In everyday life, we sometimes arrive late, forget to do something, or make a small mistake. When this happens, we need to give a clear and polite excuse. Making excuses helps people understand what happened and why.
This lesson will help you learn useful English expressions to explain situations politely and naturally. 😊
What Does “Make an Excuse” Mean?
To make an excuse means to give a reason for something you didn’t do or for something that went wrong.
Sometimes excuses are real. Sometimes they are not. But in English, we often use excuses to explain situations politely.
Examples:
“I made an excuse for being late.”
“She always makes excuses for not finishing her homework.”
Making excuses is useful in daily life, at school, at work, and with friends.
Here’s a table of useful phrases to help you get started:
Useful Phrases Table
Making Excuses
Apologising
Accepting / Rejecting Excuses
Well, you see…
I’m really sorry… 😔
OK / Never mind. I understand. 😊
I meant to, but…
It was very stupid of me. 😣
These things happen. 🤷
I had to…
I won’t do it again, I promise! 🤞
That’s no excuse. ❌
You can combine these sentence starters with a reason.
For example if you are late you can make the following excuses:
Starter Phrase
Reason (Complete the sentence)
Well, you see…
…the traffic was terrible. 🚗💨
I meant to, but…
…I overslept. 😴
I had to…
…help my sister before leaving. 👧
I had to…
…go back home to get something. 🏠
Conversation 1 — Being Late
A: You’re late again! B: Well, you see… the bus was really slow today. A: You should leave earlier. B: I know. I meant to, but I couldn’t find my keys.
Conversation 2 — Forgetting Something
A: Did you bring the book I lent you? B: I meant to, but I left it on my desk at home. A: You always forget things! B: I know… I’ll bring it tomorrow.
Non-defining relative clauses help us add extra information about a person, place, or thing. This information is not essential to understand the sentence. The clause contains an additional, interesting detail.
👉 We always use commas with non-defining relative clauses. 👉 We NEVER use “that” in non-defining clauses.
What Is a Non-Defining Relative Clause?
A non-defining relative clause:
gives extra information
is separated with commas
uses relative pronouns like who, which, where, when, whose
can be removed and the sentence still makes sense
How to Form Non-Defining Relative Clauses
Non-defining relative clauses give extra information about a person, place, or thing. This information is not essential to understand the main idea. We always use commas to separate the extra information.
1. Structure
Main clause, relative pronoun + extra information, rest of the sentence.
2. Common Relative Pronouns (for Non-Defining Clauses)
Relative Pronoun
Used For
Example
who
people
My English teacher, who is from Canada, is very friendly.
which
things / animals
The book, which I finished yesterday, was fantastic.
where
places
Vancouver, where my cousins live, is beautiful.
when
times
2010, when I finished high school, was an important year for me.
whose
possession
Anna, whose car broke down, arrived late.
📝 Important:
Always add a comma before and after the clause (unless it ends the sentence).
Don’t use “that” in non-defining clauses.
3. Comma Rules
Put a comma before and after the non-defining relative clause (unless it’s at the end of the sentence; then you only need one comma).
4. Key Points for Low-Level Learners
You can remove the extra information and the sentence still makes sense.
The verb form inside the clause follows normal grammar rules.
Do not use these clauses to identify someone/something. (Those are defining clauses.)
Examples:
My brother, who lives in Mexico, is visiting next month. (extra info: he lives in Mexico)
The Eiffel Tower, which is in Paris, is very popular. (extra info: its location)
September, when the weather is mild, is my favorite month. (extra info: weather in September)
Chichén Itzá, where millions of tourists go each year, is amazing. (extra info: visitors)
🧠 Compare: Defining vs. Non-Defining
Type
Purpose
Example
Commas?
Use “that”?
Defining
Necessary information
The man who works here is kind. The man that works here is kind.
We use modal verbs like must, have to, need to, and their negatives to talk about things that are necessary or not necessary. For example, rules, duties, or responsibilities. We can also use them to talk about permission in the present or past.
🔹 1. Obligation in the Present
We use must, have to, and need to when something is necessary or important to do.
Structure
Example
Meaning
must + base verb
I must finish this project today.
Strong personal obligation
have to + base verb
I have to work on Saturday.
External rule or schedule
need to + base verb
You need to wear a helmet.
It’s necessary or required
🧠 Tip:
must = personal obligation (you feel it)
have to = external obligation (someone else decides it)
I must study more. (I want to) I have to study more. (My teacher said so)
🔹 2. NO Necessity in the Present
We use don’t have to or don’t need to when something is not necessary.
