the best lost homework excuse ever essay

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

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

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

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

Read Also: 27 Pros and Cons of Homework

Cliché Homework Excuses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related: A List of Extension Excuses for College Students

Funny Homework Excuses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related: Excuses for Skipping Class in College

Excuses For Strict Teachers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related: Fun Things to do when Bored in Class

Truthful Homework Excuses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See a List of 11 Homework Statistics

Blame the Parents

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blame the Teachers

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

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

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

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

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

FAQ: How to Get Out of Doing Homework?

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

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

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

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

Chris Drew (PhD)

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

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Best Missing Homework Excuse Ever

Home works are assigned to students because it enhances various educational objectives. Homework inculcates discipline and students would be able to set up study habits. It also helps students to get rid of over strain in classroom education and enables students to become more responsible in their studies. It also helps them to develop a closer relation between school and home. A student becomes more creative and learns lessons on his own. Homework may be defined as a part of the curriculum that is to be done at home as an extension of studies in the classroom. Practice, preparation and extension are the three types of homework. Researches have shown that student achievement is higher if the concept of homework is practiced. There are many controversies regarding assigning homework to students. According to many parents and teachers, homework has developed initiatives and responsibilities among students. The only factor to be looked into while assigning homework is that it should be properly planned by the teachers and it should also help to improve the intellect of a student (What is homework). Assigning homework also indicates that the class teacher cares about the students. It is not just a busy work for namesake. It should be checked, discussed, and follow up classes also should be taken. Homework should be challenging assignments that would make the students think.

Some students have a million excuses for not doing their homework’s on time. Not doing the homework shows the irresponsibility of the child and these children cannot perform well in class (Rosenblum-Lowden & Kimmel p.42-43). The battle between parents and children itself is a big reason for children for not doing the homework. Most of the children hate doing homework. In the same family one child does the homework very neatly and tidily whereas for the other child it might be a matter of continuous struggle. They might have something more important to do. They always feel disturbed and are unable to finish their homework. Students do not complete their homework when their study area is a mess with everything scattered around and are not in order. Some parents behave very harshly to children for not doing their work. This also creates a fear and frustration in the mind of the kids. Sometimes despite all efforts by the parents the child still does not want to do the homework. The style of doing homework also matters. Soon after coming from school and after having a snack the child has to go to his room and do his work. This style is boring for the children these days. Compelling the child to do homework in the same style can completely switch off the mood to learn. The child starts disliking studies (Prashnig p. 259, 261).

Children should be encouraged to create their own style of doing homework. Children should be allowed to complete their work by sitting in the living room and if preferred on the floor with some music on and their favorite pets around. Learning with distractions has helped many children in learning with interest. Teachers and parents have to accept this fact and encourage kids to develop their own style for everything. The homework battle will come to an end and it will create a peaceful atmosphere at home. A Hebrew proverb says that one should not confine a child to ones own learning as kids are born in a different setting. Every child has varying learning needs. The role of the parents and teachers is look into the need of the child. They are the people who can support and help the children to develop a successful future (Prashnig p.261). A teacher can listen to the students and help them according to the need. The fine quality of work done by a student should be appreciated by the teacher. For trouble givers these tips can work wonders. The above methods can make the children responsible and successful citizens of tomorrow (Gootmanp.45).

Gootman, Marilyn E. The Caring Teacher’s Guide to Discipline: Helping Young Students Learn Self-control, Responsibility, and Respect (Edition: 2) California: Corwin Press, 2001.

Prashnig, Barbara. The Power of Diversity: New Ways of Learning and Teaching Through Learning Styles (Edition: 2) London: Continuum International Publishing Group, 2004.

Rosenblum-Lowden, Renee & Kimmel, Felicia. You Have to Go to School…You’re the Teacher!: 300+ Classroom Management Strategies to Make Your Job Easier and More Fun Edition: 3 California: Corwin Press, 2007.

What is homework. 2009. Web.

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14 Hilarious Homework Excuses

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

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

Students' Best Excuses 

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

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49 Best Excuses For Not Doing Homework

• February 10, 2024

Last Updated on February 10, 2024 by Ketan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework

You know you must do your exam on time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

READ NEXT:  Great Comebacks For Your Kids

Funny Reasons For Not Doing Homework

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. “I forgot to save my homework and all the work was just gone.” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Excuses for Not Doing Homework: How Can Anyone Still Pull Them Off in 2024?

Ah, the timeless saga of homework evasion, where students channel their inner Houdinis to escape the clutches of impending assignments. Picture this: a world where the dog isn't the only culprit, and excuses are more creative than a modern art masterpiece. 

As we step into the whimsical realm of academic dodgeball, fasten your seatbelts – we're about to embark on a hilarious escapade through homework excuses. Beware! It’s the wild world of academic acrobatics, where students and their excuses to teachers are intertwined in a perpetual dance of wit and desperation. Forget the dog and its legendary appetite for assignments – today’s aspiring scholars have elevated excuse-making to an art form. 

Grab your popcorn (or, better yet, your neglected textbooks) as we set sails for a chuckle-inducing journey through the comedic chaos of responsibility evasion. From intergalactic escapades to unexpected encounters with pet rocks, we present you the most outrageous, inventive, and simply the best excuses for not doing homework that have graced the hallowed halls of education! Don’t forget to ask your writer to ‘ do my homework for me ’ as you prepare for a 5-minute giggle-worthy read of the most amusing alibis from unwary students!

Blame It on Technical Issues

As students tiptoe through the minefield of academic obligations, they often stumble upon the quirky antics of technology that lead to some of the classic excuses for not doing homework. However, dealing with these challenges can get easier with the help of an online essay writing service . These services are designed to help students with whatever they need to do well in school without too much stress.

The Great Internet Vanishing Act

Sometimes, it gets lost only to never be found. The problem is – it was never there. “My paper was nearly complete when, mysteriously, the internet decided to pull a disappearing act. I couldn't access any online resources, research materials, or even submit the assignment. It's like my Wi-Fi joined a secret society, and my document became its initiation test.”

The Keyboard Rebellion

Not everyone can afford a Mac – their keyboards never fail (or do they?) “You won't believe it, but my keyboard rebelled against its key duties! As I typed away diligently, keys started staging a protest, refusing to cooperate. It was like my keyboard decided it needed a day off. I spent hours trying to coax it into submission, but alas, the keys were on strike, leaving my assignment in digital disarray.”

The Midnight Power Outage Extravaganza

Dear teacher, picture this: a cinematic night of deep concentration, only for the power to take an impromptu vacation! Midway through typing, a sudden blackout plunged you into darkness. “My laptop, now on its last breath, had no choice but to surrender, and my work was left stranded in the uncharted territories of the unsaved.” 

Reaching Understanding Through… Misunderstanding

Students occasionally stumble upon the Bermuda Triangle of Teacher Misunderstanding, where equations, concepts, and celestial bodies conspire to baffle even the bravest academic explorers, tapping into the uncharted territory of new homework excuses.

