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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

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!  

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

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]

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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) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

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The 10 Most Common Homework Excuses Teacher's Receive (And How to Come up with Better Ones)

• Trent Lorcher
• Categories : Study & learning tips for parents & students
• Tags : Homework help & study guides

You might wonder why a teacher would want to help you with “I forgot my homework” excuses. It’s simple. I’m tired of hearing the same excuses every time I collect an assignment. I want you to be more creative. The top homework excuses of the past no longer give me the thrill of detective work like they used to. I’ve already figured out a way to shoot them down, to humiliate you, and make you feel silly. I feel like General Zaroff must have felt in “The Most Dangerous Game.” I need a new challenge, so here’s a list of top homework excuses, why you should never use them, and subtle changes you can make to be more effective.

10 Most Common Excuses & How to Improve Them

• I forgot my homework : That’s weak! You can do better than “I forgot my homework,” Can’t you? Even if you did forget your homework, come up with something more creative than this. Here’s a little trick: “I forgot my homework, but my mom said she’ll bring it in during lunch/after school.” This will buy you a few hours. Do the assignment during lunch and bring it in after school.
• My printer doesn’t work : Come on! Did your printer work last week? Did it work the day before yesterday? Or did it mysteriously stop working right when you were about to print out your assignment? There are millions of functioning printers in the world. There are probably several at your school, including one in your teacher’s classroom. They’re not going to buy this. Try this one instead: “My printer ran out of ink last night. Can I e-mail it to you when I get home?” This will buy you some time and your teacher isn’t going to check too closely. Just have it e-mailed before 5:00 and you’re safe.
• I didn’t know it was due today : Are you serious? It’s been on the board for a week-and-a-half. It’s been mentioned every day at the start of class. It’s on the class website. The other 36 kids in the class knew it was due today. Don’t ever try this one. Even if you didn’t know it was due, you should have.
• I lost it: Try using that one with the power company. Try “my backpack was stolen” or “I left my binder on the bus.”
• I was absent: Yea, you were sick 5 days ago when I assigned it, but you’ve been here every day since. Didn’t it occur to you that you needed to find out what you missed before it was due. Try “I was really sick last night and was unable to finish it. If you want, I can bring a note from my Mom.”
• Start crying : This is actually really effective if you’re a girl. If you’re not a girl, don’t try this, nor should you try its sister excuse: “it’s that time of the month.”
• I cleaned out my notebook and threw it away : Maybe you should clean out your head before using this classic. Nobody believes you threw anything out of your notebook because it’s exploding with papers. Use the “I got my notebook stolen” instead.
• I didn’t do it : Some teachers may give you some points for honesty, but they already know you didn’t do it.
• I had a game last night : Most teachers will give you the “so, you think ___________ (name of sport) is more important than _______ (name of class)?” response. If you’re teacher is a huge sports fan and if your team won and if you played an integral role in the victory, you may get a break.
• I never got the homework: The 38 other students in class all got the assignment and began working on it immediately, but you neither got the assignment nor bothered to ask what the rest of the class was doing?

As you can see, teachers have wised up to your antics. No longer are the traditional excuses gonna cut it. It’s time to evolve into the next generation and challenge your teacher to keep up with your creative homework dodging.

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

• Learning Tips
• Exam Guides
• School Life

Can’t do Homework: What to do When Scared, Stressed or Unable

• by Joseph Kenas
• February 6, 2024

Assignments might be a pain, but it’s necessary to maintain good marks and stay on course in education.

Whether you’re a little overwhelmed with the number of assignments or simply a procrastinator, you may find yourself in a situation where you simply can’t complete your homework on time.

While you should always start your homework as early as possible, late assignments can be made up without too much trouble, provided you’re willing to put in the extra time.

In this article, we discuss various reasons why students can’t do their homework and some things to do when you are unable to complete it.

What to Do When you can’t do Homework

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably in a pickle. You’ve got homework to do, but you just can’t seem to get it done.

It’s not that you don’t want to, you just can’t get yourself to do it.

It’s a problem for a lot of students. The good news is that there are solutions when can’t do your homework. Here are a few tips to consider:

1. Ask for a Deadline Extension

From time to time many students have to do something important that prevents them from being able to study for a test, complete an assignment or participate in an online class.

The solution is to ask your teacher for an extension. You can do this by email , in person, or even over the phone. If you know you will not complete your assignment in time, reach out to your teacher before the date of the submission.

Assignment extensions are almost always granted when you tell your instructor in time and give them a valid reason.

2. Hire a Writer

If you’re short on time, you may be considering hiring homework help. This can be a great alternative to giving up or making excuses for your teacher.

However, if you are going to hire a homework helper, you need to know what you are looking for. You might have friends or relatives who can do your work, but it is important to find an expert who can do the job right.

You need to make sure that the person you hire has the qualifications and experience to write a top-notch paper. There are a lot of homework services out there. The going rate for a homework help site is between $10 to $20 per page.

Some sites will also provide you with a free sample and a free revision, so you can make sure that the work is completed to your satisfaction. 

3. Defer the Course

If you are facing the problem of not being able to do your homework always, you should consider the option of deferring the course.

In some cases, it might result in more severe consequences than dropping the class, but if you are determined to pass the course and can’t do your homework due to some legitimate reasons, you should consider deferring it.

These reasons include some financial difficulties and other family problems.

4. Study more

Sometimes the homework is too hard and you cannot get the right answer for it. However, doing homework requires you to study.

You can do some research on the internet to find out more information about the homework. You can also refer to textbooks and class notes.

5. Take a Break to Relax

When you feel like you are tired of doing your homework, it’s time to take a break. Take a walk outside, go talk to your friends or have a snack.

You can also take a quick nap to rejuvenate yourself. Your brain will be able to think better if you give it some time to relax.

6. Friends to help

When you cant do your homework, there is always a friend who can help you tackle it. It can be either a relative or someone who has passed the level of education you are in.

Try to get someone who is an expert in that field to help you. You can also get your friend from the same course so that you can help each other with ideas.

7. Consult your Teacher

If you’re stuck on a homework problem and you don’t have anyone to turn to for help, it’s always a good idea to consult the teacher.

Your teacher will have the answers you’re looking for and will be able to help you get back on track. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your teacher, you can always go to another teacher at the same school or another school.

Reasons why Students can’t do their Homework

Students fail to complete their assignments for a variety of reasons. This understanding can help instructors change their teaching methods and help students more. Below are some of the reasons why students fail to do their homework:

1. Lack of Enough Time

Most students participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities. Although these activities are beneficial and can help children stay interested in school, they can also make it difficult for them to complete homework in time.