Structure
Example
Meaning
don’t have to + base verb
You don’t have to come if you’re busy.
It’s optional
don’t need to + base verb
She doesn’t need to wear a uniform.
It’s not required
🧠 Note: They mean the same, but don’t have to is more common in everyday English.
🔹 3. Prohibition (Something Is Not Allowed)
We use mustn’t (must not) to talk about rules or strong advice — when something is not allowed.
Structure
Example
Meaning
mustn’t + base verb
You mustn’t park here.
It’s forbidden
be not allowed to + base form
You are not allowed to park here.
No permission
🧠 Tip: ❌ Don’t confuse mustn’t (not allowed) with don’t have to (not necessary).
You mustn’t smoke here. → It’s against the rules. You don’t have to smoke. → It’s your choice.
🔹 4. Obligation and Necessity in the Past
We can’t use must for the past. Instead, we use had to or needed to.
Structure
Example
Meaning
had to + base verb
I had to finish my homework last night.
It was necessary in the past
needed to + base verb
We needed to buy tickets early.
It was necessary
For the negative, we use didn’t have to or didn’t need to (something was not necessary).
We didn’t have to go to school yesterday. She didn’t need to call — I was already there.
🔹 5. Permission (Present and Past)
We can use be allowed to or could to talk about permission.
Time
Structure
Example
Meaning
Present
am / is / are allowed to/can
Students are allowed to use phones at break. Students can use their phones at break.
We often want to say why we do something, our goal or reason. There are several ways to express purpose in English. Let’s learn and compare them!
1. TO + Base Form
We use to + base verb to show purpose, the reason for an action.
Structure
Example
Meaning
verb + to + base verb
I study hard to pass the exam.
I study for this reason.
verb + to + base verb
She went to the gym to get stronger.
She went there with a goal.
🧠 Tip: Use this for short, direct purposes.
I’m calling to ask a question. He moved to Canada to find a job.
2. IN ORDER TO + Base Form
We use in order to when we want to sound more formal or emphasize the purpose. It means the same as to, but it’s a bit stronger.
Structure
Example
Meaning
verb + in order to + base verb
She left early in order to catch the train.
She left early so she could catch it.
verb + in order not to + base verb
He spoke quietly in order not to wake the baby.
He didn’t want to wake the baby.
🧠 Tip: Use in order to in writing or formal speech.
I’m taking this course in order to improve my skills.
3. SO (THAT) + Subject + Modal + Verb
We use so (that) to explain the purpose of an action, especially when there is a different subject. It’s often followed by can / could / will / would / may / might / should.
Structure
Example
Meaning
so (that) + subject + modal + verb
I’m studying so (that) I can pass my exam.
My goal is to pass.
so (that) + subject + modal + verb
She left early so that she could catch the bus.
She left early to catch it.
🧠 Tip: You can say so that or just so in informal English.
4. FOR + Gerund (-ing)
We use for + -ing to say the general use or purpose of something. It answers “What is this used for?”
Structure
Example
Meaning
for + verb-ing
This brush is for painting.
The brush is used to paint.
for + verb-ing
These shoes are for running.
They’re made for that.
🧠 Tip: Don’t say ❌ for to — just for + -ing.
I use this blog for learning English.
5. FOR + Noun
We also use for + noun to show purpose, especially with things.
Structure
Example
Meaning
for + noun
This medicine is for headaches.
You take it when you have a headache.
for + noun
The bag is for my laptop.
The bag’s purpose is to carry it.
🧠 Tip: Use for + noun when you’re not using a verb.
This room is for meetings. These lessons are for students.
In English, we use different grammar forms to talk about ability.
Ability means what someone can do. It shows a person’s skill, power, or possibility to do something.
Many students are familiar with can and could to talk about ability, but these two forms are not always enough. For example:
We don’t use can to talk about the future.
We don’t use could for a single successful action in the past.
Sometimes we need a form that shows ability over a longer period of time.
In this lesson, you’ll learn different alternatives and practice choosing the correct one depending on the time (present, past, future) and the situation.
Let’s see the difference 👇
1. Present Ability
Form
Structure
Example
Meaning
General ability now
can / can’t + base verb
I can cook Italian food.
I have this ability now.
More formal / less common
am / is / are able to + base verb
She is able to speak three languages.
Same meaning as can, more formal.