Quantum Confusion

In the cosmic playground of quantum physics, even the most intrepid minds can find themselves lost in a maze of uncertainty. “My attempt at the essay turned into a journey through the mysterious realms of quantum physics. I thought I grasped the concepts, but somewhere between wave functions and uncertainty principles, my understanding took a detour into an alternate dimension of perplexity.”

Language Barrier with Algebra

Ever felt like your brain was staging a rebellion against an algebra teacher, creating a linguistic rift with those elusive x's and y's? “It turns out, my brain decided to engage in a silent protest against algebra, creating a language barrier between me and those elusive x's and y's. I tried negotiating with my equations, but they responded in an alien dialect that left me utterly bewildered.” 

Astronomy of Ambiguity

Have you ever gazed at the night sky for an astronomy assignment only to realize that the celestial bodies are staging a cosmic conspiracy against your understanding? “The assignment morphed into a celestial dance of missing homework confusion, where planets and constellations seemed to conspire against my comprehension. I stared at the cosmic puzzle before me, and the more I tried to understand, the more the stars aligned in perplexing patterns that defied earthly logic.”

You’ll Never Go Wrong with a Good-Old “For Personal Reasons” 

Student life is an unpredictable rollercoaster where a teacher is a wild tiger, and procrastination is its unsuspecting prey. Together, they make a wonderful excuse for not doing homework. 

Epic Pillow Fight Chronicles

Always make it punny! “In the aftermath of last night's intense pillow fight championship at the Pillow Olympics, my excuse is a fluff-filled tale of exhaustion and questionable life choices.”

Drama in the Potato Kingdom

If a teacher finds it weird – you’re on the right path. “Amidst the spud-inspired theatrics of an unexpected potato puppet show, my paper became the unwitting casualty buried beneath layers of starchy suspense.”

Emotional Rollercoaster with Netflix

Your teacher is human, too, they must enjoy an occasional Netflix hour or two. “Caught in the whirlwind of emotions induced by a tearjerker on Netflix, my homework faded into oblivion compared to the heart-wrenching drama on the screen.”

Playing the Tight Schedule Card

When there’s too much homework, it’s never a bad idea to start checking off items from your to-do list of house chores!

Time-Warping Microwave Mishap

Guess it’s not just the leftovers getting reheated! “My microwave decided it had enough of mundane defrosting duties, leaving me frantically chasing seconds and minutes as they slipped through my due date.”

Quantum Vacuum Cleaner Conundrum

Who knew cleaning could be so time-consuming in more ways than one? “While attempting to tidy up, my vacuum cleaner got a little too enthusiastic and created a quantum time loop, sucking away the hours I spend doing my essay – turns out it's not just dust, it's good at collecting!”

Clock Conspiracy Theory

Well, time management just got a little too literal. “I suspect my clocks are conspiring against me; one claims it's 24 hours in a day, while the other insists on a mere 12. In the ensuing temporal chaos, my homework became an unintended casualty of this inter-clockinary dispute.”

Creativity, the Mother of Procrastination 

Creativity is a whimsical teacher. Once you need a creative essay – she’s not responding. But whenever you want an inventive excuse for a late or missing assignment – creative juices just can’t stop flowing!

Interdimensional Doodle Detour

You’ve just proved to teachers that black holes have a penchant for sketches. “While diligently working on my report, a rogue wormhole opened up on my desk, leading to a parallel universe where doodling is a highly esteemed art form. Long story short, I became an unintentional interdimensional Picasso, and my report got lost in the cosmic swirl of artistic exploration.”

Epic Quest for the Lost Pencil

It turns out that even stationary has a sense of adventure. “My favorite pencil embarked on a daring journey across the treacherous terrain of my room, leading me on an epic quest to retrieve it. Unfortunately, the pencil proved to be an elusive adventurer, and my homework became a casualty of the great pencil expedition.”

Sudden Onset of Temporary Amnesia

Well, teachers do say ignorance is bliss! “I was diligently working on my assignment when I suddenly experienced a bout of temporary amnesia, forgetting both the existence of the assignment and the reason I sat down to do it in the first place. It's like my brain declared a spontaneous holiday, leaving my work stranded in the forgetful abyss.”

For the Environment, I Didn’t Do It!

Environmental awareness is more than an excuse for not doing homework – it’s a statement. Always make sure you’re not writing essays for the right cause!

Eco-Friendly Paper Rebellion

Saving the rainforests one assignment at a time. “My homework rebellion is in full swing for the sake of Mother Earth! I've sworn off the paper to save trees, so until we find a way to make it edible, consider my environmental activism a justifiable cause.”

Zero-Carbon Footprint Pen Predicament

Rescuing the planet is more important than rescuing grades. “I've decided to reduce my carbon footprint by boycotting pens – they have a carbon trail too! Unfortunately, my attempt at environmental heroism led to a lack of ink, and my homework remains a barren landscape of missed deadlines.”

Save-the-World Power Nap Initiative

To save the planet, everyone just has to take a power nap! “In a valiant effort to conserve energy and combat climate change, I initiated a 'Save-the-World Power Nap Initiative' midway through my session. Regrettably, my noble aspirations for a greener planet ended up putting my assignment to sleep instead.”

Funny Homework Excuses: A Good Sense of Humor Can Save the World  

…but not your grades!

The Paper-Eating Gecko Gambit

No teacher could have expected such a drastic turn of events. "A mischievous gecko sneaked into my room last night and developed an insatiable appetite for academic excellence. It devoured my meticulously cogitated assignment, leaving only a trail of lizard footprints and a note saying, 'Tastes like knowledge!'"

The "Doggy Dilemma"

Playing the “my dog ate it” card always works like a charm. "My dog, Fluffy, mistook my homework for a gourmet treat and decided it would make a delightful afternoon snack. I tried to intervene, but Fluffy insisted that 'calories don't count on work days.' So, in the spirit of supporting her diet goals, I let her have it."

The Unexpected Weather Report 

Among all the believable excuses, this one sounds the most persuading. "I know it sounds unbelievable, but a sudden tornado of confetti swept through my room last night, and amidst the chaos, my paper was caught in the whirlwind and scattered to the four corners of the universe. I've been trying to gather up the pieces, but it seems my homework has embraced its newfound freedom and embarked on a journey of self-discovery."

What Are the Best Excuses for Not Doing Homework?

Here’s a list of the top 10 excuses you might use to justify your not doing homework. Some teachers may find them very amusing!