Also, some older students may have other obligations such as jobs.

2. Failure to Know the Importance of the Homework

If students recognized the importance of their assignment, they would be more motivated to complete it. Everyone, even students, wants to get involved in activities that will benefit their life.

Students can rebel because they see schoolwork as a waste of time. They believe that if they can successfully solve a few math questions, then fifty problems is a waste of time.

3. Failure to Understand the Homework

One of the most common reasons students fail to do their assignments is a lack of comprehension.

If students don’t get adequate teaching, they don’t learn the fundamental abilities they require to do a project.

To ensure that learners understand the assignment at hand, teachers should make sure assignment directions are as explicit as possible.

4. Assignments from other Teachers

This is especially dangerous in high school when pupils have a variety of teachers instructors at this level frequently have no idea if students have assignments from other teachers.

They assume that students need only thirty minutes to do their assignments. However, if they have eight topics and each professor assigns thirty minutes of assignment, the learner will be working on them for three to four hours which is hard.

5. Lack of Feedback from Teachers

If a student complete homework, they anticipate receiving feedback. They may receive a grade, and they also desire feedback, particularly on written homework.

When the instructor fails to give this feedback, most learners do not see the point of the homework.

It’s therefore important for teachers to provide feedback either in writing or include the homework revisions in ca class discussion for the students to benefit.

6. Family Issues 

Some learners come from homes where education is not valued. The student is unlikely to receive help or inspiration to do assignments as a result.

Other homes place high importance on education, yet their parents are either unable or unwilling to assist their children with schoolwork.

Some students also reside in chaotic circumstances where they may lack a tranquil location to study or the necessary resources to complete their assignments.

Joseph is a freelance journalist and a part-time writer with a particular interest in the gig economy. He writes about schooling, college life, and changing trends in education. When not writing, Joseph is hiking or playing chess.

Daniel Wong

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

Updated on August 6, 2024 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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Homework Excuses: Top Guide To Help You Not Do Homework

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!

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49 Best Excuses For Not Doing Homework

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

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

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

( 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Funny Reasons For Not Doing Homework

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

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

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

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 .” 

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

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

17. “This is the first time I forgot the lesson, and you have to understand that I have some reason for that.”

Believable Excuses For Not Doing Homework

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

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. 

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.

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The 5 Best Homework Help Websites (Free and Paid!)

Other High School , General Education

Listen: we know homework isn’t fun, but it is a good way to reinforce the ideas and concepts you’ve learned in class. But what if you’re really struggling with your homework assignments?

If you’ve looked online for a little extra help with your take-home assignments, you’ve probably stumbled across websites claiming to provide the homework help and answers students need to succeed . But can homework help sites really make a difference? And if so, which are the best homework help websites you can use? 

Below, we answer these questions and more about homework help websites–free and paid. We’ll go over: 

• The basics of homework help websites
• The cost of homework help websites 
• The five best homework websites out there 
• The pros and cons of using these websites for homework help 
• The line between “learning” and “cheating” when using online homework help 
• Tips for getting the most out of a homework help website

So let’s get started! 

The Basics About Homework Help Websites–Free and Paid

Homework help websites are designed to help you complete your homework assignments, plain and simple. 

What Makes a Homework Help Site Worth Using

Most of the best sites allow users to ask questions and then provide an answer (or multiple possible answers) and explanation in seconds. In some instances, you can even send a photo of a particular assignment or problem instead of typing the whole thing out! 

Homework help sites also offer more than just help answering homework questions. Common services provided are Q&A with experts, educational videos, lectures, practice tests and quizzes, learning modules, math solving tools, and proofreading help. Homework help sites can also provide textbook solutions (i.e. answers to problems in tons of different textbooks your school might be using), one-on-one tutoring, and peer-to-peer platforms that allow you to discuss subjects you’re learning about with your fellow students. 

And best of all, nearly all of them offer their services 24/7, including tutoring! 

What You Should Should Look Out For

When it comes to homework help, there are lots–and we mean lots –of scam sites out there willing to prey on desperate students. Before you sign up for any service, make sure you read reviews to ensure you’re working with a legitimate company. 

A word to the wise: the more a company advertises help that veers into the territory of cheating, the more likely it is to be a scam. The best homework help websites are going to help you learn the concepts you’ll need to successfully complete your homework on your own. (We’ll go over the difference between “homework help” and “cheating” a little later!) 

You don't need a golden piggy bank to use homework help websites. Some provide low or no cost help for students like you!

How Expensive Are the Best Homework Help Websites?

First of all, just because a homework help site costs money doesn’t mean it’s a good service. Likewise, just because a homework help website is free doesn’t mean the help isn’t high quality. To find the best websites, you have to take a close look at the quality and types of information they provide! 

When it comes to paid homework help services, the prices vary pretty widely depending on the amount of services you want to subscribe to. Subscriptions can cost anywhere from $2 to $150 dollars per month, with the most expensive services offering several hours of one-on-one tutoring with a subject expert per month.

The 5 Best Homework Help Websites 

So, what is the best homework help website you can use? The answer is that it depends on what you need help with. 

The best homework help websites are the ones that are reliable and help you learn the material. They don’t just provide answers to homework questions–they actually help you learn the material. 

That’s why we’ve broken down our favorite websites into categories based on who they’re best for . For instance, the best website for people struggling with math might not work for someone who needs a little extra help with science, and vice versa. 

Keep reading to find the best homework help website for you! 

Best Free Homework Help Site: Khan Academy

• Price: Free!
• Best for: Practicing tough material 

Not only is Khan Academy free, but it’s full of information and can be personalized to suit your needs. When you set up your account , you choose which courses you need to study, and Khan Academy sets up a personal dashboard of instructional videos, practice exercises, and quizzes –with both correct and incorrect answer explanations–so you can learn at your own pace. 

As an added bonus, it covers more course topics than many other homework help sites, including several AP classes.

Runner Up: Brainly.com offers a free service that allows you to type in questions and get answers and explanations from experts. The downside is that you’re limited to two answers per question and have to watch ads. 

Best Paid Homework Help Site: Chegg

• Price: $14.95 to $19.95 per month
• Best for: 24/7 homework assistance  

This service has three main parts . The first is Chegg Study, which includes textbook solutions, Q&A with subject experts, flashcards, video explanations, a math solver, and writing help. The resources are thorough, and reviewers state that Chegg answers homework questions quickly and accurately no matter when you submit them.  

