the best lost homework excuse ever

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

Chris Drew (PhD)

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

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

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

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

Read Also: 27 Pros and Cons of Homework

Cliché Homework Excuses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related: A List of Extension Excuses for College Students

Funny Homework Excuses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related: Excuses for Skipping Class in College

Excuses For Strict Teachers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related: Fun Things to do when Bored in Class

Truthful Homework Excuses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See a List of 11 Homework Statistics

Blame the Parents

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blame the Teachers

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

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

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

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

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

FAQ: How to Get Out of Doing Homework?

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

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

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

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

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 15 Inspiring & Fun Teacher Desk Setup Ideas
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 26 Dorm Room Decoration Ideas (for Inspiration)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 25 Study Desk Aesthetic Ideas
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 25 Thoughtful Ways to Greet your Students

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Excuseindex.com

New excuses every week!

Hans Herbert

60 excuses for not doing homework (without blaming the dog).

• December 21, 2022
• ❂  School

Some people enjoy doing homework, while others despise it. Regardless of the type of person you are, homework can be boring, repetitive, or too difficult to understand. And sometimes there is just too much of it! In addition, if you have a full class schedule, homework can quickly become overwhelming.

There are several excuses for not doing homework, whether due to procrastination, lack of motivation, or external forces preventing you from doing it (like your dog eating it). We’ve all been there, so try not to be too hard on yourself. But rest assured, if you get into a situation where you cannot complete your homework, we’ve created this list of excuses that might help ease your anxiety while gaining some sympathy points from your teachers.

Excuses for not doing homework

We researched this topic and asked an English teacher of 35 years about some of her students’ most common and best excuses for not doing homework . She helped us put together the following list:

1. I was sick

Being sick, or claiming that you’re sick, can be used to get out of almost any scenario, including an instance where you did not complete your homework. Who wants to do homework when they are sick? Maybe some people will, but the majority will want to get their rest and recover to their usual selves.

2. My computer crashed

This excuse would not have worked only a couple of decades ago, but today, almost every student relies on their computer or laptop to do their work. So if you don’t have computer access, this is a plausible excuse for not doing your homework on time. 

3. My internet died

Like the excuse above, completing your assigned homework can be difficult if you don’t have internet access. Of course, not all homework relies on an internet connection, but if you need to research a particular topic, then it certainly might.

4. I broke my arm

If you broke your arm or any other bone, that is a believable excuse for not doing your homework. If this is your excuse and you didn’t break a bone, you’ll need to figure out a way to sell it. Is getting a fake cast worth going the extra distance just to get out of a bit of homework? We’ll let you be the judge of that!

5. There was a death in the family

Nobody will question your reasons if there has been a death in your family or of a loved one. This excuse will definitely buy you some time. If nobody actually passed away, you can still use this one with a low chance of getting caught, but it might make you feel guilty inside. This is a good excuse if you can live with yourself for making such a thing up.

6. My bag got stolen

Having your property stolen is another one of those believable excuses for not doing your homework. If you tell your teacher that your bag was stolen and it contained your work, they will give you a pass and some additional sympathy points along the way.

7. I was in a car accident

Being injured in a car accident is another excellent excuse for not doing homework. Not all car injuries are visible, either. So if you were in a fake car crash, you could claim internal injuries or whiplash.

8. I had to work

Unfortunately, many students today need to work a part-time job to pay for things like tuition, books, food, and other items of necessity. If you tell your teacher that you had to work to help out the family or pay for your school, they will give you a pass.

9. I got stuck babysitting my younger siblings

If you’re the older brother or sister, you’ll know that babysitting is part of your job. You will get stuck babysitting from time to time, which might prevent you from completing your homework. 

10. Practice ran later than usual

Being part of extracurricular activities like sports or part of the school band will mean that you’ll need to practice. Sometimes, practice can go longer than anticipated and cut into your normal time when you do homework. 

11. I had a personal issue I was dealing with

Using personal issues as an excuse for not doing homework is good because it’s very open-ended. Personal issues could mean a variety of things; most likely, your teacher won’t pry too much. Saying you’re having personal issues at home might also gain you sympathy points with your teachers.

12. My parents forced me to spend time with them

You might get annoyed with your parents when they want to spend time with you as you get older because you have more important things to do in your eyes. However, it’s tough to blame your parents for wanting to do something as a family. Unfortunately, this time hanging out with them may cut into your homework. This excuse is perfect if your parents are divorced.

13. I have too much homework in other subjects

If you have a lot of homework from different classes, you will need to prioritize what gets done first, especially if you have limited time. This means that sometimes homework will not get done in classes that you feel are less important. If you are going to use this excuse for not doing your homework, you shouldn’t tell your teacher that their class is not essential to you but that you had too much work in other classes that were worth more of your grade.

14. I was in the hospital

If you tell your teacher that you were at the hospital and couldn’t complete the homework, the first thing they should ask is if you are okay. If they do this, you’ll know they are sympathetic toward you. Using the hospital as an excuse to get out of homework is very general; you could have been in the hospital for countless reasons, so pick wisely if you are going to use this one.

