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Home / News / Top 10 homework excuses from students ranked
Top 10 homework excuses from students ranked
We’ve all gone through the schooling stage. We were all once kids and teenagers, and we all thought at some point that there has to be more to life than getting stuck with a big homework assignment over the weekend.
The average person isn’t a fan of homework but we all had to do it growing up. It didn’t come without hesitation and a few creative excuses, however. Counting down from 10 all the way to one, these are the top homework excuses teachers and parents from around the United States hear each and every day.
10. I didn’t want to do it
This will teach you a lot about your student and/or child. If they don’t hesitate to say they just didn’t want to do the assignment then you know they’re being serious. And brutally honest. You might get away with it from the teacher but prepare for at least a week without your cell phone if your parents hear you say this.
9. Family pet ate it
Obviously this is a horrible and overused excuse but sometimes it’s legit. Whether it was a dog, cat, bunny or guinea pig, the family pet doesn’t know nor does it care what you’re doing or how important it may be. Just make sure you keep an eye on what you’re working on at all times or put it in your notebook or binder . The best part about this excuse is it could get you off the hook with your parents. Your teacher, however, is another story.
8. Left it at school over the weekend
Tough. Leaving your homework at school over the weekend isn’t a good excuse. Organization can be tough to learn especially throughout the teen stages but learning young can result in better results in the later stages of life.
7. I don’t know where it is
Again. Tough luck. It’s the students responsibility to know where their homework is and that it’s done by the due date. Keeping everything organized in binders or folders is an easy task to complete.
6. I was gone when it was assigned
99.9% of the time teachers get homework assignments to those that are gone. Either they make arrangements prior or they put their trust in another student (a friend) to deliver the assignment to them. Now with technology students will have those assignments sent directly to them regardless of the reason they’re not in school.
5. I’m sick
The oldest excuse in the book. Or second oldest. If nobody falls for the “my dog ate it” excuse then this is always next on the list. And very rarely will it work especially with the teachers.
4. Blame the siblings
Because why not?
3. Don’t understand the assignment
Everyone learns differently. Some are quick learners and just need to hear directions once. Some not so quick, ultimately requiring another lesson or two to get a good grasp on the subject. But sometimes you need to take a shot in the dark and learn from the mistakes.
2. Night filled with extra-curriculars
From sports practice to an after-school job to attending school-related events, nights are often packed tight. Sometimes from the minute school gets out until it’s time to crawl into bed and start all over again. Nobody wants to do homework at 10pm but sometimes that’s the only option. Otherwise the basketball game that went into overtime can be your excuse.
1. The WiFi wasn’t working
With the evolution of technology and the convenience of the Internet eventually comes the issues. Schools have the option to provide their students with their own laptops or tablets for school use and thus require assignments on the devices out of school. Technology problems, such as a device or WiFi issue, is a real excuse for missing a due date.
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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 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.
- Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/admin/ 60 Inspirational Role Model Examples
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How to Make Up a Good Excuse for Your Homework Not Being Finished
Last Updated: February 11, 2023
Choosing an Excuse
Delivering the excuse, potential consequences, moving forward.
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 351,270 times. Learn more...
If you did not finish your homework, you may want to find an excuse to avoid being penalized. There are a variety of excuses, from blaming technology to your busy schedule, that sounds like a plausible reason for failing to complete an assignment. When you settle on an excuse, work on delivering the excuse in a believable fashion. However, try to be careful moving forward. You do not want to lie habitually, as this reflects poorly on you as a student. In the future, try to make sure your assignments are done on time.
- This is a great excuse if you had a paper you needed to type and print. It may also work if you have homework you had to do online. You could say you did the whole assignment, but then your internet cut out and you couldn't save anything.
- It might be a bad idea to claim your printer stopped working. Your teacher may request you e-mail him/her the assignment instead, which you won't be able to do if you never did it. Teachers may also suggest you should have printed an assignment at a local library or FedEx instead of coming in with nothing.
- If your parents are divorced, for example, you can claim you were at your mom's last night but left your textbook with your dad this weekend. Many teachers are sympathetic to children from divorced homes. Your teacher may take pity on you if you use an excuse like this. [2] X Research source
- Do you have any younger siblings? You could claim you had to babysit your little sister and she got sick, resulting in your being distracted from your homework. [3] X Research source
- You can try running around in the playground or hallways before class. This can help you look flushed and warm. If you look sick, your teacher will be more likely to believe you.