• “I swear I did my essay, but my pencil accidentally slipped into a quantum rift, creating a temporary wormhole. It's currently floating somewhere in a parallel dimension. I'm working on retrieving it, but until then, my homework is stuck in a pencil-less universe."
• "You won't believe what happened last night! Aliens abducted me and erased all the information from my brain, including the answers to my homework. I've been trying to piece everything together, but intergalactic memory recovery is not as easy as it sounds."
• "I finished my homework using a special invisible ink pen, thinking it would be a clever way to impress my teacher. Unfortunately, when I brought it to class, I realized I had forgotten the heat-sensitive decoder pen at home. Now my document is invisible to everyone, including me!"
• "My cat decided to practice its typing skills on my laptop and somehow managed to delete my entire completed assignment. I suspect it's pursuing a career in data entry, but it's causing some collateral damage in the meantime."
• "I tried to spice up my presentation by turning in a holographic version of my homework. Unfortunately, I must have accidentally triggered the 'self-destruct after viewing' feature. I promise it was a work of art before it vanished into thin air!"
• "My homework got caught in a freak time-traveling toaster accident this morning. I'm currently waiting for the temporal authorities to retrieve it from the Jurassic era. In the meantime, I'm contemplating whether dinosaurs appreciate algebra."
• "My laptop suddenly regressed to the technological capabilities of a typewriter. It's been a challenge trying to explain to my teacher why my 'typed' homework looks suspiciously like it was written with a vintage quill pen."
• "I left my homework unattended for a moment, and a strange origami enthusiast must have visited my room. Now, all my assignments have transformed into intricate paper cranes. I'm trying to unfold the mystery, but it's taking longer than expected."
• "I used cutting-edge voice-to-text software to complete my homework, but it seems to have developed a rebellious streak. Now, my well-thought-out essay reads like a whimsical fairy tale with a touch of Shakespearean flair. I'm trying to reverse the autocorrect chaos."
• "Believe it or not, there's a homework-eating monster on the loose. It devoured my completed assignment, leaving only a trail of glitter and a note saying, 'Sorry, needed a snack.' I'll be on monster patrol tonight to prevent any further incidents."

Final Thought

Not all teachers possess a good sense of humor and are able to show empathy. While some of them can have a good laugh reading your excuse and extend your deadline, others will deduct points at best or deny you any credit for the assignment at worst. This is why homework is good : it helps you learn to manage your time and responsibilities, so you don't have to rely on excuses.

So, mind your p’s and q’s when trying to pull off a witty apology for not turning in your essay in time. We recommend mastering the art of time management early in college to avoid situations when you have to think of an epigrammatic excuse for not fitting into the schedule. Or, if you’re 100% confident a teacher is no stranger to humorousness, just do it! After all, everyone is a human being, and sometimes life happens. 

Ryan Acton is an essay-writing expert with a Ph.D. in Sociology, specializing in sociological research and historical analysis. By partnering with EssayHub, he provides comprehensive support to students, helping them craft well-informed essays across a variety of topics.

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How to Make Up a Good Excuse for Your Homework Not Being Finished

Last Updated: April 10, 2024 Fact Checked

Choosing an Excuse

Delivering the excuse, potential consequences, moving forward, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 375,983 times. Learn more...

If you did not finish your homework, you may want to find an excuse to avoid being penalized. There are a variety of excuses, from blaming technology to your busy schedule, that sounds like a plausible reason for failing to complete an assignment. When you settle on an excuse, work on delivering the excuse in a believable fashion. However, try to be careful moving forward. You do not want to lie habitually, as this reflects poorly on you as a student. In the future, try to make sure your assignments are done on time.

• This is a great excuse if you had a paper you needed to type and print. It may also work if you have homework you had to do online. You could say you did the whole assignment, but then your internet cut out and you couldn't save anything.
• It might be a bad idea to claim your printer stopped working. Your teacher may request you e-mail him/her the assignment instead, which you won't be able to do if you never did it. Teachers may also suggest you should have printed an assignment at a local library or FedEx instead of coming in with nothing.

• If your parents are divorced, for example, you can claim you were at your mom's last night but left your textbook with your dad this weekend. Many teachers are sympathetic to children from divorced homes. Your teacher may take pity on you if you use an excuse like this. [2] X Research source
• Do you have any younger siblings? You could claim you had to babysit your little sister and she got sick, resulting in your being distracted from your homework. [3] X Research source

• You can try running around in the playground or hallways before class. This can help you look flushed and warm. If you look sick, your teacher will be more likely to believe you.
• However, keep in mind some teachers may require a note from your parents in the event of illness. If your teacher typically demands proof of sickness, you may want to avoid using this excuse.

• Avoid saying you left your homework at home. Your teacher may request you call your mom or dad to have it delivered to the school. This will reveal you are lying.
• Try not to use this excuse more than once or twice a term; otherwise, your teacher may see you as disorganized and be less sympathetic towards you if you need to make other excuses in the future.

• Be careful using this excuse if you're not busy. If you're usually late for classes and do not engage in many extracurricular activities, your teacher may catch onto the fact you're lying.

• Never lie you were absent on the day the homework was set. One glance of the register is all it takes for your teacher to see right through this excuse.

• If your teacher is particularly strict, be prepared to answer a lot of questions. A stricter teacher is likely to grill you, poking holes in your excuse. For example, say you claim you couldn't turn in your online math homework because your internet cut out. A strict teacher might respond with something like, "Then why didn't you go do your homework at a coffee shop?" Have a response ready. Try something like, "My mom was working and there was no one to drive me." [7] X Research source
• Do you know anything about your teacher's personal interests? This can help you gauge what excuse may work for this person. For example, you know your chemistry teacher is the oldest of 7 children. He may be more sympathetic to a story about how watching your younger siblings kept you from getting your work done. [8] X Research source

• Stick to only the important details. For example, say you're planning on claiming your piano recital got out late, and this is why you didn't finish your math homework. Do not go overboard with the details. Simply say, "A few students played their solos too long, so we didn't get done until 9:30 and it was a 45-minute drive home." Do not say, "Chester Mifflin spent 25 minutes on his routine when we were only given 10, and then Lisa Gregory was a little late getting up on stage..." The longer your lie, the more unbelievable it sounds. Most people would not remember this much detail.
• If your teacher presses you for specifics, you can improvise as needed but avoid excessive detail. For example, your teacher might ask, "How long did the recital run over?" Do not say, "It was supposed to run until 8:30 but it was 9:23 when we got out." Instead, say something somewhat vague, like, "I'd say about 45 minutes."

• Take a few deep breaths before going into the room to help yourself stay calm.
• Make eye contact with your teacher most of the time.
• Be conscious of what you're doing with your body. Try to avoid fidgeting excessively.

• Refer to the syllabus for that class. There may be a section about honesty that goes over the consequences of lying to a teacher.
• You should also look at your school's handbook if you have a copy. See if there are any sections about what happens if you breach academic honesty policies.
• Consequences can vary from teacher-to-teacher. In some cases, you may only get a strict talking to. However, some teachers may be required to report these kinds of behaviors to the principal and your parents. This could land you in more serious trouble both at home and at school.

