus, prying more into your situation will be unprofessional, and going down that road is a big no for HR, so you’re honestly in the clear. Just let them know that you won’t be able to make it on time to the office because of the appointment and would like to work from home instead, but don’t make a habit because that will be a problem.

– Karen Comen of Zodiac Signs

Suppose you awoke to find your basement flooded or your roof leaking. If you have a domestic issue that will require your time and attention while you bring in professionals, it is recommended to take time off from work. Thus, you can handle the problem with a clear head and prepare your home (and your psyche!) for a fresh start when the repairs are complete.

– Edward Mellet of WikiJob

Family emergencies are always taken seriously by managers. Especially after the pandemic, workplaces are quite lenient when it comes to the health of family members. So, they will cut you some slack.

– Peter Varadi of MarketGap

You don’t want to infect your coworkers, so it’s better for you to stay home and rest. Stay in touch with your supervisor and let them know how you’re feeling and when you expect to be back at work.

If you rent a home or apartment, you will have to go through a rental inspection at least once per year and sometimes even twice. It is in your best interest to be there when your landlord inspects your home. This way, if any problems come up, you can take care of them right away.

– Andrew Dale of CloudTech24

Imagine you awoke to find water in your basement or a leaky roof. In the event of a household emergency that necessitates the hiring of professionals, you should take time off from work to deal with the situation. Having a level head during an emergency situation will allow you to get your house (and your head!) in order so that you can get back to work with a fresh start after the repairs are complete.

– Helen Ferris of Imagine Maids

I am a full-time emotional support human for my cat. She had a couple of rough days, and I must be there for her.

– Dr. Tali Ditye of Mommyhood101

Are you worried that your phenomenal work is demoralizing your co-workers? Do people at work often describe you as an overachiever? If so, then working from home could be a great solution! That way, your coworkers won’t have to be constantly reminded of how much work you’re getting done. This excuse can also be used if your work is just average. No one will know.

– Rika Osterbuhr of Kosmo

Important package being delivered

You can inform your employer that you have to sign for a delivery that would arrive at an unexpected time. Relay the importance of the package and how not being there to receive it would cause you to pay extra. It would be best to declare the price of the said item so that the employer recognizes its importance.

– Elisa Bender of RevenueGeeks

At some point in our lives, the vast majority of us will sustain an injury that is not immediately life-threatening. Even if you have one of these injuries and your job requires you to sit at a desk or in front of a computer for most of the day, you won’t be unable to keep working. But they’re a hassle and could make it harder to move around. Working from home for a few days will let you heal from a minor injury without slowing you down at work.

– Mike Owens of Web Hosting Advices

The stress of working life is a common cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Working from home gives you easy access to your favorite restroom, and there’s no one there to judge you for your frequent trips. It’s a great excuse, as no one wants someone in the office breaking wind all the time!

– Alex Trevatt of Medistudents

Jury duty to the rescue. You can simply excuse yourself and ask for some leniency on the day. It’s your responsibility as a citizen to become a juror and give your verdict on a case. It’s an excuse everyone can relate to, and you’ll get work from home.

– Fraser Matthews of Netcoins

My best excuse for continuing to work remotely is that my dog has become so accustomed to my being around, her separation anxiety (and now depression) has gone through the roof. I looked into the cost of a pet therapist, to try to learn some techniques to help the situation, but I soon found that ongoing treatment was way out of my price range. Therefore, I prefer working from home because I can still get my duties done while being near the pooch.

– Gerald Lombardo of The Word Counter

With the recent transitions in the workspace models in the last couple of years, mental health has become just as important as physical health, and sometimes we need to take a day to focus on ourselves. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a break, don’t hesitate to ask your boss for a work-from-home day.

– Daniel Golson of Best Roofbox Guide

If you don’t want to take the all-too-common route of saying you have a doctor’s appointment, this is the next best excuse. It’s quite believable and you may even get a chuckle or two out of your supervisors, making it a lighthearted excuse to stay home without having to worry your team about your health.

– Harry Morton of Lower Street

This is a great reason to suggest working from home, especially if you have a good track record of being more productive when you work remotely .

– Jennifer Spinelli of Watson Buys

If you’re in the middle of a big project, it can be tough to get anything done at the office. Use this excuse to work from home where you can focus and get things done.

– Shaun Martin of The Home Buying Company

A great excuse to work from home is if you recently added a fur family member to your household. Puppies need a lot of attention in the beginning. You need to be home to help it adjust to its new environment and start the bonding process!

– Christian Kjaer of ElleVet Sciences

With the rise of mental health prioritization and well-being, offices should normalize the idea of not being at your best every day. If you’re feeling off or down, it’s perfectly acceptable to work from home. In fact, it might even be encouraged by your company in order to avoid putting yourself in a difficult or uncomfortable situation.