- However, keep in mind some teachers may require a note from your parents in the event of illness. If your teacher typically demands proof of sickness, you may want to avoid using this excuse.
- Avoid saying you left your homework at home. Your teacher may request you call your mom or dad to have it delivered to the school. This will reveal you are lying.
- Try not to use this excuse more than once or twice a term; otherwise, your teacher may see you as disorganized and be less sympathetic towards you if you need to make other excuses in the future.
- Be careful using this excuse if you're not busy. If you're usually late for classes and do not engage in many extracurricular activities, your teacher may catch onto the fact you're lying.
- Never lie you were absent on the day the homework was set. One glance of the register is all it takes for your teacher to see right through this excuse.
- If your teacher is particularly strict, be prepared to answer a lot of questions. A stricter teacher is likely to grill you, poking holes in your excuse. For example, say you claim you couldn't turn in your online math homework because your internet cut out. A strict teacher might respond with something like, "Then why didn't you go do your homework at a coffee shop?" Have a response ready. Try something like, "My mom was working and there was no one to drive me." [7] X Research source
- Do you know anything about your teacher's personal interests? This can help you gauge what excuse may work for this person. For example, you know your chemistry teacher is the oldest of 7 children. He may be more sympathetic to a story about how watching your younger siblings kept you from getting your work done. [8] X Research source
- Stick to only the important details. For example, say you're planning on claiming your piano recital got out late, and this is why you didn't finish your math homework. Do not go overboard with the details. Simply say, "A few students played their solos too long, so we didn't get done until 9:30 and it was a 45-minute drive home." Do not say, "Chester Mifflin spent 25 minutes on his routine when we were only given 10, and then Lisa Gregory was a little late getting up on stage..." The longer your lie, the more unbelievable it sounds. Most people would not remember this much detail.
- If your teacher presses you for specifics, you can improvise as needed but avoid excessive detail. For example, your teacher might ask, "How long did the recital run over?" Do not say, "It was supposed to run until 8:30 but it was 9:23 when we got out." Instead, say something somewhat vague, like, "I'd say about 45 minutes."
- Take a few deep breaths before going into the room to help yourself stay calm.
- Make eye contact with your teacher most of the time.
- Be conscious of what you're doing with your body. Try to avoid fidgeting excessively.
- Refer to the syllabus for that class. There may be a section about honesty that goes over the consequences of lying to a teacher.
- You should also look at your school's handbook if you have a copy. See if there are any sections about what happens if you breach academic honesty policies.
- Consequences can vary from teacher-to-teacher. In some cases, you may only get a strict talking to. However, some teachers may be required to report these kinds of behaviors to the principal and your parents. This could land you in more serious trouble both at home and at school.
- It may depend on the assignment. Late work may not be accepted, but if the assignment is only worth 10 points, is this really a big deal? However, if the assignment is worth 15% of your grade, it may be worth it to ask for an extension.
- Talk to other students who've had this teacher in the past. How has this teacher reacted to late or missing work? Some teachers may accept late work for lower points. Some teachers may allow you to turn in work late if it's your first time. If this is the case, it may be a good idea to simply admit you didn't do the assignment.
- You can make a pro and con list for each scenario. Write down the possible benefits and possible drawbacks of each option. For example, you can write on the top of a piece of paper "Lying To My Teacher" and then have two columns, one for "pro" and one for "con." Under "pro," you may write something like, "Assignment is worth a lot of points - an extension could help my overall grade." Under "con," you could write, "If Ms. Davies finds out I'm lying, she will report it to the principal and I'll get detention for a week."
- Weigh the pros and cons. If the pros outweigh the cons heavily for one option, this may be the right choice for you.
- Do your homework every day after school. Do not do anything else, like playing video games or playing outside, before finishing your work.
- Write down all the assignments you have to do. Make sure to write down an assignment after a teacher mentions it. This way, you won't forget.
- If you habitually struggle to get your homework done and have an overall inability to concentrate, this can be a symptom of Attention Deficit Disorder. Talk to your parents about getting tested for ADD.