• It may depend on the assignment. Late work may not be accepted, but if the assignment is only worth 10 points, is this really a big deal? However, if the assignment is worth 15% of your grade, it may be worth it to ask for an extension.
• Talk to other students who've had this teacher in the past. How has this teacher reacted to late or missing work? Some teachers may accept late work for lower points. Some teachers may allow you to turn in work late if it's your first time. If this is the case, it may be a good idea to simply admit you didn't do the assignment.

• You can make a pro and con list for each scenario. Write down the possible benefits and possible drawbacks of each option. For example, you can write on the top of a piece of paper "Lying To My Teacher" and then have two columns, one for "pro" and one for "con." Under "pro," you may write something like, "Assignment is worth a lot of points - an extension could help my overall grade." Under "con," you could write, "If Ms. Davies finds out I'm lying, she will report it to the principal and I'll get detention for a week."
• Weigh the pros and cons. If the pros outweigh the cons heavily for one option, this may be the right choice for you.

• Do your homework every day after school. Do not do anything else, like playing video games or playing outside, before finishing your work.
• Write down all the assignments you have to do. Make sure to write down an assignment after a teacher mentions it. This way, you won't forget.

• If you habitually struggle to get your homework done and have an overall inability to concentrate, this can be a symptom of Attention Deficit Disorder. Talk to your parents about getting tested for ADD.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://helpfulprofessor.com/homework-excuses/
• ↑ https://www.brighthubeducation.com/study-and-learning-tips/51072-10-best-homework-excuses/
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/extreme-fear/201005/top-ten-secrets-effective-liars

About This Article

While lying too often could reflect badly on you as a student, if you need a good excuse for your homework not being finished, say you lost it. Just don’t use this excuse often, since your teacher will think you’re unorganized. If the homework was on the computer, try blaming technology. Say your computer crashed or your internet was down. Alternatively, claim you were ill last night and had to rest. Only do this if you don’t think your teacher will call your parents to check or ask for a sick note. If you have a sibling that doesn’t go to your school, you can say they were ill and you had to look after them. Or, if you do a lot of things outside of school and have lots of homework to do, pretend you were too busy and ran out of time. For more tips, including how to make your excuse more convincing, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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12 of the Funniest Excuses for Not Doing Your Homework

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just a Drop in the Ocean

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

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

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

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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:  

You May Also Like:

11 of the Best Excuses to not Video Call Someone

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!  

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

• Personal Excuses
• Events and Appointments
• Financial Excuses
• Professional and Business Excuses
• Social Excuses

7 Homework Excuses That Work

At some point in our academic journeys, we’ve all faced the challenge of not having our homework ready for submission. While it’s crucial to adhere to deadlines and maintain consistency in our academic responsibilities, there are moments when life throws a curveball that interferes with our best-laid plans. This essay explores the fine line between credible and non-credible excuses for not turning in homework. We delve into the elements that differentiate an honest explanation from an unconvincing one, shedding light on what educators generally consider acceptable reasons. Furthermore, we consider the nuanced art of communicating these reasons to our instructors—how the subtleties of tone, diction, body language, and timing can impact the reception of our message—and emphasize the significance of an approach grounded in integrity and respect.

Table of Contents

Understanding Credible Excuses

Crafting the Perfect Homework Excuse: A Credible Approach!

Oh, the dreaded forgotten homework – every parent’s twist in the tale! It happens to the best of them: kiddos who usually have their act together but somehow, someway, that math worksheet vanished into thin air. Now, as much as we want our little angels to be the epitome of responsibility, sometimes the dog really does eat the homework. But when it comes to offering up that excuse to the teacher, credibility is key.

So, what transforms a homework excuse from eye-roll inducing to totally plausible? Let’s dive in and equip those littles with legitimate-sounding reasons for a homework hiccup.

First things first, honesty is always the best policy—no matter how cliché that sounds. A simple, straightforward explanation will often do the trick. Teachers have a sixth sense for tall tales, so keeping it real is the way to go.

Time for the nitty-gritty on crafting excuses that hold water:

Lost in the Abyss of Busyness

The modern family calendar is a labyrinth of appointments, activities, and events. When the homework assignment slips through the cracks of a packed schedule, it’s understandable. The key? Mention the hectic day, apologize, and assure it’s a rarity, not the norm.

Technological Turmoil

In this digital age, gadgets and gizmos have a mind of their own. If a printer declared mutiny or the family PC caught a cold (a virus!), it’s a valid hiccup. Explaining the tech-tastrophe followed by assurance that steps are being taken to avoid future glitches will win some empathy points.

Mother Nature’s Mood Swings

Sometimes the elements unleash their fury, and power outages or natural disasters can wreak havoc on homework completion. If Mother Nature decided to throw a tantrum, it’s perfectly acceptable to explain that homework took a backseat to safety and candles.

Juggling too Many Balls

A delicate balance exists between school, sports, and spelling tests. If your child dropped the homework ball in the juggle, it’s okay to admit it. Sharing how they’re reorganizing priorities to ensure schoolwork isn’t sidelined again shows growth and maturity.

Health Hurdles

When snuffles, coughs, or fevers strike, brains can turn to mush. If illness is the culprit behind missing homework, a brief note about the germ invasion, maybe backed up by a doctor’s note if it’s serious, communicates the absence of homework wasn’t for lack of effort.

A Message from the Heart

Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, serious family matters take precedence. Without oversharing, it’s perfectly okay to let the teacher know that extenuating circumstances took the spotlight.

Remember, the trick with any excuse is a sprinkle of sincerity, a dash of humility, and the unspoken promise to make things right. Teachers aren’t monsters out to get you—well, most aren’t, anyway. They understand life’s little curveballs, and as long as these trips and stumbles aren’t forming a pattern, a credible excuse will likely earn a chance for redemption.

So, go forth, craft those credible homework explanations when needed, and always a tip for the kiddos: have a backup plan for next time. Like, homework-eating-dog-proof folders, perhaps? Stay prepared and stay believable, and that homework hiccup will just be a minor bump on the educational highway. Happy studying!

Photo by anniespratt on Unsplash

Effective Communication Skills

Communicating with your child’s teacher about a missed assignment or an inability to complete homework can feel a bit daunting, but worry not, there are straightforward ways to do this effectively. imagine you’re crafting a short story: you want the message to be clear, the context to be sufficient, and the conclusion to be natural and constructive. let’s dig in, shall we.

First off, keep it timely. Don’t wait until the eleventh hour or, heaven forbid, after the due date to get in touch. Shoot for gold-star status by notifying the teacher as soon as you realize completing the homework won’t be possible.

Now, while you’re penning that email or jotting down notes for a conversation, be sure to include the three E’s: explanation, empathy, and evidence. A good ol’ explanation tells the teacher what’s going on without making the situation an epic novel. Keep it brief; teachers appreciate conciseness as much as the next person.

Empathy is your next step. Show that you understand the importance of homework and respect the teacher’s time and effort. A simple phrase like, “I understand how this can disrupt your lesson plans…” goes a long way.