– Sarah Watson of BPTLAB

One of my employees told me that he isn’t a people person and it would be safer for everyone if he could work from home, as he has what he calls “an adverse physical reaction to stupidity” And that’s why he’s now our senior staff writer, as it was, and is the best reason I’ve ever heard for not being able to come into the office .

– James “Jimmy” Watts of Own The Grill

Couldn’t find a perfect parking spot at work today. So I just went home and will be working from here. Looks like there are enough people at the office today!

– Nathan Brunner of Salarship

A pregnant woman’s stress levels can be reduced, and she can focus on herself and her baby during her maternity leave . However, before that time comes, you have the option of requesting a work-from-home arrangement. If you are pregnant with a high-risk baby and feel that being at work is not in your best interest, this is a great option for you.

– Tia Campbell of Practice Reasoning Tests

Even if your company doesn’t observe the holiday, you should be free to practice your religion. Any religious holiday is indeed a great justification for taking time off of work, and you shouldn’t face harassment because of it. Ask for a day in advance, give it the attention it needs, and have faith that your employer will take care of business without you.

– Adrian Paul of NC CuttingTools

Roadworks on a commuting route can make the journey back from a long day excruciating. On a good day the traffic will flow, on a bad day you will be sitting in your car for hours long into the night. Walk into work after sitting in traffic for hours with a face of thunder and tell your boss you are sick of the roadworks, fearful that you are ready to quit over traffic your boss will let you work from home.

– Dominic Lill of Trafiki Ecommerce Marketing

There are a few reasons why this excuse is the best to work from home. First, it is a genuine reason that can’t be easily disputed. If you have a sick child, then, of course, you need to take care of them. Second, it shows that you are a responsible parent willing to put their child’s needs first and this can be a positive attribute in the eyes of your employer.

– Mahamudul Kabir of FootInsider

Illness is inevitable, and we must all take time off to heal. Even though permanent workers in the United States are not promised any paid sick time, most companies will nevertheless let you take off work if you need to tend to a serious health issue. Care for dependent children or elderly relatives should be included in sick leave benefits in an ideal society. In spite of the fact that you need to stay at home to supervise and offer care, you are not ill and so can continue working without incurring any additional expenses.

– James Rehm of Skuuudle

This one is great because it can be used again and again. You can even get your coworkers sick so they have to take a day off too!

– Ed Shway of ByteXD

A couple of years ago, in Ottawa, Canada, a moose became trapped on the highway, stopping all downtown traffic for two hours. No one got to work that morning!

– Georges Thébault-Dagher of Maddle

If there is a lack of qualified carpenters, plumbers, and electricians in your area, you may have to wait months for an appointment because of how busy tradespeople are. A better solution than having to cancel due to work is to just do it from home. You might have to deal with loud noises all day, but if you buy a good set of headphones that block out noise, it will be easier.

– Steve Elliott of Restoration1

Today we have access to incredible technologies that enable workers to do their jobs without having to be in the office. Virtual meetings and sales calls are the new normal, preferred by many. Business leaders should ditch their old-school mindset of controlling workers by having “butts in seats” and instead let them work from home, where they are happier and more productive.

– Matiah Fischer of RetireBetterNow.com

Need some more ideas?

  • The Best Excuses To Get Out Of Work
  • 30 Good Ideas To Leave Work Early
  • Excuses To Miss Work On Short Notice

Work From Home Ideas To Ponder

Since I have you here and since you work from home, you might find some of these other articles useful.

  • What Is The Best Day To Work From Home?
  • Working From Home With Kids
  • My Final Home Office Equipment List

' src=

Hi, I'm the founder of Buildremote. I have worked remotely for a decade and ran a fully remote, four-day work week company for eight years. I've made all of the mistakes running a distributed team. I hope if you read my work, you'll be spared.

Similar Posts

Where—and how―to find remote jobs.

While working remotely is not a new concept (I’ve worked remotely for more than 10 years), prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, only a small fraction of the workforce worked away from a centralized office or business location. Like many workers, you may have gotten your first taste of remote work in 2020, as social distancing to slow the spread…

23 Robust Excuses To Get Out Of Work

Unfortunately, “I don’t want to work today” doesn’t usually go over too well with managers. You’ll need a reason — okay, call it a bulletproof excuse to get out of work. Ideally, one that won’t lead to questions. We turned to our list of contributors to learn about their tried-and-true best excuses to miss work. After sifting through the many responses, we organized 23 into…