2. Past Ability
General ability in the past
Form
Structure
Example
Meaning
Past ability over time
could / couldn’t + base verb
I could swim when I was 6.
A skill you had in the past, not just one moment.
Ability in one specific past situation (successful action)
Form
Structure
Example
Meaning
One event in the past
was / were able to + base verb
I was able to fix my computer yesterday.
You succeeded in that moment.
Important: We use was/were able to (not could) for one completed event in the past.
✅ I was able to call her before the meeting. ❌ I could call her before the meeting. (not clear if I really did it)
3. Future Ability
Form
Structure
Example
Future ability
will be able to + base verb
I will be able to drive next year.
Common error: ❌ Next year I can speak Japanese. ✅ Next year I will be able to speak Japanese.
4. Ability in Your Life (up to now)
Form
Structure
Example
Experience
have / has been able to + base verb
I’ve never been able to sing well.
Used to talk about ability from the past until now.
What You MUST Know Before Using the Second Conditional
To use the second conditional correctly and confidently, you need to be comfortable with past simple form. Theif-clause always uses the past simple, even though we’re talking about an unreal present or future situation.
Here’s a quick review of the essential conjugations:
1. Past Simple – Regular Verbs
Base Verb
Past Simple
Example
work
worked
If I worked from home, I’d be happier.
play
played
If she played an instrument, she’d join a band.
want
wanted
If they wanted a pet, they would adopt one.
📌 Rule: + –ed (or –d after e)
2. Past Simple – Irregular Verbs
(These forms must be memorized—no “–ed” rule!)
Base Verb
Past Simple
Example
go
went
If I went to Japan, I’d eat sushi every day.
have
had
If he had more time, he’d read more books.
see
saw
If we saw a ghost, we’d run away.
take
took
If she took the job, she’d move to Toronto.
📌 Tip: Students should review the Top 20–30 irregular verbs to feel confident.
If I didn’t have online classes, I’d sleep longer.
If he didn’t live in a busy city, he’d have less stress.
📌 Use didn’t + base verb (NOT “didn’t went / didn’t saw”).
4. Verb BE in Unreal Conditionals
“were” for ALL subjects
❗️Verb Be Simple past REAL
✅ Verb Be Preferred in Second Conditional
I was
If I were
He/ She/ It was
If he/she/ it were*
You/ We/ They were
If you/ we/ they were
📌 In second conditional, “were” is used with I / he / she / it (not just “you / we / they”). “If I were…” is more natural in written and formal English.
*NOTE: with he, she and it we can use was (instead of were) in informal speaking.
✅ If I knew the answer, I would tell you. ✅ If she didn’t live so far away, she would visit more often. ✅ If he were a doctor, he would help people every day.
Sometimes we don’t know the facts, but we can make guesses or deductions about what’s true. In English, we use modal verbs like may, might, could, must, and can’t to do this. They help us show how sure or unsure we are about something.
Talking About Possibility
When we aren’t sure, but we think something is possible, we use may, might, or could + base form (the base form of the verb, without to).
These modals all mean “maybe”. They show that we’re guessing, not stating a fact.
💭 Examples of Possibility
💬 Sentence
💡 Meaning
She may be ill.
Maybe/ It’s possible she’s ill.
She might be lost.
Maybe/ It’s possible she’s lost.
She could be from another country.
Maybe/ It’s possible she’s is from another country.
She might not be here tomorrow.
Maybe/ It’s possible she won’t come tomorrow.
🎯 Quick Notes
may, might, and could all express the same level of possibility.
To make a negative, add not: might not / may not.
Example: He might not come to class today.
They’re followed by a base form verb
✅ She might be late. ✖️ She might to be late.
🌦 Think of it like this:
Modal
How sure are you?
Example
may / might / could
🤔 Maybe yes, maybe no
It might rain later.
They’re your “maybe modals”
These modals are perfect when you’re not 100% sure, but something is possible!
Talking About Strong Possibility
Sometimes things look or sound true, even if we aren’t completely certain. In this case, we use seem + to + verb to show a strong possibility or something that appears or feels true.
Think of it as saying:
“It looks like…” or “It sounds like…”
💭 Examples of Strong Possibility
💬 Sentence
💡 Meaning
She seems to be very cold.
It looks like she’s cold.
They seem to know each other well.
It appears they know each other.
This café seems to be popular.
It looks busy — probably true.
He seems to be tired.
It looks that way — I’m quite sure.