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- ↑ https://helpfulprofessor.com/homework-excuses/
- ↑ http://www.brighthubeducation.com/study-and-learning-tips/51072-10-best-homework-excuses/
- ↑ https://www.truthaboutdeception.com/lying-and-deception/how-to-lie.html
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/extreme-fear/201005/top-ten-secrets-effective-liars
About This Article
While lying too often could reflect badly on you as a student, if you need a good excuse for your homework not being finished, say you lost it. Just don’t use this excuse often, since your teacher will think you’re unorganized. If the homework was on the computer, try blaming technology. Say your computer crashed or your internet was down. Alternatively, claim you were ill last night and had to rest. Only do this if you don’t think your teacher will call your parents to check or ask for a sick note. If you have a sibling that doesn’t go to your school, you can say they were ill and you had to look after them. Or, if you do a lot of things outside of school and have lots of homework to do, pretend you were too busy and ran out of time. For more tips, including how to make your excuse more convincing, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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What to Say When You Didn't Do Your Homework
8 minutes reading time
- 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.
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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.
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7 Best excuses for not doing homework
Every once in awhile, one fails to complete their homework in time . To get away with it, you need a proper excuse that will be convincing enough to your teacher. While some teachers may be more gullible than others, here are some of the excuses you could use.
1. Stolen Backpack
It is possible that your backpack can be stolen on the day the assignment is due. Trying to trace who stole your backpack or how true that is could be too much work for the teacher. This could help you get away with it.
2. Sickness
You could say you fell ill and were unable to complete any of the tasks given. While some teachers could demand a medical report indicating so, most teachers will not follow through. However if you always use this excuse, you could get caught some day.
3. Forgot my backpack in my Dad's car and he is out of town
This could be a good idea since it is highly unlikely the teacher could expect your Dad to leave work in order to bring your assignment to school
4. Fake period
For ladies you can easily get away by saying it's that time of the month. If you are a boy and you decide to say this, trust me you will be in bigger problems than not completing homework.
5. A close relative died
You could say one of your relative, like Grandpa just died. Well any right thing teacher would not debate about that. However, using this excuse too many times will also get you caught too.
6. Computer crashed
If this was a typed assignment, you could say your computer crashed. Everybody including your teacher knows these stuff happens every now and then so it won't look odd.
7. Be honest and tell the truth as it is.
While it is a good option to lie about it, sometimes just saying the plain truth could get you off the hook. Tell the teacher what exactly happened. Some teachers will actually understand that you didn't choose to use homework doers to pass in your assignment and were honest about that.
Dont compromise on quality. Our homework helpers can service all your academic needs perfectly.
15 Good Excuses for When You Forgot to Do Your Homework
By: Author Hiuyan Lam
Posted on Published: May 23, 2021
Categories Etiquette & advice
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:
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:
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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:
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:
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:
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!
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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!
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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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.
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!
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.
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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
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…
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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!
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.
July 7, 2022 at 1:05 pm
You’re very welcome.
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!
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.
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Excuses For Not Doing Homework
Are you one of those who are making excuses because you don’t like homework? If yes, you are not alone. Many students don’t like to do homework . They think of it as a burden.
Student: “will you punish me for the thing i didn’t do?” Teacher: “No, not at all.” Student: ” Thank God! I have not finished my homework.”
Academic time is exciting, but it still comes with many burdens. Due to the hardships of life, not all students can complete their homework on time. To avoid getting into trouble, students make several excuses for not doing homework on time to their teachers. Most of the time, the same explanations annoy the teacher, and they can punish the student.
Here we explain some common excuses for not doing homework. Read thoroughly!
Why Do Students Think Homework Is a Burden?
Table of Contents
Homework quantity depends on the overall growth of the student. Too much homework is a hindrance in the student’s path. And they start to consider it a burden.
Parents also agree that if homework is given within a limit, it helps the child’s overall growth. But today, students get so much homework after school. That is why they don’t even get the time to play and participate in outdoor activities. It affects their growth. They start avoiding them and make excuses for not doing homework. Following are the common excuses students make for avoiding doing homework-
8 General Excuses For Not Doing Homework
1. I Forget to bring my notebook
It is one of the common excuses that students make. If it is the first time you didn’t do homework, then this trick will work for you. Many students forget to get their notebooks in a hurry. Normally, teachers trust students if they make this excuse. Remember, don’t make this excuse again and again or give too much explanation on it.