24 Best Remote Jobs For Teachers In Summer

Just a heads up: some of the links in this article are affiliate links that may provide Buildremote with a small commission at no cost to you. Below, you’ll find 24 great remote jobs for teachers in the summer. The list starts out at the top with the jobs that have the most transferable skills as a teacher. These are the ones you’d likely be…

How To Improve Your Remote Employee Engagement

Want to better engage remote employees and keep them engaged? I hate to say this… but you might have to stop doing so much first. That’s exactly what I learned managing a remote team for years – the more you’re online, the less engaged. The more shallow recognition, the less meaning. The more meetings and check-ins, the less bonding. In this guide, we start with what not…

12 Best Remote Side Hustles [2023]

There are two good ways to start a search for remote side hustles: 1) look for skills and careers that are conducive to online, remote side hustles, or 2) find a marketplace with online projects and jobs. In this article, we’ve covered both options in depth. Click a link below to start your remote side hustle search whichever way works best for you: 12 best…

42 Entry-Level Remote Jobs That Require No Experience

We’ve dusted the corners of the internet so you don’t have to. Here are 42 entry-level remote jobs that require no experience organized into 18 categories of work.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Cookie banner

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy . Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use , which became effective December 20, 2019.

By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies.

Follow Polygon online:

  • Follow Polygon on Twitter
  • Follow Polygon on Facebook
  • Follow Polygon on Youtube
  • Follow Polygon on Instagram

Site search

  • Beginner’s tips
  • Walkthrough
  • Spider-Bot locations
  • Best Skills
  • How long to beat
  • Rare Tech Parts
  • All Trophies
  • All Spider-Man 2 guides
  • What to Watch
  • What to Play
  • PlayStation
  • All Entertainment
  • Spider-Man 2
  • Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
  • Baldur’s Gate 3
  • Pokémon Scarlet / Violet
  • All Reviews
  • Buyer’s Guides
  • Galaxy Brains
  • All Podcasts

Filed under:

  • Entertainment

The Marvels is a great reason to catch up on the MCU’s most underrated show

Ms. Marvel is simply marvelous

If you buy something from a Polygon link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement .

Share this story

  • Share this on Facebook
  • Share this on Twitter
  • Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: The Marvels is a great reason to catch up on the MCU’s most underrated show

In Captain Marvel cosplay, Ms. Marvel holds out her hand, which is covered in glowing light.

Ms. Marvel may not have captured the attention of a public starving for new TV, like WandaVision , or a public starving for more Tom Hiddleston, like Loki . But it’s still quietly one of the best Marvel Cinematic Universe TV shows produced for Disney Plus.

If you’re trying to figure out how much “homework” you need to do before The Marvels (featuring Ms. Marvel’s big-screen debut) hits theaters next week, take it from us: This delightful little six-episode show should be at the top of your list.

Despite Ms. Marvel ’s limited space to work with, its six episodes pack in superhero action, teen drama , generational trauma, and the diasporic immigrant experience, without feeling like it’s juggling too much. The show’s titular hero is Kamala Khan, a superfan of the spacefaring hero Captain Marvel, who discovers her own incredible powers on a fateful trip to “AvengerCon” and goes on a search to find their source, and her own way of being the hero of her Jersey City community.

The series has a distinct visual style and narrative tone inspired by bright comic book colors, John Hughes movies, and the pop-in graphics of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World — but all that energy is second to the charm of its star, Iman Vellani. Of the gaggle of young actors recruited to play the MCU’s second generation of superheroes, Vellani stands apart, displaying an effortless earnestness and performative range that belies her newcomer status. (And her co-written Ms. Marvel comic miniseries is pretty great, too!)

The heart of Ms. Marvel is with Kamala and her loved ones : the eternally compelling grounded drama of a family trying to stay connected as its kids grow more and more independent of their parents and familial past. The deliberate balance of Kamala’s everyday life with her superheroing doesn’t just set M s. Marvel apart from nearly all of the rest of the MCU fare, it also makes it one of the most loving and direct adaptations of a specific ( and beloved ) Marvel comic in the MCU’s history.

Luckily, it seems like Kamala’s parents and brother get at least a little screen time in The Marvels , when Kamala’s superpower-endowed bangle becomes cosmically “entangled” with Captain Marvel and Photon, in some kind of three-way Freaky Friday-ish space adventure. There’s still time to kill between now and when The Marvels hits theaters on Nov. 10 — let it be your excuse to watch (or rewatch) one of the best new additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in years.

Ms. Marvel is streaming on Disney Plus .

Next Up In Marvel

Sign up for the newsletter patch notes.

A weekly roundup of the best things from Polygon

Just one more thing!

Please check your email to find a confirmation email, and follow the steps to confirm your humanity.

Oops. Something went wrong. Please enter a valid email and try again.

Loading comments...

