J johnchu Member Joined Oct 29, 2013 Member Type Student or Learner Native Language Chinese Home Country China Current Location United States Nov 4, 2013 #1 In conversation, I heard this being said: "He tried to excuse away his misbehavior." How is "excuse away" different from "excuse"?
In conversation, I heard this being said: "He tried to excuse away his misbehavior." How is "excuse away" different from "excuse"?
probus Moderator Staff member Joined Jan 7, 2011 Member Type Retired English Teacher Native Language English Home Country Canada Current Location Canada Nov 4, 2013 #2 Excuse expresses the meaning perfectly, and away is superfluous. I have never heard "excuse away" where I live (northeastern North America.)
Excuse expresses the meaning perfectly, and away is superfluous. I have never heard "excuse away" where I live (northeastern North America.)