Chegg also offers textbook rentals for students who need access to textbooks outside of their classroom. Finally, Chegg offers Internship and Career Advice for students who are preparing to graduate and may need a little extra help with the transition out of high school. 

Another great feature Chegg provides is a selection of free articles geared towards helping with general life skills, like coping with stress and saving money. Chegg’s learning modules are comprehensive, and they feature solutions to the problems in tons of different textbooks in a wide variety of subjects. 

Runner Up: Bartleby offers basically the same services as Chegg for $14.99 per month. The reason it didn’t rank as the best is based on customer reviews that say user questions aren’t answered quite as quickly on this site as on Chegg. Otherwise, this is also a solid choice!

Best Site for Math Homework Help: Photomath

• Price: Free (or $59.99 per year for premium services) 
• Best for: Explaining solutions to math problems

This site allows you to t ake a picture of a math problem, and instantly pulls up a step-by-step solution, as well as a detailed explanation of the concept. Photomath also includes animated videos that break down mathematical concepts to help you better understand and remember them. 

The basic service is free, but for an additional fee you can get extra study tools and learn additional strategies for solving common math problems.

Runner Up: KhanAcademy offers in-depth tutorials that cover complex math topics for free, but you won’t get the same tailored help (and answers!) that Photomath offers. 

Best Site for English Homework Help: Princeton Review Academic Tutoring

• Price: $40 to $153 per month, depending on how many hours of tutoring you want 
• Best for: Comprehensive and personalized reading and writing help 

While sites like Grammarly and Sparknotes help you by either proofreading what you write via an algorithm or providing book summaries, Princeton Review’s tutors provide in-depth help with vocabulary, literature, essay writing and development, proofreading, and reading comprehension. And unlike other services, you’ll have the chance to work with a real person to get help. 

The best part is that you can get on-demand English (and ESL) tutoring from experts 24/7. That means you can get help whenever you need it, even if you’re pulling an all-nighter! 

This is by far the most expensive homework site on this list, so you’ll need to really think about what you need out of a homework help website before you commit. One added benefit is that the subscription covers over 80 other subjects, including AP classes, which can make it a good value if you need lots of help!  

Best Site for STEM Homework Help: Studypool

• Best for: Science homework help
• Price: Varies; you’ll pay for each question you submit

When it comes to science homework help, there aren’t a ton of great resources out there. The best of the bunch is Studypool, and while it has great reviews, there are some downsides as well. 

Let’s start with the good stuff. Studypool offers an interesting twist on the homework help formula. After you create a free account, you can submit your homework help questions, and tutors will submit bids to answer your questions. You’ll be able to select the tutor–and price point–that works for you, then you’ll pay to have your homework question answered. You can also pay a small fee to access notes, lectures, and other documents that top tutors have uploaded. 

The downside to Studypool is that the pricing is not transparent . There’s no way to plan for how much your homework help will cost, especially if you have lots of questions! Additionally, it’s not clear how tutors are selected, so you’ll need to be cautious when you choose who you’d like to answer your homework questions.  

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Homework Help Sites?

Homework help websites can be a great resource if you’re struggling in a subject, or even if you just want to make sure that you’re really learning and understanding topics and ideas that you’re interested in. But, there are some possible drawbacks if you don’t use these sites responsibly. 

We’ll go over the good–and the not-so-good–aspects of getting online homework help below. 

3 Pros of Using Homework Help Websites 

First, let’s take a look at the benefits. 

#1: Better Grades Beyond Homework

This is a big one! Getting outside help with your studies can improve your understanding of concepts that you’re learning, which translates into better grades when you take tests or write essays. 

Remember: homework is designed to help reinforce the concepts you learned in class. If you just get easy answers without learning the material behind the problems, you may not have the tools you need to be successful on your class exams…or even standardized tests you’ll need to take for college. 

#2: Convenience

One of the main reasons that online homework help is appealing is because it’s flexible and convenient. You don’t have to go to a specific tutoring center while they’re open or stay after school to speak with your teacher. Instead, you can access helpful resources wherever you can access the internet, whenever you need them.

This is especially true if you tend to study at off hours because of your extracurriculars, work schedule, or family obligations. Sites that offer 24/7 tutoring can give you the extra help you need if you can’t access the free resources that are available at your school. 

#3: Variety

Not everyone learns the same way. Maybe you’re more of a visual learner, but your teacher mostly does lectures. Or maybe you learn best by listening and taking notes, but you’re expected to learn something just from reading the textbook . 

One of the best things about online homework help is that it comes in a variety of forms. The best homework help sites offer resources for all types of learners, including videos, practice activities, and even one-on-one discussions with real-life experts. 

This variety can also be a good thing if you just don’t really resonate with the way a concept is being explained (looking at you, math textbooks!).

Not so fast. There are cons to homework help websites, too. Get to know them below!

3 Cons of Using Homework Help Websites 

Now, let’s take a look at the drawbacks of online homework help. 

#1: Unreliable Info

This can be a real problem. In addition to all the really good homework help sites, there are a whole lot of disreputable or unreliable sites out there. The fact of the matter is that some homework help sites don’t necessarily hire people who are experts in the subjects they’re talking about. In those cases, you may not be getting the accurate, up-to-date, and thorough information you need.

Additionally, even the great sites may not be able to answer all of your homework questions. This is especially true if the site uses an algorithm or chatbot to help students…or if you’re enrolled in an advanced or college-level course. In these cases, working with your teacher or school-provided tutors are probably your best option. 

#2: No Clarification

This depends on the service you use, of course. But the majority of them provide free or low-cost help through pre-recorded videos. Watching videos or reading info online can definitely help you with your homework… but you can’t ask questions or get immediate feedback if you need it .

#3: Potential For Scamming 

Like we mentioned earlier, there are a lot of homework help websites out there, and lots of them are scams. The review comments we read covered everything from outdated or wrong information, to misleading claims about the help provided, to not allowing people to cancel their service after signing up. 

No matter which site you choose to use, make sure you research and read reviews before you sign up–especially if it’s a paid service! 

When Does “Help” Become “Cheating”?

Admittedly, whether using homework help websites constitutes cheating is a bit of a grey area. For instance, is it “help” when a friend reads your essay for history class and corrects your grammar, or is it “cheating”? The truth is, not everyone agrees on when “help” crosses the line into “cheating .” When in doubt, it can be a good idea to check with your teacher to see what they think about a particular type of help you want to get. 