A woman with red hair holding her hand out to the camera

Kongregate, Digital Bros. cut jobs in a growing wave of video game industry layoffs

The Holger 556 in Modern Warfare 3 on a black background.

Best Holger 556 loadout, class build in Modern Warfare 3

the best excuses for homework

Armory unlocks and challenges in Modern Warfare 3 explained

A player drinks a can of Jugger-Nog and faces down a horde of Zombies in MW3 Zombies

How to get schematics in Modern Warfare 3’s Zombies

Captain Boomerang, King Shark, Deadshot and Harley Quinn stand outside the Hall of Justice museum in a screenshot from Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Rocksteady’s Suicide Squad game looks a lot more fun now

The fiery blue outline of a ghost maze in Honkai: Star Rail

Honkai: Star Rail ‘Pathfinder’ Chess Ghost puzzle solutions

University of Wyoming Logo

  • Apply to UW
  • Programs & Majors
  • Cost & Financial Aid
  • Current Students
  • UW Libraries
  • Online Degrees
  • Catalogs & Courses
  • Degree Plans
  • Advising & Career Services
  • UW College of Law
  • Honors College
  • Academic Affairs
  • Geological Museum
  • All Colleges
  • Campus Recreation
  • Campus Maps
  • Housing & Dining
  • Transit & Parking
  • University Store
  • Student Organizations
  • Campus Activities
  • Campus Safety
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Research & Economic Dev.
  • Wyoming INBRE
  • Neuroscience Center
  • Technology Business Center
  • National Parks Service
  • Research Production Center
  • Supercomputing
  • Water Research
  • WY EPSCoR/IDeA
  • American Heritage Center
  • Where We Shine
  • About Laramie
  • Student Stories
  • Campus Fact Book
  • UWYO Magazine
  • Marketing & Brand Center
  • Administrative Resources
  • Strategic Plan
  • +Application Login
  • UW Homepage

UW Student Receives Class Excuse Request Letter Signed by Pope Francis

Institutional Communications Bureau of Mines Building, Room 137 Laramie, WY 82071 Phone: (307) 766-2929 Email:   [email protected]

Find us on Facebook (Link opens a new window)

Published November 09, 2023

man posing with Pope Francis

Instructors are used to reading excused absence notes from their students. They have heard it all -- dogs eating homework and students missing sleep and homework due to working late into the evening at their jobs. Many of these excuses are easy for educators to shrug off, but what if the excuse came from the Pope?

One University of Wyoming student produced just that. Sophomore Wyatt Olivas received a personal “please excuse Wyatt from classes” letter signed by Pope Francis, the leader of the world’s largest Christian church of over 1.3 billion members.

Olivas recently attended the monthlong assembly for the 2021-24 Synod on Synodality at the Vatican in Rome that featured Catholic leaders from around the world discussing the future of the church. The 19-year-old Cheyenne native was the youngest member of the assembly that drew nearly 400 delegates selected from around the world -- and the only person in attendance to ask the church’s leader to excuse him from class some 5,500 miles away.

Olivas, a music education major with an emphasis in vocal education, originally told his UW professors that he would return to classes Wednesday, Nov. 1, just two days after the Synod’s closing Mass. He flew back from Rome overnight Monday and arrived back in the early morning hours Tuesday, Oct. 31. He knew that the Synod’s long schedule would leave him physically and mentally drained. He wanted a few more days to recover before returning to his regular classes on the UW campus.

The idea of obtaining a personal note from Pope Francis -- one of the world’s most recognizable people -- was twofold: The first was to show UW faculty that he was “not just hanging out over there, but truly doing work.”

“Second, I just wanted to make some people have a smile,” Olivas says. “We had many serious things come out of the Synod and, sometimes, you have to add some joy into everything and find that joy in what you are doing.”

Olivas had already met Pope Francis three times during the Synod and says the Holy Father has a sharp memory and remembered Olivas, mainly because he was the youngest member of the assembly. This time, Olivas was able to have a private conversation when Pope Francis was sitting alone at a table in the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall where the 2023 Synod assembly took place.

“I thanked him for inviting young people and thanked him for inviting me because I am only 19,” Olivas says. “When he says he wants to listen to everyone, he truly means it.”

During the private conversation, Olivas said, “Now, Holy Father, I have some classes my professors want me to get back to, but I could use a little rest. Would you sign this?”

man holding a copy of a letter

As he began reading the note, the Pope smiled, and his amusement turned into laughter. He then took his pen and simply signed it “Francis.”

“I thanked him for signing my note. After that, I pulled out a card that read ‘You Matter,’ and I gave it to him as a reminder that he is important and loved,” Olivas says. “I wanted him to know that I am here for him. He said, ‘You’re important, too’ and smiled.”

