What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pretext
Example
He used the pretext of a doctor's appointment to leave work early. [pretext: noun]
Example
She pretended to have a headache as a pretext for not attending the party. [pretext: noun]
excuse
Example
I'm sorry I'm late, traffic was terrible. [excuse: noun]
Example
Please excuse my absence from the meeting, I had a family emergency. [excuse: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Excuse is more commonly used than pretext in everyday language. Excuse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pretext is less common and typically associated with serious or negative situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pretext and excuse?
While pretext is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, excuse is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