That said, a general rule of thumb to keep in mind is to make sure that the assignment you turn in for credit is authentically yours . It needs to demonstrate your own thoughts and your own current abilities. Remember: the point of every homework assignment is to 1) help you learn something, and 2) show what you’ve learned. 

So if a service answers questions or writes essays for you, there’s a good chance using it constitutes cheating. 

Here’s an example that might help clarify the difference for you. Brainstorming essay ideas with others or looking online for inspiration is “help” as long as you write the essay yourself. Having someone read it and give you feedback about what you need to change is also help, provided you’re the one that makes the changes later. 

But copying all or part of an essay you find online or having someone write (or rewrite) the whole thing for you would be “cheating.” The same is true for other subjects. Ultimately, if you’re not generating your own work or your own answers, it’s probably cheating.

5 Tips for Finding the Best Homework Help Websites for You

Now that you know some of our favorite homework help websites, free and paid, you can start doing some additional research on your own to decide which services might work best for you! Here are some top tips for choosing a homework help website. 

Tip 1: Decide How You Learn Best 

Before you decide which site or sites you’re going to use for homework help, y ou should figure out what kind of learning style works for you the most. Are you a visual learner? Then choose a site that uses lots of videos to help explain concepts. If you know you learn best by actually doing tasks, choose a site that provides lots of practice exercises.

Tip 2: Determine Which Subjects You Need Help With

Just because a homework help site is good overall doesn’t mean that it’s equally good for every subject. If you only need help in math, choose a site that specializes in that area. But if history is where you’re struggling, a site that specializes in math won’t be much help. So make sure to choose a site that you know provides high-quality help in the areas you need it most. 

Tip 3: Decide How Much One-On-One Help You Need 

This is really about cost-effectiveness. If you learn well on your own by reading and watching videos, a free site like Khan Academy is a good choice. But if you need actual tutoring, or to be able to ask questions and get personalized answers from experts, a paid site that provides that kind of service may be a better option.

Tip 4: Set a Budget

If you decide you want to go with a paid homework help website, set a budget first . The prices for sites vary wildly, and the cost to use them can add up quick. 

Tip 5: Read the Reviews

Finally, it’s always a good idea to read actual reviews written by the people using these homework sites. You’ll learn the good, the bad, and the ugly of what the users’ experiences have been. This is especially true if you intend to subscribe to a paid service. You’ll want to make sure that users think it’s worth the price overall!

What’s Next?

If you want to get good grades on your homework, it’s a good idea to learn how to tackle it strategically. Our expert tips will help you get the most out of each assignment…and boost your grades in the process.

Doing well on homework assignments is just one part of getting good grades. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about getting great grades in high school in this article.

Of course, test grades can make or break your GPA, too. Here are 17 expert tips that’ll help you get the most out of your study prep before you take an exam.

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Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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• lehuy41 - 10:45:19 21/08/2021

2 I’m sorry I can’t help you do your homework. I wish ………………………………………………….. 3. She doesn’t like to work with him. She wishes …………………………………………….

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2 I’m sorry I can’t help you do your homework.

=>I wish I could help you do homework

Cấu trúc: S+wish+Ob+V(lùi thì)+Adv of time (chuyển đổi trạng từ thời gian nơi chốn)

vì đây là câu mong ước wish nên ta cần lùi thì và trái câu cho trước

=>can't sẽ chuyển thành could

3. She doesn’t like to work with him.

=>She wishes, she didn't work with him.

Cấu trúc: S+wish+Ob+V(lùi thì) (not)+Adv of time (chuyển đổi trạng từ thời gian nơi chốn)

Câu này lưu ý chỉ lùi thì chứ không được trái câu cho trước vì nếu không sẽ sai nghĩa

=>doesn't like sẽ chuyển thành didn't like

Cho mih xin ctlhn nhé!:((

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Owe Someone an Apology? Here’s How to Make Things Right

Who hasn’t been on the receiving end of a bad apology?

• “Sorry, geez. I didn’t know it was going to be such a big deal.”
• “I’m sorry, but you really shouldn’t be so sensitive.”
• “I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings. I was just messing around.”
• “I’m sorry that happened, but, you know, it really wasn’t my fault.”

More than likely, you’ve probably made a subpar apology yourself a time or two.

That’s absolutely normal. Apologizing can be tough, even when you genuinely regret making a mistake or causing someone pain.

Admitting a wrongdoing generally isn’t easy — especially when doing so means acknowledging that you hurt someone you care about.

You want to make amends, but you might feel unsure about how. You might also worry about saying the wrong thing and making matters worse.

Here’s the good news: Learning to make a sincere apology isn’t as difficult as it might sound, and we’re here to guide you through the process. The 8 tips below will help you craft a natural, heartfelt apology to anyone in your life.

1. Understand why you’re apologizing 

To make a good apology, you’ll want to first have a good understanding of where you went wrong.

Regret is a key element of effective apologies, but you’ll probably find it difficult to express sincere regret when you don’t know what you regret doing.

“I’m sorry for whatever I did wrong,” and similarly generic apologies usually fall pretty flat — but they can also lead to more conflict.

Recalling your mistake may not feel all that pleasant, especially when you know you hurt someone. If you already feel guilty or disappointed in yourself, you might even avoid thinking about it entirely. Remember, though: No matter how bad you feel, the other person likely feels worse. Failing to acknowledge their pain does them further injustice.

Here’s an example:

Your roommate seems irritated, but you aren’t sure why they’d be mad. After giving it some thought, you notice a large box in the doorway and suddenly remember you promised to help rearrange their bedroom furniture to make room for a new bookshelf. You immediately go to their room to apologize.

“I just realized I forgot about helping you move your furniture. I’m so sorry. Work has been a little overwhelming lately, and it completely slipped my mind. I know you wanted to get that done as soon as possible. Can I help you with it right now?”

Not sure exactly how you messed up? It happens, especially when you don’t know someone all that well. It’s OK to ask how you gave offense. Just know that some ways of asking are better than others.

Instead of:

• “All right, what did I do this time?”
• “What’s wrong with you today?”
• “I’ve noticed our interactions have been a little different lately. Did I do something to cause that?”
• “Things seem a little off between us, and I’d like to fix that. I’m wondering if I did anything to cause that distance?”

Then, really listen to what they have to say.

2. Start with ‘I’m sorry.’ Period.

Apologies that contain qualifiers or justifications typically won’t get the job done.

Hint: Following “I’m sorry” with “but” is never the way to go.