The card is something that Olivas produced as a Cheyenne East High School student and handed out to those who needed a “pick-me-up.”

Now that he is back to being a full-time UW student again, Olivas is concentrating on his studies.

“It was tough to keep up with schoolwork while I was gone just because of all of the work that I had to do with the Synod and the brainpower that it took. I also was spiritually drained,” Olivas says. “It was a lot to take in but so good. Professors are working with me to figure out how we will catch up. I did have to be back in classes that Tuesday, but my note helped. I wish I could have taken more time, but I have some classwork to catch up on.”

UW President Ed Seidel says he is happy to see Olivas return to campus eager to catch up on his education.

“We are proud that our student, Wyatt, represented his community and state so well at the Vatican,” Seidel says. “We are sure his instructors will work with him to make his return to campus as seamless as possible -- and getting a note from the Pope shows just how resourceful and creative our UW students are.”

About the Experience

The Synodal process began in fall 2021. UW alumna and Laramie resident Diana Marie Waggener, executive director of communications for the Diocese of Cheyenne, led the diocese’s Synod efforts. She and her team trained people in every parish across the state to conduct listening sessions. Each parish sent in reports from those sessions that formed the basis for the Wyoming Catholic Church’s 10-page document that was sent to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

The Diocese of Cheyenne has 48,000 parishioners, who attend 36 parishes statewide and 33 mission churches.

Then, each USCCB episcopal region -- the Diocese of Cheyenne is in Region XIII -- wrote syntheses based on themes that were shared in the (arch)dioceses and sent those to the USCCB. The USCCB wrote the official National Synthesis based on reports from each region. Each bishop then was asked to nominate four to five people to participate in one of several continental listening sessions among the U.S. and Canadian regions. A North American continental report followed those listening sessions.

Pastors and other diocesan leaders nominated people who they thought would like to participate in the continental session. Olivas was selected along with three other people to attend one of those sessions via Zoom. USCCB and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops then nominated Olivas to attend the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the fall 2023 meeting at the Vatican. From nominations received, Pope Francis and his advisers selected 363 people from across the world to participate in the Synod gathering in Rome last month. Olivas was among the delegates selected, and not every diocese around the world had a delegate attending the Synod.

“I was pleasantly surprised when Wyatt was chosen as a youth delegate for the Synod in Rome, yet I knew that he had so many gifts to share,” says Bishop Steven Biegler, of the Diocese of Cheyenne.

man standing in a large, ornate space

“He has been blessed with good parents and a strong family, where his faith has been nurtured. As a youth, he actively participated in the life of the church as a catechist, and he remotely participated in the continental Synodal sessions for the U.S. and Canada,” Biegler adds. “Because of Wyatt’s amazing experience at the Synod, he will return to Wyoming with a much broader understanding and experience of the church, which will be a blessing to all of us.”

Personal Reflections

Olivas, a first-generation college student, was on a youth mission last July when he received notification that he was selected as part of the North American delegation -- and the only Wyoming resident -- to travel to Rome last month.

“I called my mom and told her to go grab my dad and take a seat. As I reread the email to them, I began to get emotional, and my mom and dad did as well,” he says. “They both told me that they were very proud of me. Now, being the only person from Wyoming was pretty unique, but being only one of seven nonclergy going from North America was unique. And, being one of the 400 out of 1.3 billion church members is pretty huge.”

As the youngest member of the assembly present for the Synod, Olivas says delegates could not believe he was only 19 -- and everyone wanted to hug him because they were happy that he was selected.

“They told me this gives them hope and relief because young people care,” he adds. “I told them, ‘Young people of the church care, young people of the world care; you just have to believe and invest time into us. Someone invested time into me; that is why I am here. The youth not only are the future, but they also are the ‘now.’”

Olivas says meeting the Pope face to face has been a dream of his since Pope Francis was elected leader of the Catholic Church. Meeting him has changed Olivas in many ways.

“One, he showed me to take the job seriously -- not myself -- add some jokes and ‘find the joy in what you do.’ Honestly, he is really a funny person,” Olivas says. “But, the biggest way it changed me is that Pope Francis is human. It showed me I do not have to do anything special for God to love me; I can just be me.”

Reflecting on his monthlong journey, Olivas also never thought that he would receive so much worldwide attention for just a simple note asking to be excused from his UW classes.

“This was just a tiny idea that made some people smile,” he says. “As long as people smiled, that is a win in my book.”

WWTI Watertown

WWTI Watertown

A good excuse to go shopping: The winter apparel drive is back

Posted: November 15, 2023 | Last updated: November 15, 2023

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Most of us will be digging our winter items out of our closets before digging out of our driveways, but not everyone has the winter basics.