🧩 Grammar Pattern
seem + to + verb(base form)
✅ She seems to be tired. ✅ It seems to work well.
🌟 Remember
“Seem” is stronger than may, might, or could.
You use it when something looks or feels true, but you don’t have proof.
It’s a polite, soft way to make an observation.
🎯 Compare
Expression
Meaning
Example
may / might / could
possible, not sure
She might be cold.
seem (to)
strong possibility
She seems to be cold.
Talking About Certainty
When you feel quite certain about something or you have good evidence or a strong reason, use must + verb.
It means you are almost 100% sure something is true.
💭 Examples of Deduction (Strong Certainty)
💬 Sentence
💡 Meaning
She must work at McDonald’s.
I’m almost sure. She is wearing a uniform.
He must be tired after the trip.
I’m almost sure. He traveled all night.
You must know her.
I’m sure it’s true. You work in the same office!
That must be our bus.
I’m certain — it’s the right number.
🧩 Grammar Pattern
must + verb (base form)
✅ She must be at work. ✅ He must live nearby.
🧠 Remember
Use must when you see evidence or know facts that make something very likely.
It’s much stronger than may, might, or could.
Don’t use it for the past. This form talks about the present.
🎯 Compare
Expression
Meaning
Example
may / might / could
possible
He might be tired.
seem (to)
strong possibility
He seems to be tired.
must
sure, strong evidence
He must be tired.
Talking About Something is Impossible
When you are certain something is impossible, use can’t + verb. It shows you are sure that your guess or idea is not true.
Think of it like saying:
“That’s impossible!” or “No way!”
💭 Examples of Deduction (Strong Negation)
💬 Sentence
💡 Meaning
She can’t be at work
I’m sure she isn’t. Her car is still here.
That can’t be his house.
Impossible. It’s too big!
He can’t know the answer
I’m certain he doesn’t. He didn’t come to class.
You can’t be serious!
I don’t believe it. It’s not true.
🧩 Grammar Pattern
can’t + verb (base form)
✅ He can’t be at school — it’s Sunday. ✅ That can’t be real!
🧠 Remember
Use can’t when you are sure something isn’t true.
It’s the opposite of must.
Both talk about deduction in the present — what we think now.
⚖️ Compare
Expression
Meaning
Example
must
sure it’s true
She must be tired. (I’m almost sure she is tired)
can’t
sure it’s not true. It’s impossible
She can’t be tired. She just woke up! (It’s impossible she is tired)
🧠 Grammar Focus
Here’s a complete overview of the modals and expressions we use to talk about possibility, certainty, and impossibility:
When we speak or write in English, we often need to give extra information about a person, a place, or a thing. For example:
I met a woman. She works at the museum. → I met a woman who works at the museum.
We combine the two sentences using a relative clause.
Defining relative clauses help us identify exactly who or what we are talking about — they define the noun. Without this information, the sentence would be unclear.
What Is a Defining Relative Clause?
A defining relative clause gives essential information about a noun. It tells us which person, thing, or place we mean.
Without relative clause
With defining relative clause
The man is my teacher.
The man who is wearing a blue jacket is my teacher.
I read the book.
I read the book that you recommended.
The café is closed.
The café where we had breakfast is closed.
🟢 The information in the relative clause is necessary to understand the sentence. If we remove it, the meaning changes.
Relative Pronouns
We use relative pronouns to connect the main clause and the relative clause.
Relative Pronoun
Refers to
Example
who
people
She’s the student who won the prize.
that
people / things
This is the song that I like.
which
things
That’s the laptop which I bought yesterday.
where
places
This is the park where I go running.
whose
possession/ relationship
I met a man whose car was stolen. I met a woman whose husband is an actor.
when
time
Do you remember the day when we met?
🟡 Tip: In defining relative clauses, we don’t use commas because the information is essential.
When Can We Omit the Relative Pronoun?
We can leave out “who,” “which,” or “that” when it’s the object of the clause (not the subject).
✅ The book that I read was interesting. → The book I read was interesting. ❌ The teacher teaches English is great. → (cannot omit — “who” is the subject)
We can omit
We cannot omit
The film (that I watched) was amazing.
The film that won the award was amazing.
The man (who I met) is from Spain.
The man who lives next door is from Spain.
Examples in Context
She’s the woman who teaches our English class.
That’s the shop where I bought my shoes.
He’s the actor whose movies are very popular in Asia.
This is the place where we met for the first time.
Each clause gives key information that helps the listener understand exactly who or what we’re talking about.