When you rationalize your actions, you’re essentially passing the blame to another person. This sends the message that you don’t think you did anything wrong and gives your apology a ring of superficiality.

Even honest justifications can negate the sincerity of an apology you really mean.

Say you’re apologizing to a co-worker for failing to complete a group assignment: “I’m sorry I didn’t finish my share of the project by the deadline, but I just can’t keep up with this workload.”

That might be completely true. Still, the elements missing from your apology may leave your co-worker with some lingering hurt feelings.

Instead, you might say:

“I’m sorry I didn’t finish my share of the project by the deadline. I know that makes you look bad, too, so I’ll explain what happened and let everyone know it was entirely on me. My workload last month completely buried me, but I’ll ask for help sooner next time.”

3. Take responsibility for your actions

Acknowledging your mistake can go a long way toward helping you convey remorse, but don’t stop there. A sincere apology also involves empathy for the person you hurt, and it’s important to acknowledge the pain your actions caused. (Here’s where a good understanding of your actions will come in handy.)

Consider this apology:

“I shouldn’t have commented on your hijab. I was curious about your religion, but that’s no excuse for making a disrespectful comment. I didn’t consider how that remark might make you feel, and I’m sorry for hurting you and making you uncomfortable.”

You’ll notice it contains an explanation: “I was curious about your religion.”

Recognizing the difference between explanations and justifications can help you make a much more sincere and effective apology.

To contrast, here’s a justification to avoid:

“I’m sorry for asking about your hijab, but I was just curious. I didn’t realize it would bother you so much.”

Unlike justifications, explanations provide some context around your actions. This context lets the other person know you didn’t intend to hurt them. It can also emphasize how you intend to prevent the situation in the future.

For example:

“I’m sorry I snapped at you when you asked me about work. My mom was giving me a hard time earlier about looking for a new job, so I was already stressed . But that’s no excuse to take it out on you, and I’ll work on managing my stress better.”

Tip Keeping explanations brief and to the point can help you avoid taking them too far and turning them into excuses.

4. Focus on the impact of your actions — not your intent

Sure, you didn’t intend to hurt anyone.

Still, at the end of the day, your intent often matters less than the impact of your actions.

You lied to your best friend about their partner’s cheating because you wanted to protect them. But, by holding back this information, you denied them the chance to make an informed decision about the relationship. You also betrayed their trust , which caused them even more pain.

When you apologize, you might mention you only wanted to protect them, but you’ll want to follow up this explanation by acknowledging that your dishonesty ended up doing the exact opposite. Your apology should center on the pain you caused them, not the good intentions behind your actions.

The person you wronged deserves the chance to share their own feelings, so recognizing the impact of your mistake often involves some empathic listening . This may feel uncomfortable, but it’s an important step toward showing remorse.

5. Take steps to make amends

Effective apologies involve an effort to begin repairing the situation.

Sometimes, reparative behavior is pretty clear. Such as:

• If you borrowed your sister’s car without asking and got it filthy inside and out, your apology might involve paying to have it cleaned and detailed.
• If you rushed through a work assignment and gave your supervisor a report containing incorrect information, you might commit to staying late to fix your mistakes.

Other times, you might need to ask, “What can I do to make things right?” Then, show them you truly regret your actions by doing what they ask.

6. Don’t overdo it

Generally speaking, the apology should fit the mistake. Excessive reparations or behavior that goes above and beyond what they asked of you might help ease your guilt, but it won’t necessarily have any benefits for the person you wronged.

It might even lead them to doubt your sincerity — after all, you didn’t listen to their request.

Say someone stole your friend’s bike when you borrowed it and left it unlocked. They send you a link to a secondhand version of the same bike and ask you to purchase it as a replacement.

Instead, you choose an entirely different (and much more expensive) new model in an effort to convey how truly sorry you are. When you give them the new bike, they don’t attempt to hide their disappointment and annoyance.

While you might imagine a lavish gesture, or an apology you repeat every time you see them, shows your extreme contriteness, it can actually have a negative effect. Over-the-top apologies can seem mocking and insincere. They also tend to convey more of your feelings than any recognition of the other person’s pain.

Remember: The apology is for them, not for you.

7. Ask for forgiveness

Requesting forgiveness is an important part of the apology, because it gives the person you wronged some agency in the situation. In other words, asking for forgiveness tells them you don’t assume they’ll automatically forgive you.

The process of forgiveness can take time, and you may need to do some work, like making amends and addressing problematic behaviors, in order to earn it. (Don’t forget the importance of self-forgiveness along the way.)

Keep in mind that forgiveness isn’t guaranteed, no matter how sincere your apology. That said, you’re more likely to earn it by making it clear you’ve truly repented your actions and made a serious effort to change.

8. Know when you shouldn’t apologize

Apologies can heal damage in relationships after mistakes or thoughtless behavior. But apologizing when you did nothing wrong, simply to prevent conflict , can affect your sense of self-worth and ultimately damage you.

Here’s something to consider: If a friend, partner, or family member regularly expects you to take the blame for things you didn’t do, they aren’t accepting responsibility for their mistakes or making amends for their wrongs.

You might think offering the first apology will encourage them to do the same, but it’s still best to avoid accepting blame when you aren’t at fault.

One situation where you have nothing to apologize for? Rejecting someone romantically. In fact, research suggests that apologizing when you reject someone may make them feel worse.

A better option? Be open and kind:

“You’re sweet and funny, and I’ve enjoyed our dates. But we’re at different places in our lives, and I just don’t see this working out long-term. Moving on now gives us both the chance to find who we’re looking for.”

The bottom line

Your apology might begin with words, but it doesn’t end with them.

Once you’ve spoken your apology, you have the opportunity to live it by reaffirming boundaries , working to re-establish trust, and examining your behavior for other opportunities to grow.

These changes, when made with sincerity, can help you earn forgiveness — but they can also help you avoid making the same mistakes again.

Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy. Her fields of interest include Asian languages and literature, Japanese translation, cooking, natural sciences, sex positivity, and mental health. In particular, she’s committed to helping decrease stigma around mental health issues.

How we reviewed this article:

• Effective apologizes include six elements. (2016). https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/minds-business/effective-apologies-include-six-elements.html
• Freedman G, et al. (2017). When saying sorry may not help: The impact of apologies on social rejections. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5554531
• Making an effective apology. (n.d.). https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/making_an_effective_apology
• Lewicki RJ, et al. (2016). An exploration of the structure of effective apologies. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ncmr.12073

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If You Want to Know How to Apologize, First Do This…

If you want to succeed at apologizing, start by telling yourself you’re awesome.