The Winter Apparel Drive is back to help Syracuse City School District students. Local Armory Square businesses have joined in to help, select Armory Square businesses will serve as drop-off locations for donations of new winter apparel such as winter jackets, sweatshirts, winter hats, gloves, scarves, socks, boots, and seasonally appropriate sleepwear.

The owner of Sweet on Chocolate, Adam Mazzoni tells us, “It’s going to such a wonderful cause. Syracuse City School District is always in need of school supplies and all that good stuff, especially for middle school and high school kids. A lot of the larger sizes for the older kids get forgotten about. People get excited about small kid clothing. So we’re trying to kind of focus on those larger sizes.”

This apparel drive is a win-win for the Syracuse community, supporting students while also encouraging shopping in Armory Square businesses.

Ten Armory Square businesses are opening their doors to host donation drop-off boxes, including: 315 Beauty Bar Downtown, AmeriCU (Armory Square), Best Western Syracuse Downtown Hotel & Suites, Bling N Thingz by Brittani, Cathy’s Cookie Kitchen, FlynnStoned Cannabis Co, Forum Barber, Galaxy Media Partners, Marisa’s Fortress of Beauty, and Sweet on Chocolate. As a thank you for making a donation, community members who donate will receive a stamp card containing discounts to a dozen Armory Square businesses, valid now through January thirty first.

Adam Mazzoni, excited to help, shared, “I think it’s an excuse to come downtown, do something great for the community, and then you get a little incentive, a little business card that businesses put together such as we’re doing a 20% off of $10 purchase or more.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com.

A good excuse to go shopping: The winter apparel drive is back

More for You

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert might be right about Draymond Green's ejections

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) walks towards the House chamber at the U.S. Capitol on November 14, 2023 in Washington, DC.

House abruptly heads home early after conservatives retaliate over Johnson's government funding plan

(credit: Getty Images)

Another eye drop recall pulls 27 products from store shelves

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, speaks during a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bouhabib, in Beirut Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. Amirabdollahian blasted the United States for calling for restraint in the region while at the same time allowing Israel to

Iranian official who reportedly helped Hamas plan Israel attack is seen shaking hands with UN aid leader

I went to 3 Burger Kings in New York City and saw firsthand why the fast-food giant is closing hundreds of restaurants

I went to 3 Burger Kings in New York City and saw firsthand why the fast-food giant is closing hundreds of restaurants

Stimulus checks

Stimulus Checks: How much money is the IRS sending at the end of this month?

Kherson Crimea Russia Ukraine War

Ukraine's Advance Puts Putin's Prize Possession at Risk

Dump the junk!

25 Things in Your Basement That a Professional Organizer Would Throw Out

Trump's Demands for Extreme Loyalty Are Starting to Backfire

Trump's Demands for Extreme Loyalty Are Starting to Backfire

Robots to Outnumber People at UPS’s Massive New Warehouse

Robots to Outnumber People at UPS’s Massive New Warehouse

I'm a boomer who moved to Texas and was able to retire early. Almost everything is cheaper here, but the bugs and snakes are wild.

I'm a boomer who moved to Texas and was able to retire early. Almost everything is cheaper here, but the bugs and snakes are wild.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iran tells Hamas it will not enter the war with Israel

Archaeologists Uncover Biblical Truth

Archaeologists Uncover Biblical Truth in Town Captured by Pharoah

Horoscope today: Star sign predictions for September 5, 2023

Daily horoscope today: November 16, 2023 astrological predictions for your star sign

Glen Davis, Will Bynum convicted in insurance fraud scheme

Glen Davis, Will Bynum convicted in insurance fraud scheme

Joe Biden Faces a Deep State Revolt

Joe Biden Faces a Deep State Revolt

The Christmas towns you have to see

The Best Christmas Towns in America You Should Visit at Least Once

Jodie Hughes, the founder of Endometriosis South Coast

Endometriosis is ‘not a gynaecological condition’, says founder of charity with transgender CEO

lake powell September 23, 2022

Before and After Satellite Images Show Lake Powell Water Levels Rise

Get Ready to See the

Get Ready to See the "Mixie" Haircut Trend Everywhere

IMAGES

  1. 20 Best Homework Excuses From the New Generation

    the best excuses for homework

  2. 15 Good Excuses for When You Forgot to Do Your Homework

    the best excuses for homework

  3. 15 Good Excuses for When You Forgot to Do Your Homework

    the best excuses for homework

  4. 12 best excuses for missing your homework- MyAssignmentHelp.net

    the best excuses for homework

  5. 9 Best Excuses for Not Doing Homework [Guaranteed Work]

    the best excuses for homework

  6. Best Excuses For Not Doing Homework that Students Make [Not Common]

    the best excuses for homework

VIDEO

  1. No homework excuses #queenaryana #shorts

  2. Excuses for homework😂#shorts #minecraft #ryanhdlombard

  3. Classwork vs Homework vs Exam #shorts

  4. Excuses for the homework…@Ryanhdlombard #funny #comedy #gaming #minecraft #shortsvideo #shorts

  5. Homework excuses #funny #edit

  6. Homework excuses

COMMENTS

  1. 51 Best Homework Excuses (Serious, Funny, Strict Teachers)