2. Didn’t understand the homework
Most of the students use this excuse. They said that they didn’t understand the homework assigned. So they ask for guidance from the teacher and try to do it a second time.
Be careful when you give this excuse because the teacher will cross-question to clear your doubts. You have to act smart and read the homework once so that you have questions to ask the teacher.
This excuse’s positive impact is that it tells your teacher to try to do the homework and get extra time to finish it.
3. Not feeling well
Another common excuse for not doing homework on time is not feeling well. This excuse is passed from generation to generation. You can also use this excuse to say you had a terrible headache. That is why you are not able to do work. It helps you to get sympathy from your teacher. Everyone understands it is hard to work with a severe headache.
4. Someone stole my homework
In school, stealing necessary things from other students is known to everyone. You can use this excuse for not completing the homework, and no teacher will scold you. He will allow you to complete it the very next day.
5 Use the excuse of absent
If your teacher normally does not notice who is attending the class or who is not, you can use this excuse for not doing homework. You can tell you are absent on the day he assigned the homework. However, he will give you some more time to finish your homework.
6. My pet ate my homework
It is also one of the common excuses for not doing homework. Many students use their pet as a shield to save themselves from the teacher. You can say this, I did my homework, but my dog tears into pieces.
7. Electricity problem
In the era of the ’90s, there was an electricity problem. It was the common excuse for not completing the homework. Many students are likely to use it, but your teacher won’t believe it as it seems like a funny homework excuse.
8. Speak the truth
We all know we can’t always make excuses for not doing homework. If you try to make excuses every time, there is a higher chance of getting caught in your trap. Sometimes it is ok to do that, but not doing homework every time is not a good habit. So, try to do the homework; if you won’t complete it, it is a valid reason. It will help you in building trust, and your teacher surely appreciates your effort.
All the above excuses will work, but homework is necessary because it helps you understand the concept and improves your cognitive thinking ability. Teachers make sure they will not assign too much homework at one time.
Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework
Following are the good excuses for not doing homework., it is such as;
1. Internet Issue
In this modern era, homework is based on technology. If your school also provides homework through online mode, it can make the best excuse for you not to do homework. It included believable excuses for not doing homework; you can use this excuse if you are not doing it. The types of internet issues arise at home, like the mobile or router’s internet not working, slow internet, damaged cabling, weak Wi-Fi signals, etc.
2. Laptop or Computer Issue
Moreover, another best excuse for homework is a computer issue. The types of computer issues are system crashes, overheating, operating system working abnormally, and the computer won’t start, computer restarting by itself, update issues, frozen screen, slow computer, and system not working. Try this excuse if your homework is based on a laptop or computer. It helps you to defend yourself from teacher rebuke.
3. Light Issue
On the other hand, the light issue is the best excuse for not doing the homework. It is a good excuse for not doing the homework. You can try this excuse when you are not completing your school homework. It included good excuses for not doing homework during online.
4. Family Issue
Moreover, another excuse to neglect homework or not do homework is a family issue. You can also use this issue. Here is the list of family conflicts included in the believable excuses for not doing homework.
- Moving to a new house or country.
- Separation or divorce.
- Change in financial circumstances.
- Traveling long distances to work.
- Commuting interstate for work.
- Birth of a baby
- Family functions, etc.
Other 100 Excuses For Not Doing Homework
Let’s know the other best 100 excuses for not doing homework; it’s given below.
Best Excuses For Not Doing Homework
The following are the best excuses for not doing homework; it’s given below.
Believable Excuses For Not Doing Homework
Following are some believable excuses for not doing homework for students.
- I was sick.
- My computer crashed, or the homework file got corrupted.
- I broke my arm.
- There was a death in the family.
- I have too much homework in other subjects.
- My bag got stolen.
- My internet died.
- I had a personal issue I was dealing with.
- I was in the hospital.
- My parents forced me to spend time with them.
- Terrors took it away from me and ripped it up.
- My dog ate my homework notebook.
- Practice for School functions or competitions
Funny Excuses For Not Doing Homework
Following are the main funny excuses for not doing homework given below.
Following are the good excuses for not doing homework.