The advice sounds counterintuitive. It’s common knowledge that if you want to make a real apology, the kind that’s meaningful and sincere, you have to start by setting aside your ego. But that’s easier said than done, because research shows that not admitting we’re wrong is pretty emotionally satisfying. Often, when we try to make apologies we end up mounting a defense instead.

Why We’re So Bad at Apologizing

We’ve all heard apologies like this one:

“Hey, I’m sorry you’re upset. I didn’t mean to suggest that your input doesn’t matter, but when you were speaking during the meeting I was trying to process my own thoughts, which is why I interrupted you. I apologize.”

Eeee-yeah. That’s not an apology; that’s a justification for bad behavior.

Let’s break it down.

What the apologizer said:

Hey, I’m sorry you’re upset.

Translation:

I don’t like it that you’re mad at me.

I didn’t mean to suggest that your input doesn’t matter, but when you were speaking during the meeting I was trying to process my own thoughts, which is why I interrupted you.

The thoughts I was formulating were more important to me than what you had to say.

I apologize.

Sorry, not sorry.

Good people sometimes behave badly. There’s a difference between acting like a jerk in the moment and being one full-time. Unfortunately, when you’re faced with the need to own up to jerk-like behavior, your brain has to work overtime to convince you that you did something wrong, and that’s not a pleasant experience.

We’re terrible at apologizing because we don’t want to feel bad about ourselves. We have an innate need to preserve our positive self image. Because of this, setting aside our egos long enough to make a sincere apology may seem easy enough in theory . . . but it’s a lot more difficult in practice.

Of course, failing to apologize effectively can be toxic to workplace and other relationships. We tend to resent and dislike people who can’t own up to their mistakes. Those who always deflect the blame are challenging to get along with.

How to Use Self-Affirmation to Apologize . . . For Real

There’s good news, though. We become much better at apologizing when we remind ourselves of our own good qualities just before we approach someone we’ve wronged to admit that we screwed up.

In 2014, Karina Schumann, a Stanford University psychologist, published a research paper demonstrating that self-affirmation leads to better apologies. She discovered that people who practiced affirmation were less likely to be defensive and included more elements of an actual admission of wrongdoing in their apologies.

Apologizing begins with saying a few positive words to yourself. A one-size-fits-all affirmation won’t work here, though—you have to make it personal. Think about your sources of self-worth. Maybe you’re really good at your job and generally well-liked. Maybe your parenting skills are off the charts and your kids are turning out awesome. Or it could be that you’re creative and full of ideas. Whatever it is, have a little chat with yourself about it before you step up to apologize. It could go something like this:

I’m good at relating to people. Here at work, my colleagues often turn to me for advice and guidance because I’m open-minded and kind.

When you think about what makes you feel good about yourself, you’re disarming your defenses. Now you’re ready to apologize.

Elements of a Perfect Apology

Because you know that your mistake was a momentary lapse and not a long-term value judgment, you can be sincere. Find a quiet time when you’re less likely to be interrupted and then address the person you’ve wronged.

• Say you’re sorry. Not, “I’m sorry, but . . .”, just plain ol’ “I’m sorry.”
• Own the mistake. It’s important to show the other person that you’re willing to take responsibility for your actions.
• Describe what happened. The wronged person needs to know that you understand what happened and why it was hurtful to them. Make sure you remain focused on your role rather than deflecting the blame.
• Have a plan. Let the wronged person know how you intend to fix the situation.
• Admit you were wrong. It takes a big person to own up to being wrong. But you’ve already reminded yourself that you’re a big person. You’ve got this.
• Ask for forgiveness. A little vulnerability goes a long way toward proving that you mean what you say.

Now, instead of the lukewarm apology above, your apology might look like this:

I’m very sorry for the way I behaved in the meeting. It was unacceptable for me to interrupt while you were talking. You must’ve felt like I didn’t value your contribution. I realize that I struggle with impulse control, so I’ve asked people to call me out if I interrupt them during conversations. I really do want to hear what you have to say. I was wrong, and I hope you can forgive me.”

It’s as simple (and as difficult) as that. No justifying your bad behavior, no making excuses or blaming someone or something else, and no minimizing the hurt you caused by saying “I didn’t really mean it” or “I was just kidding.”

Owning up to your own bad behavior is never easy. But, if you bolster your self-worth before you set out to apologize, it doesn’t have to be soul-crushing, either.

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• Dealing with Teachers

How to Apologize to a Teacher

Last Updated: July 5, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Ashley Pritchard, MA . Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 23 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 300,921 times.

Sometimes we make mistakes. Nobody's perfect. But if you did something that hurt your teacher, it's important to apologize and make amends for what you did. Apologizing can take a lot of courage, but it will heal your relationship and improve your interactions in the future.

Apologizing to a Teacher for Misbehavior

• Reflect on your bad behavior and practice your apology in advance.
• Ask your teacher for a minute to speak privately, preferably during their lunch or free period.
• Say that you’re sorry, explain why you're apologizing, and take responsibility for your actions.
• Promise your teacher that you will not repeat your behavior, then ask them for forgiveness.

Establishing a Plan

• For example, you'd say one thing when apologizing for being rowdy in class, and you'd say a different thing when apologizing for forgetting your homework.

• Start with something simple, such as: "I am sorry for disrupting class." When you feel more comfortable, add: "I promise not to do it again."

• Ask for a minute of their time: "Mr. Smith, may I please speak with you for a moment?”
• Most teachers will write their office hours on the class green sheet. Office hours are a great time to visit your teacher and apologize.

Being Sincere

• Speaking clearly and making eye contact will help you appear more genuine. You don't want to appear insincere.

• Say something like, “Mrs. Peters, I am very sorry for how I behaved yesterday. It was not okay for me to talk loudly to Steve. I should have been paying attention to you teaching.” [7] X Research source
• You could also say, "I'm sorry for forgetting my homework Mrs. Stevens. I would still like to turn it in. I understand if I don't get credit."

• Don’t say “I am sorry for talking loudly with Steve, but it was his fault for talking to me.” Instead, say "I am sorry for talking to Steve. I should have been listening to you."
• Don’t say “if” in your apology: “I am sorry if I was being disrespectful.” Instead say “I am sorry that I was being disrespectful.” [9] X Research source

• Don’t say: “I am sorry for not doing my homework but I didn’t do it because I had a soccer game yesterday.”
• Instead say: “I am sorry for not doing my homework. It was my responsibly to find time to get it done.”