As for evidence, you don’t need a courtroom-style presentation. Still, if you’re referring to something specific like a doctor’s note for an illness or documentation of a family emergency, mention that you can provide it if necessary.

The next chapter in our excuse manual covers the manner of delivery. Pick your medium thoughtfully. Email is often ideal for a paper trail, but sometimes a phone call or face-to-face chat is more personal and effective, especially for sensitive issues.

Then there’s the follow-up plan. Outline how you or your kiddo will catch up or make amends for the missed work. Teachers love proactive problem-solvers, so let them know you’re on team “Let’s Fix This.”

To wrap it up here, folks, remember the golden rule of excuses: keep it genuine. Veer away from fantastical stories that could rival sci-fi movies. An honest, straightforward approach is like comfort food—it’s just right and leaves everyone feeling a bit better.

So, armed with these pointers, you’re ready to craft that excuse in the most effective, thoughtful way possible. Here’s to keeping those lines of communication as friendly and productive as a well-loved family kitchen – it’s where the magic, and the understanding, happens. Happy explaining!

Mastering the skill of effectively presenting a valid excuse for incomplete homework hinges on a balance of authenticity and strategic communication. By recognizing the distinctions between what is considered a justifiable reason and what may be perceived as an attempt to shirk responsibility, adults can navigate these awkward situations with grace and accountability. Equipped with the methods discussed herein for conveying our reasons respectfully and convincibly, we’re not only better prepared to face unexpected hindrances in our educational pursuits but also capable of fostering a sense of understanding and trust with our educators. Ultimately, the respect we show towards our commitments, educators, and ourselves defines the value we derive from our educational experiences.

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Daniel Wong

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

July 5, 2022 By Daniel Wong 6 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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Excuse #1: You lack the required knowledge

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

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

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

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

Excuse #2: You lack confidence

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

But here’s what you need to know…

Everyone lacks confidence about something.

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

Give yourself a break.

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

Excuse #3: Your home life is too hectic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Excuse #5: You have poor study habits

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

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

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

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

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

Excuse #6: School isn’t important to you

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

This isn’t completely true.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Excuse #8: Studying is boring for you

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

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

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

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

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

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

Excuse #9: Your teachers assign too much homework

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

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

Are you managing your time well?

Are you struggling with a particular class?

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

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

Excuse #10: You already have so much overdue homework

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In closing…

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

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

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

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

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

July 7, 2022 at 12:13 pm

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

July 7, 2022 at 1:05 pm

You’re very welcome.

July 7, 2022 at 6:20 pm

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

July 7, 2022 at 7:42 pm

Thank you, God bless you too!

July 27, 2022 at 9:29 pm

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

July 27, 2022 at 9:42 pm

You’re welcome.

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25 Best Excuses for Not Doing Homework: Debunking the Myths

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

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

1. “I forgot to do my homework.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. “I had a family emergency.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. “I had other significant obligations.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. “I had a doctor’s appointment.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19. “I wasn’t feeling very well.”

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

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

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

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

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

21. “I had a computer problem”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The 100 FUNNIEST Excuses For Not Doing Homework, Courtesy of My Students

Posted on Published: November 19, 2023

By: Author Jane Morris

Students throw out all kinds of excuses for not getting their homework done! From believable excuses to the tried and true classic “ my dog ate it” , teachers hear a lot of excuses every damn day.

It doesn’t help that by now, the behavioral expectations for students have become so loose that students can pretty much say whatever they want without consequence. These days, the excuses are that much more interesting. (And honest.)

Over the course of nearly two decades of teaching, I heard every homework excuse in the book. Better yet, I’ve saved my favorites! And rounded them up here for your viewing pleasure.

So let’s share in the giggles together! I’ve rounded up 100 of the BEST homework excuses I’ve ever heard. The laughs are good for the soul.

And probably your patience too! Some of these you’ve likely heard before. There might not be a lot of foolproof excuses for not doing your homework, but there sure are a lot of fools that come up with some real stinkers!

So for your enjoyment (and definitely not to be actually used in a real-life classroom), here are 100 odd, creative, nonsensical, and hilarious excuses from students for not doing their homework!

100 Funniest Excuses for Not Doing Homework: A Story of Student Shenanigans

If it’s your first day in the teaching profession , you might think homework excuses are few and far between. At the very least, you might think students bother making good excuses.

Well, you’d be wrong on both counts! You will be fed excuse after excuse from students for not having finished their homework, and very few of them will sound believable.

So new teachers, pay attention! Here is some of the ludicrousness you can expect from your class. And it WILL be on the test.

As for all my kindred season educators, sit back and enjoy the ride! Maybe grab a moist towelette…

Cause it’s about to get juicy.

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If you like the content on this site, then you’ll LOVE the Teacher Misery books. They’re jam-packed with teaching insanity, ridiculous true stories, and all the commiseration about the profession you’ve come to know, adore, and respect.

Follow the links below to get your copies today!

Homework Excuses That Are Pure Nonsense!

Man, kids say the silliest things to teachers . From being arrested by the FBI to simply having a gross pimple, the excuses for not having done homework often make no sense…

But they are highly entertaining!

• I got this thing where I can’t read.
• I was arrested by the FBI but it was a case of mistaken identity!
• The microwave was erasing all of my work and that’s why it was all turned in blank.
• I swear I did the work but the answers kept falling off my paper!
• My homework ate my dog!
• The elf on the shelf erased it.
• I had a crusty pimple.
• An electrostatic spark tore a hole in the space-time continuum. My paper was transported back through time and was found and published by a random person. Now I have to redo my assignment because it would be plagiarism to hand in my original.
• I care about trees too much to use paper.
• A gang broke into my house and stole the bag it was in.
• The military accidentally blew it up.
• My water bottle spilled in my backpack and it turned my homework into a brick of ice overnight.
• I did all my other homework and at that point, I needed personal time.
• I died in a car crash.
• I don’t care about homework because I don’t care about education.
• I was cooking grilled cheese and it was the last two pieces of bread and I burnt it and then I was really sad and I couldn’t do anything.
• I kept sneezing and picking the wrong answers because of that and I got frustrated so I just stopped doing it.

Excuses, Accidents, and Bathroom Mishaps

Look, we’ve all had a “little accident” . Only the worst teacher in the world would deny a student the facts of life.

But personal issues that maybe should stay personal are a go-to for slackers. Some funny homework excuses concern the crapper, and now we’re going to laugh at them. Take that, slackers!

• I was dealing with the ghost in the bathroom.
• I was taking a phat shit and it took forever.
• I had Taco Bell so I was in the bathroom the whole night.
• I took a crap and it stunk so I had to take a shower but then I had to crap again and then I showered again.
• I was really constipated.
• My mom forgot to buy toilet paper so I had to use my homework.
• I was doing it in my jacuzzi and it fell in.
• I had too many Hot Cheetos and had to ravage my toilet all night.