    1. My Dog ate my Homework. Look, no one's ever going to believe this one. Maybe avoid it unless you want to spend lunch time inside catching up. 2. My Computer Broke. This one's more believable but it's been over-used. Thanks to all the liars out there, this homework excuse is well and truly ruined. 3. My Mom Forgot It.

  2. How to Make Up a Good Excuse for Your Homework Not Being Finished

    1 Blame technology. One of the easiest and most believable excuses is simply blaming technology. You can say your computer crashed, your printer broke, your internet was down, or any number of problems. Most people, your teacher included, have experienced setbacks due to technological problems. [1]

  3. Best Homework Excuses in 2023

    5 Good Excuses For Missing Homework That Work. The best excuses for missing homework are those that convince your tutor or instructor without leaving a trail of question marks behind. To come up with such, you have to develop practical critical thinking skills and engage creativity. From some of the best homework excuses available, here are the ...

  4. 14 Hilarious Homework Excuses

    Students' Best Excuses 1. Submitted by Melania Martinez 2. 3. Submitted by Karen Smith Brangers 4. Submitted by Ally Echols 5. Submitted by Doug Hinkle 6. Submitted by Susan Pryor 7. Submitted by Paula Scott 8. Submitted by Barbara Bittner Brint Gottlieb 9. Submitted by Alyce Grover 10. Submitted by Jeannie Griffith Wallace 11.

  5. 50 Best Excuses for Missing your Homework

    1. "I was ill for days!" The king of all the excuses, illness can help you out surely. Now, it is important to keep in mind that your illness should sound practical as if it really happened to you. Do not tell of an ill situation that is hard to believe. I have heard that students sometimes even say that they caught rabies, and get blasted later.

  6. Best Homework Excuses

    Although academic life is exciting, it comes with burdens. Life hardships make some learners unable to complete homework within the deadlines that educators stipulate. Whether in college, high school, or university, you will need excuses for not doing your homework.

  7. 15 Good Excuses for When You Forgot to Do Your Homework

    01 "My parents were fighting" If you live with parents who don't get along, it can get uncomfortable very quickly, especially if you need help to complete your homework. Verbal and physical fights can make it hard for you to concentrate on doing your homework and sometimes it is easier to block them out or go to sleep to get some peace.

  8. The Ten Best Excuses for Late Homework from a Teacher Who's Heard

    1. I got my backpack stolen: use rampant crime among high school students to your advantage. No teacher in his right mind would expect you to turn in that big assignment if it got stolen the very day it was due. Although most teachers won't follow through, filing a missing backpack report might not be a bad idea. 2.

  9. 11 Excuses for Not Doing Homework (And How to Stop Making Them)

    Excuse #1: You lack the required knowledge Let your parents and teacher know if you're taking a class and feel as if you lack the necessary skills or knowledge to complete the homework. Ask your teacher for extra guidance so you don't fall too far behind. See if your parents can find the time to help you, or you can look for a tutor.

  10. 3 Ways to Excuse Yourself from Unfinished Homework

    3. Ask a parent to write an excuse for you. A dangerous move, you can forge a note from a parent explaining why you couldn't do your homework. If you decide to forge one, be warned that your teacher might know it's a fake. If you are caught, you face punishment from both your parents and teacher. Method 3.

  11. 10 Best Excuses for Not Getting Homework Done

    The number one excuse for not doing your homework is "my computer crashed" or similar, tech-related issues. A teacher may still be annoyed with you, but we all know that technology can be unreliable and most of us have fallen foul to this at some point. You may get a sympathetic teacher. If not, the following methods may work:

  12. 10 Best Excuses for Not Getting Homework Done

    1 st lesson free! Charlene $15 /h 1 st lesson free! 5 (16 reviews) Syed $74 /h 1 st lesson free! 5 (4 reviews) Thiago $20 /h

  13. 12 of the Funniest Excuses for Not Doing Your Homework

    4. " I didn't do my homework because I figured I'd do it tomorrow, because I'll be older, and therefore be wiser, then.". 5. " Yesterday, I didn't have time to complete the homework because I was at the rally all day. The rally was calling for an increase to teacher pay, so I had to be there.". 6.