Strengthening Your Apology

• If you are apologizing for not doing your homework, start making sure to do your homework.
• If you were talking loudly during class, make sure to correct this behavior. Don't talk loudly in class. If you must say something, raise your hand.

• Don’t put your hands on your hips or cross your arms. It will look as though you don’t care about the apology or are trying to challenge your teacher.
• Be relaxed and make eye contact with your teacher. Keep your arms at your sides, and your back straight. This will make you appear more serious and genuine.

• Use the same language in the note as you would when giving a verbal apology. This means no making excuses or putting the blame on someone else.
• Use proper spelling and grammar. Don't write "Sorry I made U mad. =( " Instead, write "I apologize for disrupting class. It won't happen again."

• Keep it simple, but sincere. Say something like, “I hope that you can forgive me.”
• Don't worry if your teacher doesn't forgive you. They might need time to think about your apology.

Expert Q&A

• Don't apologize in a note or email. Always apologize in person because it is much more sincere and meaningful. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• It is okay if you cry, but don’t fake cry. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Acknowledge your mistakes to let your teacher know that you know what you did wrong. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Understand that if you have hurt their feelings bad enough, some teachers will not forgive you immediately. Thanks Helpful 90 Not Helpful 10
• Depending on the severity of your actions, you may or may not get in trouble with the administration, but always be ready to accept the consequences of your actions. Thanks Helpful 81 Not Helpful 8

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.perfectapology.com/Apologizing-dos-donts.html
• ↑ https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/how-to-apologize.htm
• ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. School Counselor. Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.
• ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. School Counselor. Expert Interview. 3 January 2020.
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201604/6-science-based-ways-say-i-m-sorry-effectively
• ↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. School Counselor. Expert Interview. 12 December 2019.

About This Article

If you acted up in class and you feel like you should apologize to your teacher, find a time when they aren’t busy, like after school or during lunch. Ask your teacher for a moment of their time, then tell them that you’re sorry for what you did wrong. Don’t make excuses, or your apology won’t seem sincere. For instance, you could say something like, “I should have stopped talking the first time you told me to. I’m sorry.” For other ways to apologize, such as writing an apology note, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Mistakes happen. If you make an especially big one, here’s how to apologize professionally in an email. Plus, get free templates!

As they say, “pobody’s nerfect!” Everyone is bound to make mistakes – it’s one of the guarantees of being human. In some ways, what matters more than the mistake is how you choose to make amends. That might mean writing an apology email, which can feel awkward and leave you unsure of where to begin. Everything from the subject line to the sign-off might have you reeling with uncertainty. 

Don’t worry! With these email templates and tips for identifying apology-worthy moments, you can craft meaningful apology emails in a pinch. So without further ado, here’s how to apologize professionally in an email and regain everyone’s trust. 

When should you apologize at work?

When is email the best way to apologize, how to apologize professionally in an email, how to structure your apology email, tips for apologizing professionally in an email.

Apologizing at work can feel uncomfortable, and you might start to over-apologize – as in, saying sorry when it isn’t necessary. To avoid too many apology emails, here are the most common instances where you need to apologize. 

• Professional errors 

A professional error is a mistake related to your work performance . It could be anything from missing a deadline to forgetting about a task. When you apologize for these mistakes, you show accountability for your work and actions. You also show that you value your work and understand that your actions impact the team too. 

• Personal blunders

A personal mistake is a blunder that occurs at work but in a more personal setting not exactly related to your job. For example, maybe you addressed someone by the wrong name or pronoun, or maybe you made an off-color joke in a meeting. Your apology should take the time to directly address the person or people you offended. This is key to keeping your work relationships respectful and professional. 

• Technical difficulties

Technical issues are common at work – think about the last Zoom you were on where you couldn’t quite see the presentation. It’s always a good idea to apologize for these issues. This way, you show clients, customers, or team members that you care about their time and experience. 

• Incorrect product or service 

When a client or customer doesn’t receive the product or service they requested, be sure to apologize. That’s a pretty big mistake, one that could potentially cost you a customer, so don’t take this lightly. Apologize on behalf of your organization and find a solution as quickly as possible. 

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An in-person apology is usually ideal for an effective apology. Making in-person time for an apology shows respect, and it makes people less likely to misinterpret your tone. However, there are some occasions when an email is better. 

• You don’t have much time 
• You have to apologize to more than one person
• You want to nail the sentiment 
• You’re not free for a meeting 

1 You don’t have much time 

If time is of the essence and you want to apologize ASAP, then don’t risk waiting for face-to-face interaction. When tensions are high, emailing a carefully worded apology can bring everyone back to a calmer headspace. 

2 You have to apologize to more than one person

If you’re apologizing to a group, an email apology can be a great way to quickly reach the entire team. A more personal approach, though, means skipping the group email and sending individual apologies. And in some cases, an especially severe mistake might mean calling a team meeting and apologizing to everyone in person.

3 You want to nail the sentiment 

Maybe you’re the type of person who likes to put pen to paper and make sure the words are just right. Sending an apology via email offers you the space you need here. It’s how you can be extra mindful with how you phrase an apology. 

4 You’re not free for a meeting 

Let’s say you’re working remotely and can’t apologize in person. Let’s say you also don’t have room for a video chat in your schedule. In that case, an apology email works in a pinch. Just be sure to follow the structure and examples above for the best results. 

Below are email templates for some common situations when you might need to apologize. You can use these easily adjustable apology letter samples whenever you need to make amends. 

• How to apologize for addressing someone incorrectly
• How to apologize when both sides are wrong 
• How to apologize on behalf of an organization
• How to apologize for a personal mistake
• How to apologize to a client
• How to apologize to a superior 
• How to apologize for incorrect customer orders
• How to apologize to your team

1 How to apologize for addressing someone incorrectly

Dear [team member’s first name], 

I apologize for addressing you incorrectly in my last email. I appreciate you correcting me and offering me the chance to right this wrong. I understand why my mistake was offensive, and I promise you it won’t happen again – I hold you in high regard and value the role you play on our team. 

As always, I’m here if you need anything. Please do not hesitate to contact me. 

[your name]

2 How to apologize when both sides are wrong 

Please accept my sincere apologies for today’s misunderstanding. I now see my part in the problem, too. I appreciate your willingness to work with me as we resolve this issue together. 

I’ve checked your calendar to see your availability, and I’ve sent you an invite for some time when we can go over a potential resolution. I understand you have some ideas and concerns as well, and I would appreciate the opportunity to chat. 