Mysterious Illnesses and TMI Reasons for Not Doing Homework

Your student’s poop schedule is one bit of TMI you could probably do without. Look, the uncomfortable truth of the teaching profession is that there will be poops, pees, spews, and TOO much information. The funniest homework excuses usually overspecify…

It comes with the territory. So whenever one of these incredibly questionable yet incredibly funny excuses for not doing homework rolls your way, the best thing you can do is jot it down.

So that, one day, you can put it in a blog post on the internet. Guilty!

• I was eating Takis in the car on the way here and I rubbed my eyes and had to pull over.
• My part was really itchy and I needed a shower.
• I dropped it in the toilet after I had gone to the bathroom.
• I was in intensive care having fluid drained from my lungs because I had pneumonia that I got when I was hit by a car.
• I had heart surgery last night (1st grader).

Excuses About Family Issues, Problems, and EMerghencies

We, as teachers bound to our duty, MUST be sensitive to the family issues and home lives of our students…

Unless they’re just making up excuses to get out of doing their homework! A solid fib about family issues is a classic reason students use to skip homework.

Now, will parents ever take responsibility for their kids not doing their homework? No, of course not! Parents will blame teachers. It’s their go-to M.O.

So next time you hear one of these clankers, note it down and feed it back to the parents. That’ll throw a spanner in the wheels of the little turds!

• I had to take my Nana out for cigarettes.
• I had to help my mom put the cucumbers in the fridge.
• I was practicing playing guitar so I could play a song for my mom’s birthday.
• My mom needed help putting cucumbers in the fridge.
• My sister broke my Chromebook screen because I wouldn’t give her a hug.
• My parents had diarrhea.
• My mom didn’t have time to do it.
• My dad said he doesn’t believe in homework so I don’t have to do it.
• My stepmom died again last night (for the 10th time).
• My dad made me watch TV instead.
• My dad ran it over with his truck.
• My mom drank too much beer to help me with it.
• My mom has radiation poisoning from Chernobyl and it messed up my brain.
• My grandma got lost at the mall and it took us hours to find her.
• My stepdad had a hook in his arm.
• My grandmother wouldn’t give me back my textbook which she had taken in retaliation for the theft of her wooden leg.
• My grandma accidentally took it with her to Mexico.
• I did the homework the day you gave it to us, except then my dad sold all of our notebooks.
• My grandpa said the work is stupid and you’re a moron.

Making Excuses About Special Events

“Damn, Miss, I was in Europe over the weekend.”

“Oh, you went for a weekend trip abroad as a 14-year-old? My apologies, allow me to rescind your homework requirements then.”

I honestly don’t know what some students are thinking with these reasons. But the stupidest homework excuses are my favorite. You can just let the kid talk and dig their own hole!

Perhaps, eventually, one of these definitely totally believable excuses will be the final straw for your inevitable nervous breakdown. But until then, just keep quoting them verbatim as teacher comments on their report cards .

Maybe one day someone will actually bother to read those things.

• I was getting married in the Sims and completely lost track of time.
• It was my birthday and I just wanted to get my hair done and get a cake.
• I was planning a funeral for my frog.
• I had to take down Halloween decorations.
• I had to get my nails done for prom.
• It was my bird’s birthday.
• I had to travel to Europe to stop WW3.
• I was at the beach and they didn’t have good WiFi.
• I was packing for the vacation I’ll be on for the next three weeks. Can I have the work I’ll miss?
• I had to brush my hair.

Extremely Honest Reasons to Not Do Homework

Look, sometimes all you really need to do is be honest . Did you not do your homework because you smoked a bowl and got marooned on the sofa with cartoons?

Screw it! Just tell the teacher that. Maybe they’ll give you a pass for your winning smile alone!

Much like all the ridiculous reasons to visit the school nurse , sometimes, the best reasons for not doing your homework require honesty.

What could possi-blye go wrong!

• I have no time management skills. On the bright side, I watched all of season 1 of Stranger Things today!
• I was eating Toaster Strudels.
• My 24-hour ban from Call of Duty ended today and I need to get some rounds in.
• My favorite soccer team lost.
• I was smoking weed with my friends and the next thing I knew it was morning and I had to come to school again.
• It just didn’t fit into my schedule today.
• I’m just, like, really lazy.
• I had better things to do.
• We thought it was Saturday yesterday.
• I don’t need to do homework because NCAA scouts have been coming to see me play and I’m gonna get a scholarship.
• I had to go to church but I’m pretty sure God will understand.

Animal Problems – “My Dog Ate My Homework” and Other Variants

I’m not saying your students are animals (though they certainly behave like animals ).

I AM saying that students will make excuse after excuse for not doing their homework courtesy of their pets. They’re the perfect culprit! Who’s ever going to interrogate your furry friend for cross-examination?

Only the teachers who are crazy enough. ;)

• My dog peed on my laptop and it took a few days to dry.
• My cat ran over the keyboard and deleted the whole thing.
• My dog doesn’t like going to the bathroom alone so I had to watch him and he took forever.
• We had a cow in labor, and it was stuck in the hips of the cow, and I couldn’t get it out myself.
• I was with my new guinea pig and it was really distracting.
• The dog pooped and my baby brother fell in it.
• I accidentally locked my cat with my brother’s cat, and I don’t know if my cat got pregnant, but I think she is because she tried to go under my bed, and she never does that.
• There was a roach on the floor so I couldn’t get down off the bed the whole afternoon.
• My dog had puppies on top of my book bag and it was gross so my dad threw my book bag away.
• My cat threw up on it.
• My duck pooped on it.
• My dad accidentally threw my project away and a raccoon went into the trash can and destroyed it.
• My friend’s cat is having an abortion.
• A donkey ate it.
• The squirrels on the roof were distracting me.
• My dog died three years ago.
• I was doing a photo shoot with my bunny.
• My dog looked sad.
• I was doing my homework outside and a bird grabbed it and flew away.
• I got attacked by a raccoon on the way to school and he only went for the homework and ate it in front of me.
• My pet parrot flew into the fireplace and caught on fire. It then proceeded to fly around the room, and his dad tried to hit it with a frying pan because he was afraid the curtains would go up in flames if the parrot went close to them. With all the drama, I forgot to do my homework.
• My grandmother’s potbelly pig ate my homework.
• I got distracted shopping online for furniture for my turtle.

Funny Homework Excuses and Technical Difficulties

Oh, man – I saw some whoppers of excuses in the remote learning era of COVID-19!

Technical difficulties are the perfect excuse students make to skip out on their homework. They think they’re more tech-savvy than teachers…

Little did they know that a teacher’s BS-meter is far more finely calibrated than their excuses will ever be!

• Google erased my work.
• I don’t have internet access (sent in an email).
• I just kept hitting the submit button over and over and over and it didn’t make a click sound or anything.
• My mom threw my “lab top” out the window and when I went outside to get it, it was gone.
• I accidentally lit my Chromebook on fire
• My dog peed on my Chromebook

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The Final Excuse for Not Doing Your Homework…

Reason #100:

• “But, Miss! You said to do questions 1-10. You didn’t say bring them in!”