  14. Common Excuses for Not Doing Homework

    Best Excuses for not doing your homework on time. While others might struggle to do their homework, some students find it time-consuming, challenging exercise, and others feel that homework should be banned. After surveying many college students, we present some of the common excuses they use for not completing their assignments.

  15. 48 Best Excuses For Not Doing Homework • Better Responses

    1. Someone told me that the date of submission is extended. 2. I have done my homework, but I forget where I put my notebook. 3. We have surprised guest visitors and they stay the whole day. 4. Because I didn't know where to start, I'm unable to complete the homework. 5. There's some fixing work going on at my home, especially in my room. 6.

  16. Best Homework Excuses To Make You Smile

    Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework. When students fail to do their homework completely, here are some good excuses for missing homework that they give: My computer crashed; The technological advances in the education sector have made it possible for online learning using computers. It means that students have to prepare and finish their ...

  17. 30 Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework [Complete Guide]

    1. I WAS SICK It's a classic excuse, and being genuinely ill can indeed hinder homework completion. When using this excuse, it's crucial to convey your sincerity to your teacher. Mention specific symptoms or even a doctor's note if possible.

  18. 25 Best Excuses for Not Doing Homework: Debunking the Myths

    5. "I didn't have the required materials.". Not having your textbooks, notebooks, or other necessary resources might make it difficult for you to finish your assignment. To get through this defense: Double-check your bag before leaving school to ensure you have all the necessary materials.

  19. 20 Most Funny Excuses For Not Doing Homework

    Now let's get into some of the creative excuses which students have come up with recently. Pet destroyed homework. "Sir, my cat scratched my notes". Or " Sir, my dog spilt food over my homework". These may sound funny, but pet parents suffer through these issues and sometimes it can make a good excuse for them.

  20. 30 Good Excuses To Get Out Of Something (That Are Believable)

    "Sorry, I'm not feeling so well." "Sorry, I have a lot of work to do right now." "I wish I could, but my family came to visit unexpectedly." "I'm sorry, but I totally forgot that it's my cousin's birthday today." "I'm sorry, but I already made plans with my family that I totally forgot about!"

  21. 60 Excuses For Not Doing Homework (Without Blaming The Dog)

    1. I was sick Being sick, or claiming that you're sick, can be used to get out of almost any scenario, including an instance where you did not complete your homework. Who wants to do homework when they are sick? Maybe some people will, but the majority will want to get their rest and recover to their usual selves. 2. My computer crashed

  22. 21+ Good Excuses to Work from Home (with Examples)

    Last-Minute Excuses. 1. Car trouble Your boss can't expect you to drive a broken car to work. "Car troubles" is a classic excuse, but it works for a reason: if your vehicle can't make the commute to work, nobody should expect you to jog there!

  23. 28 Justifiable Excuses To Work From Home

    In our survey, we discovered the 10 best reasons to work from home last minute. If you're in a pinch and need to stay home for just that day, consider one of these reasons: The 24-hour flu. Car trouble. Jury duty. Death in the family. Have a fever (and I'm contagious) Irritable bowel syndrome. Not "100% me" today.

  24. Before The Marvels, make sure to watch the MCU's best show: Ms. Marvel

    Ms. Marvel makes doing your "MCU homework" fun ... is the best show the Marvel Cinematic Universe has streaming on Disney Plus. ... theaters on Nov. 10 — let it be your excuse to watch (or ...

  25. UW Student Receives Class Excuse Request Letter Signed by Pope Francis

    Freshman Wyatt Olivas received a personal "please excuse Wyatt from classes" letter signed by Pope Francis, the leader of the world's largest Christian church of over 1.3 billion members. Olivas recently attended the monthlong assembly for the 2021-24 Synod on Synodality at the Vatican in Rome that featured Catholic leaders from around ...

  26. Spanish help for your Spanish test/exam. Get the best deal for your

    Get the best deal for your Spanish homework. Native expert in Spanish assignments with vouches (VPN available) | Discord: jperez | [email protected] . Hola, ¿qué tal? My name is Jhon Pérez, a native Spanish tutor with over 10 years of experience in Spanish homework. I can help you with any type of Spanish assignments: exams, quizzes ...

  27. A good excuse to go shopping: The winter apparel drive is back

    Adam Mazzoni, excited to help, shared, "I think it's an excuse to come downtown, do something great for the community, and then you get a little incentive, a little business card that ...

  28. USC Trojans Quarterback Caleb Williams Named Semifinalist for Major

    This season, Williams has thrown for 29 touchdowns and four interceptions, adding 156 yards (including yards lost to sacks) and 11 touchdowns on the ground.