Of course, if that time doesn’t work for you, please let me know – we’ll figure something else out. I look forward to meeting with you.

3 How to apologize on behalf of an organization

Dear [customer’s first name],

I would like to formally apologize on behalf of [organization’s name]. I understand that the service you received today was not helpful, and I assure you it does not reflect our standards. Thank you for allowing us the chance to make amends. 

I’d like to offer you a coupon code,  [insert coupon code], for any future purchases. You can respond directly to this email with any further questions or concerns. Additionally, here is the number of our customer service center: [insert phone number]. My extension is [insert extension number]. 

We’re working hard to ensure this does not happen again. We hope you will allow us the chance to regain your trust. 

[Your signature]

4 How to apologize for a personal mistake

Dear [team member’s first name],

I’d like to personally apologize for not including you in today’s kick-off call. I take full responsibility for the mistake and would like to bring you up to speed on the project. 

I’ve found an opening in both our calendars for a meeting – does [insert date and time] work for you? If not, let me know. I can work around your availability. 

I’ve made sure to put you on the attendee list for all upcoming project meetings, so this will not happen again. Thank you for allowing me the chance to fix my mistake. I look forward to keeping on working with you. 

[Your name] 

5 How to apologize to a client

Dear [client’s first name],

Please accept my apologies for the factual inaccuracies in today’s status call. I understand the importance of this data, and I take full responsibility for presenting you with incorrect numbers. Thank you for the correction and the opportunity to make sure this never happens again. 

I’ve put several checkpoints in place and included [insert names and titles] in our workflows to ensure all of our numbers are up-to-date going forward. Cultivating a professional relationship with you – one with mutual trust – is of the utmost importance to me and my team. 

Once again, I’m sorry, and I appreciate your patience on this matter. 

[Your signature] 

6 How to apologize to a superior 

Dear [manager’s first name],

Please accept my personal apology for the recent delays in my work. I understand that deadlines are incredibly important in maintaining our reputation. I appreciate your continued support, and I will not take advantage of your patience.

After submitting my most recent work, I reexamined my schedule to ensure on-time submissions. I’m confident this will resolve any further issues. 

Once again, I’m sorry, and I look forward to our continued working relationship. 

7 How to apologize for incorrect customer orders

Hi [customer’s first name],

I’m deeply sorry that you didn’t receive the product you ordered. As per our policy, I’ve issued you a full refund. I appreciate your patience with this matter, and I hope that we can rebuild your trust. Please know that this is not a reflection of the care we put into every order. 

In addition to the refund, we’re sending you the correct item that you ordered. Please double-check that all of the order details below are correct. 

[insert order details]

Thank you again for reaching out and for the chance to resolve the issue. 

8 How to apologize to your team

I understand the frustration after today’s meeting. Please know that I am very sorry for my failure to keep everyone in the loop. While it was never my intention to mislead the team, I understand how my actions negatively affected the project. 

Going forward, I’ve implemented several strategies to make sure this does not happen again. I’ve scheduled a team meeting this week to review my plan. I’m also open to suggestions, questions, and concerns. 

I know that together we can build a better operation. Thank you for the chance to right my wrongs.

Now that you have some apology email examples, it’s time to look more closely at an apology email’s structure. This will give you the tools to write a great email when the above templates don’t quite fit. 

• Introduction 
• Appreciation 
• Wrap-up 
• Signature 

1 Introduction 

To begin, start with a formal greeting. Stay away from “Hi” and “Hey” – instead, stick with “Dear.” Alternatively, write solely the person’s name, then a comma. If you don’t have names, use “Customer,”  “Team,” or something similar. Staying formal is okay – it shows respect for the person or people to whom you’re apologizing. 

The body of your email should open with a clear apology that leaves nobody guessing as to what you’re apologizing for. Getting straight to the point like this shows that you can own up to your mistakes. It makes it clear that you know what you did wrong.  

3 Appreciation 

Next, you can thank the person for the chance to make amends. Maybe they pointed out your mistake, or they’ve simply made the time to read your email. Either way, you should show that you value honesty and open dialogue when you admit to your mistakes. 

An apology without a plan to avoid the problem in the future isn’t a way to make meaningful change. When you offer a solution, it shows that you genuinely care about what you did wrong and know how not to do it again. This will help the person to whom you’re apologizing to heal and regain trust. 

5 Wrap-up 

It’s now time to wrap up your email. Try to end with a closing line that restates your apology or your appreciation for the person reading your message. Keep the ending short and sweet so you don’t overwhelm the other person. 

6 Signature 

Your greeting is formal, and your signature should be too. Examples include “Sincerely” or “Best,” followed by your signature or first and last name. 

These tips can help you send a meaningful apology email. 

• Be authentic
• Don’t wallow in self-pity 
• Be clear 

1 Be authentic

People can tell when you aren’t being authentic, and an effective apology is a genuine one. This might sound cheesy, but be yourself – don’t use language that you wouldn’t say. You can be formal and professional while speaking from the heart. That’s a great way to build trust and create a safe space for your team. 

Kelly Rusk, Marketing Communications Consultant, has this to say on building trust with your team. “I’ve always done this through open conversations and relationship development,” she says. “The more you are invested in your team, the more they will trust you and open up about what they want.” 

2 Be humble

Don’t let pride get in the way of a meaningful apology. Being humble shows that you know you aren’t perfect, you’re always learning, and you view mistakes as a chance to grow. This way, the other person knows for sure that you regret what you’ve done. 

3 Don’t wallow in self-pity 

Another way to show respect is to not make your apology about you. That means no groveling, begging for forgiveness, or self-pity. A genuine apology doesn’t put the responsibility on the other person to reassure you. It also doesn’t mean that the other person has to accept your apology.

4 Be clear 

A direct apology makes forgiveness more likely. It can also help you rebuild trust with your team. That’s why it’s so important to start with your apology and immediately state what you did wrong. Then, thank the other person for the chance to apologize and offer a solution. You’ll leave no questions unanswered and no stones unturned – a great apology. 

Apologize when you make a mistake

It’s a pretty simple idea taught from a young age: Apologize when you mess up. But with so much going on at work, it can be easy to forget how a simple “I’m sorry” can make a big difference. It can also be tough to figure out that you should apologize for something. When you track employee feedback , that becomes easier. With Fellow , you can ask for employee feedback and monitor comments on meetings, projects, performance, and much more. If you see that a lot of people pointed out a big problem, you can use the above tips and templates to apologize quickly. Couple your apology with a great solution, and you might just solve the problem.

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