Check and mate.

Thus concludes our list of the 100 funniest excuses for not doing their homework, all thanks to the countless students who skipped out on their work.

Stay on guard though. With the rise of AI and homework excuse generators , the excuses only get more advanced!

So stay switched on out there! If it’s not funny excuses for not doing homework, it’s straight-up silly reasons for being absent and everything else under the sun.

Jot them down, collect them, and then (if you’re feeling spicy), post them in the comments down below. Why stop at 100? Gotta catch ’em all!

Stay miserable out there, teacherinos. The excuses and excuses never stop coming! So maybe come up with your own…

“Oh, no, sorry, Lucy. I CAN’T return your confiscated phone. My dog ate it.”

What to Say When You Didn't Do Your Homework

9 minutes reading time

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. The Dog Ate It

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. My Computer Crashed

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

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

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

3. I Was So Sick!

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

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

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

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

4. I Was Absent When the Homework was Assigned

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

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

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

5. I Didn’t Understand the Homework

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

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

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

6. Busy with Extra-curricular Activities and Volunteering

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

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

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

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

7. I Thought it Was in My Bag

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

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

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

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

8. I Don’t Remember Getting any Homework

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

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

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

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

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

9. Too Much Homework From Another Class

This excuse would work best for college and university students.

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

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

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

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

10. Tell the Truth

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

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

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

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

Bonus Excuses

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating.

Online contact creator for Superprof. I am passionate about coffee, blogging, and exchanging ideas through online mediums.

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

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

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

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

BEST WEBSITE EVER

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

how about i found it to hard

Hello! If you are finding your homework challenging, I suggest checking out the many expert tutors on Superprof.com to find the right tutor for you!

Best Homework Excuses That Will Crack Your Ribs in 2023

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

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

Best Homework Excuses: Why Do Students Give Them? 

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

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

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

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

6 Funny Homework Excuses For High School Students

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

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

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

Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework

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

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

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

5 Good Excuses For Missing Homework That Work

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

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

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

How To Make Creative Homework Excuses

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

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

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

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Why I Didn’t Do My Homework: Top 7 Excuses?

Many students believe that doing homework is the worst part of their academic life. Most students try to run away from homework as they find it tedious and time-consuming. Students try to dodge homework as much as possible. There are many reasons why they hate homework, but they need to submit it sooner or later. They cannot escape homework completely. Many students make silly and clever excuses to get away without penalty or a harsh scold from their teacher. We do agree with the thought that homework is stressful. So what occurs when a student forgets to complete their assignment or does not want to do it all? You must be ready with a strong excuse or story to defend yourself for not doing homework.

Without Further Ado, Look At Impressive Excuses For Not Doing  homework .

7 Convincing Excuses to Get Out of Doing Homework

Accuse Technology – Blaming technology for not doing homework is the simplest and the most convincing excuse to justify your situation. In this global world, most students are assigned to do their homework online or in print format. You can play the blame game here if you fall into this category. One can make an excuse like “my computer or laptop crashed,” and many other technical  issues can also be blamed. The teacher usually understands this scenario and might give you an extension to submit homework. In this case, you must be prepared to do your homework and submit it positively on the assigned extension date.

I did My Homework But Forgot to Bring it – Pretend you forgot to bring your homework. It is considered the most cliché excuse among the students and works well. A student can explain to their teacher that she has completed the work but skip putting the notebook in her bag. You can also give them another excuse: you left your homework notebook on the study table at home. This excuse can surely help you justify your scene. But always remember to show the homework the next day so your teacher can trust you next time. This excuse can also turn the background if your teacher asks you to go home and bring it along. So be clever in using this reason.

Just Say You Were Not Present That Day  – A class has many students, and the teacher hardly remembers who was present or absent on a particular day. One can say they missed that special day when the homework was assigned. This trick can work, but not always, as your teacher can question you back. So make a solid reason and ask your teacher for an extension, as you cannot escape homework. Your explanation should be appealing enough that your teacher finally agrees to your excuse and leave you for not doing homework.

Disturbance From The Neighborhood – There was much trouble in the neighborhood, and you could not concentrate. This trick can be for when you miss your homework for any reason. You can blame the high pitch sound from a party nearby that you got highly distracted and could not focus on the assignment writing task. However, this trick might not work for you every time. You are required to express your distraction carefully.

Being Stuck in Extra-Curricular Activities is among the best excuses for not doing homework. An understanding teacher can apprehend your situation and allow you an extension. Most students said they were busy practicing for basketball or other sports tournaments. Simply saying and apologizing that you were stuck finishing the extra-curricular activities can save you. This is considered an out-of-the-box excuse to give your teacher for missing homework.

Difficulty in Understanding The Topic is among the best excuses for strict teachers. But to give this excuse, you must prepare a little in advance. Students should show they tried to attempt the homework but had difficulty understanding it. This formula could work for you only if you tried a small portion of your assignment. At least you can show that you tried to do your assigned homework, but the difficulty of the topic stopped your mind.

Not Feeling Well  – Everyone knows that infections do not come with invitations. When everything fails, make the old-school excuse that you were not well. You may say that you had a cold, fever, or headache. In most cases, teachers consider this excuse as it is normal for students to fall sick with the common cold and viral. But make sure not to overuse this particular excuse again and again.

The excuses mentioned above can work well in certain situations. Still, the student should avoid giving silly reasons for not completing the homework and  assignments .  They Never try to give stupid excuses like the dog ate my homework, or little sibling is torn notebook, etc., as these excuses can spoil your image in front of teachers. Teachers are competent and can observe if you are lying or telling the truth. Before giving any justification, it is better to analyze the nature of your teacher. However, we know we cannot make excuses and reasons every single time. A student can be caught if they overdo such excuses. We understand that sometimes it is OK to give excuses for missing homework, but not always. Escaping homework time and again does not fit the scene as well. Even the students can state the truth to their teachers and promise to complete the homework as soon as possible.

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7 Perfect Excuses For Not Doing Homework.

• 2 years ago
• Read Time: 3 minutes
• Leave a comment

Hw excuses.

Have you ever found yourself in a position where you didn’t do the homework given, and the time passed? Well, you are not alone. Studies have shown that over 70% of students don’t like homework, which is why they have to devise good excuses for not doing them.

Seven out of ten parents agree that students should be given a break from homework once in a while. Homework makes students find it difficult to attend to other matters and socialize with family members.

Here are some of the best homework excuses you can use if you did not do your homework.

I was sick.

This is one of the most common excuses for not doing homework that students have been using for many years. Although one might not wish to be sick, it works well, especially if you have proof from the doctor.

 If there is no evidence, you can still use it to tell the teacher that the appointment was spoilt by the juice in your backpack. I would advise you to pour some juice with some paper in the bag just to ensure that the excuse looks legit.