Excuses For Not Doing Homework During Online Class
You might follow the below-given points to know the best excuses for not doing homework during online classes.
- Online homework is bad; I didn’t understand it adequately.
- My mobile phone or router’s internet connection was not working.
- While the teacher gave the homework, my router’s internet connection was working slowly or interrupted.
- My computer crashed, and it’s not working.
- The zoom app was not working on my computer.
- I could not understand the homework due to a lack of face-to-face interaction.
- I had physical health problems and high-stress levels.
- Night filled with extra-curricular activities.
- My little brother bothered me.
- My father was out of town because I had no mobile phone.
- I left the class when it was assigned.
- Pretend to be sick.
- There was a function at our house last night.
Homework Excuses For Strict Teachers
These are the best homework excuses for strict teachers, such as;
Foolproof Excuses For Not Doing Homework
You might follow the below given foolproof excuses for not doing homework.
Best Excuses For Not Doing Homework During Quarantine
These are the following steps to best excuses for not doing homework.
- I was suffering from Covid.
- It was just too boring, but I have an online class
- I had a mental breakdown because of quarantine anxiety
- My router’s wifi was down.
- I got sick.
- I had family issues. i.e., my mom is in the hospital
- My computer crashed.
- I have network issues, so I didn’t see the announcement
- Sorry, I couldn’t get it to load.
- My dog pissed on the computer and tried it though
- I had no extra mobile phone because my older mobile phone was not working.
Reasons that show homework is important
- Homework helps in the revision of the classwork
You will notice that certain key points are repeated when you sit down to work on your homework after school. School is not a place to restate old concepts; rather, it is a place to discover new ones. When you come home, you should revise these concepts again.
- Homework acts like a bridge between parents and teachers .
It helps in making a healthy relationship between parents and teachers. Parents can interact with the teacher and also know about the teaching pattern.
If you want to know more about why homework is important, then click on this blog link 👈👈
Final words
We hope you find this blog helpful. We cover excuses for not doing homework that students use, but doing homework is equally important. Make sure before using any excuses; it would be best if you understand your teacher. Some teachers believe in your excuse, and some do not. If possible, try to mention the genuine reason.
Though, every student must try to complete their homework. It helps you understand important concepts. Don’t make irrelevant excuses. So, it is better to do homework on time, even calltutors provide service for a term like do my homework for me cheap , so feel free to contact an expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do i excuse myself from unfinished homework.
It’s good for you to tell the truth, and tell your teacher why you couldn’t finish your homework. A sincere apology can go a long way. You might say, “I am sorry, but I got behind on things and couldn’t finish my homework.
What Do I Do If I Don’t Want To Do My Homework?
First of all, you need to finish your favorite work. Stay calm and listen to motivational songs. Take the help of your teachers or friends to finish the homework.
Can I Refuse To Do Homework?
Yes, you, as a human being, have the freedom to refuse to do something like homework. But to refuse the homework, ensure first why you are refusing it and the reason behind it.
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Homework is good because it gives students a chance to practice and internalize information presented during classroom lessons. It also encourages parents to get involved in the student’s education.
The Center for Public Education states that the disadvantages of homework vary.
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10. I didn't want to do it · 9. Family pet ate it · 8. Left it at school over the weekend · 7. I don't know where it is · 6. I was gone when it was assigned · 5. I'm
1. My Dog ate my Homework. Look, no one's ever going to believe
Blame technology. One of the easiest and most believable excuses is simply blaming technology. You can say your computer crashed, your
What to Say When You Didn't Do Your Homework · The Dog Ate It · I Don't Remember Getting any Homework · I Thought it Was in My Bag · I Didn't
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Something drastic or unavoidable must happen. Having your computer crash is a good excuse because, without a computer, you won't be able to
Top Ten Best Excuses for Not Doing Homework · 1 My dog ate it · 2 It offended me · 3 I left it at home · 4 You asked me to do it, you didn't tell me to do it, so I
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
11 Excuses for Not Doing Homework (And How to Stop Making Them) · Excuse #1: You lack the required knowledge · Excuse #2: You lack confidence.
Asking for the best excuse for not doing homework is like asking for the best smelling fragrance between dog poop and elephant poop. Yeah you could argue which
In this modern era, homework is based on technology. If your school also provides homework through online mode, it can make the best excuse for you not to do