The homework got spoilt.

We all know that children are innocent and cannot be able to differentiate between important documents and rough drafts. Telling your teacher that the homework was torn apart by your younger one can be a perfect excuse. You should also tell the teacher that you share your bedroom with your sibling.

Another hw excuse is to tell the teacher that the dog ate your homework. This one sounds funny but might save you. It turns out that most dogs like chewing papers and teachers who have dogs know this. However, for you to convince the teacher, it is important to show him/her what scraps remain. This will enable you to buy more time so that you can work on the homework and submit it in time.

Lost my backpack 

This is another perfect excuse. In most cases, the teacher will probably not start an investigation to find out who stole your back. You will say that you lost your bag while skateboarding with other students.

I did not understand the homework.

This is one the most honest homework that you can use to get a time extension. You can always tell your teacher that you did not get the concept very well in class, and that is why you could not do the assignment.

It is a good excuse for math, chemistry, statistics, and other related sciences. However, it might not work well with essays because there are no calculations.

My computer crashed.

Computers are man-made machines and are prone to failure. Teachers know that a computer can crash anytime. However, I would advise that you have some handwritten work to show that you had started working on the homework before the computer crashed. This will show that you are smart enough and resilient. This one works well with both essays and calculations.

I left my computer in my mom’s car, and she is out of town.

Here, you will tell the teacher that you were working on your homework while you were on a ride with your mum. Then, the teacher will understand that your mum can’t leave work duties to bring your bag to school.

I was absent when the assignment was given.

You can use this excuse whenever stranded. For example, you can say that you were in the washroom when the assignment was given. I would advise you to use it as the last option since the teacher can just ask other students if you were in class.

You were on periods.

When ladies are at that time of the month, most of them find it difficult to concentrate in class due to pain. This could be a good one to get away with homework, but it only works for ladies.

Too much homework

Sometimes you get too much work from your teacher or from other courses that you are taking. Telling your teacher that you had too much work might be a good excuse, especially if the lecturer understands.

All these homework excuses can be great to use when your homework is late.

Tell the truth

It is vital to tell lies as an excuse for not doing homework, but it is also more important, to be honest. Most teachers will appreciate that you said what made you not complete the assignment.

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Mastering homework excuses: strategies for effective response and resolution.

Title: Strategies for Dealing with Homework ExcusesWe’ve all been there – the moment when you’re faced with a stack of homework assignments and a flurry of excuses as to why they haven’t been completed. Homework excuses are a universal phenomenon, but they don’t have to be a source of frustration for students, teachers, or parents.

In this article, we will explore common homework excuses and strategies for dealing with them effectively. From funny and creative excuses to respectful and truthful ones, we will equip you with the tools you need to address homework excuses in a productive and educational way.

Clich Homework Excuses

We’ll begin with the clich excuses that have been used time and time again. While these excuses may feel overused, they still warrant attention to ensure they are appropriately addressed.

Some common examples include:

– My dog ate my homework. – My computer broke.

– My mom forgot it. – The internet was out.

– My grandma died. Again.

– The older kids took it off me and tore it up.

Funny Homework Excuses

In an attempt to inject some humor into the situation, students often come up with outlandish excuses that are impossible not to chuckle at. Here are a few examples:

– My mother wanted to display it on the fridge.

– The police confiscated it as evidence. – I was abducted by aliens and they took it.

– I sent it to you in the post. – My dad mistook it for a letter and posted it to China.

– I had to burn it in the fireplace to keep myself warm. – It flew out the window of the car.

– I thought I’d do it tomorrow because I’ll be older and wiser then. – I did my work.

It’s all up here in my head. – I didn’t do it because I didn’t want to add to your workload.

– My hand fell asleep and I didn’t want to wake it. – My cat ate it, knowing that I’d blame the dog.

Excuses For Strict Teachers

Some teachers have a reputation for being particularly strict, and students may feel the need to come up with more elaborate excuses. Here are some excuses commonly used for strict teachers:

– I was sick, and I have a sick note.

– My mother or father went to the hospital, and here’s the sick note. – My computer screen broke, and here’s a picture.

– The computer broke, but here are my handwritten notes. – The Wi-Fi didn’t work, but here are my handwritten notes.

– I wasn’t here when the work was assigned. – I tried, but I didn’t understand the instructions.

– I volunteer at the soup kitchen on Monday nights. – I’m so sorry.

I thought it was right here in my bag. – I had way too much homework for my other class.

– The library was closed, and I don’t have internet at home.

Truthful Homework Excuses

While honesty is always the best policy, sometimes the truth can be a valid excuse for unfinished homework. Here are some truthful excuses students may encounter:

– I was too busy doing something more important.

– My parents kept me really busy on the weekend, but I promise I’ll do it tonight. – I was at football practice all night.

– I did my homework, but I left it at home. – I forgot I even had homework.

– The computer didn’t break. It was the printer this time.

– I had a headache. – The homework was far too easy.

– My tutor accidentally took it home with them. – I accidentally squished it in the bottom of my bag, and now it’s got rotten apple juice all over it.

– I spilled cereal all over it because I was doing it over breakfast.

Blame the Parents

Sometimes, students find themselves blaming their parents for their incomplete homework. While this may not be the most productive approach, it’s important to acknowledge these sentiments.

Here are a few examples:

– My parents don’t believe in homework and won’t let me do it. – My mother said band practice was more important.

– I help my father at work on a Tuesday afternoon. I just can’t get it done on Tuesdays.

– My father looked at it, said it was outrageous government indoctrination, and told me not to do it. – My mother was looking over my homework and forgot to give it back to me.

– My mother threw it in the trash.

Blame the Teachers

Lastly, students may feel inclined to blame their teachers for assigning excessive or confusing homework. While it’s important to approach this issue with respect, it’s essential to address any concerns.

Here are some examples:

– You give too much homework. – Your instructions are impossible to understand.

– This was way too hard for me. You need to give me more guidance.

– The homework is too easy. It’s a complete waste of my time.

– Between you and all my other teachers, you’re assigning hours of homework every night. You all need to get together and resolve this.

Let the Teacher Know in Advance

One effective strategy for dealing with homework excuses is to let the teacher know in advance if there’s a genuine reason why the work couldn’t be completed. This shows responsibility and allows the teacher to make appropriate accommodations.

Provide Evidence

When faced with an excuse, it’s crucial to encourage students to back up their claims with evidence. Whether it’s a doctor’s note, a picture, or handwritten notes, supporting evidence helps teachers understand and address the situation appropriately.

Conclusion:

Homework excuses can be frustrating, but they also present an opportunity for growth and learning. By understanding common excuses and employing effective strategies for dealing with them, students, teachers, and parents can work together to foster responsibility, accountability, and a positive learning environment.

So next time an excuse comes your way, be prepared to address it with empathy and understanding.

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