15. My pet got sick

Using a sick pet as an excuse for getting out of doing your homework is another believable option. If your teacher is also a pet owner, then they will surely understand your situation. 

16. I thought it was due tomorrow

Claiming ignorance may or may not work, depending on your teacher. You might get a pass if you tell them straight-faced that you thought it was due tomorrow. Make sure to hand in your homework the next day if you are going to use this excuse.

17. Bullies took it away from me and ripped it up

Using bullies as an excuse for not doing your homework is another good way to earn sympathy points from your teacher. The only problem with this excuse is that your teacher will want to know who is bullying you. If you’re making this up, you won’t want to pin the blame on somebody. Also, if you’re telling the truth, exposing your bully may get you into deeper trouble with them. 

18. My baby brother/sister spilled milk all over it

Gahh! Your baby brother or sister spilled milk all over your freshly printed assignment. This excuse is similar to your dog eating it. It might work if your teacher is gullible. 

19. I missed the lesson where it was assigned

This excuse involves playing the ignorance card again. For example, if you were absent earlier in the week when the assignment was given out, you could use this reason for not handing it in. However, your teacher may flip things back on you and tell you that you are responsible for asking someone what you missed. 

20. I was doing volunteer work

Using volunteer work as a reason for not doing homework will, at the very least, portray you as a good person. Whether or not your teacher goes easy on you is another story. 

21. I did it, but I must have forgotten it at home

Claiming that you did your homework but somehow forgot it at home could work, depending on your acting skills. This is another excuse where if you use it, you better hand it in the next day. 

22. It was too easy, so I thought it was a waste of time

You’re a brave individual if you use this excuse with your teachers. If you have demonstrated your intellect with your teachers, and they know that you’re smarter than the other kids, you might get away with this. However, it might make you look like a jerk. 

23. My parents rushed me out the door, and I didn’t get a chance to grab it on the way out

Blaming your parents because you didn’t hand in your homework is a good way to divert the blame to somebody else. Maybe you have a big family, and mornings are always chaotic. If this is your situation, this excuse might be good. 

24. I mixed it up with someone else

If you try to claim that you mixed up your homework with someone else’s, you will need to provide more details to your teacher because this can be confusing. So be prepared to have a backstory ready for why you handed in your brother/sister/friend’s homework instead. 

25. I ate something and had an allergic reaction

Using food poisoning or an allergic reaction to something you ate will buy you a day or two for your homework if your teacher is sympathetic.

26. The homework file on my computer got corrupted

You finally finished your homework and went to save it, but something weird happened, and the file got corrupted. Now, all your assignment reads is a bunch of gibberish, and there is no way to undo it.

27. I was studying for something more important

If you’re getting good grades in a particular class, you can use this excuse and say that you had to study for another class because your grades are not as good. Claiming that it’s more important to get your grades up in another class for your overall GPA will work in this scenario. 

28. I was out of town

If you had to go out of town on short notice, it might leave you with no time to finish your homework. Using this excuse will work if the reason you went out of town appears valid. You could also claim that you were out of town on a family vacation. 

29. I was too tired and fell asleep earlier than usual

Lack of sleep can cause a lot of health problems. If you have insomnia, you know how painful it can be to sleep rarely. If by chance, one night, you were just so tired that you fell asleep earlier, then so be it. You’re not used to sleeping much, so you have to take advantage of the times when you can, even at the expense of not doing your homework.

30. My dog ate it

We’re joking with this one, but we had to add it to the list anyways.  According to the teacher we consulted for this list, this excuse still gets used. Saying your dog ate your homework is another way of saying, “I didn’t do it, and we both know it.”

Funny excuses for not doing homework

If you’re feeling creative and brave, you can use one of these funny excuses for not doing your homework with your teacher. Keep in mind these excuses will probably not work. However, using one of these funny excuses may get a reaction or a laugh out of your teacher. If you can break them down a bit with your comedic approach for why you didn’t do your homework, then that’s one step in the right direction for them to go easy on you.  

• I was attacked by a swarm of bees
• I was stuck in a parallel universe where homework doesn’t exist
• I was cursed by a witch and had to break the spell
• I was trapped inside a magical painting and couldn’t escape
• I was possessed by a demon and lost control of my actions
• I was in a hotdog eating contest and was so full that I couldn’t move after
• TV is just too good right now
• My homework was so well done that I didn’t want to make the other students look bad
• I fell into a giant puddle, and my homework was ruined
• I was abducted by aliens and just returned to Earth

Excuses for not doing homework to use with your parents

If you’ve been able to provide some good excuses for not doing homework to your teachers and they believed them, that’s great, but you’ll also need to work on your parents. Your reasons for not doing homework may work on your teachers, but you’ll have to adapt for your parents because they have more information about your personal life. For example, claiming a family emergency will not work with your parents as it would with your teachers. 

So if you’re at home playing videogames or watching TV instead of doing your homework, try using these excuses with your parents to get them off your back:

1. My teacher extended the deadline

The class was complaining about too much homework, so your teacher did everyone a solid and extended the deadline.

2. I finished everything while I was in school

The teacher gives lots of opportunities to work in class, so I used this time to finish all my homework to chill when I got home.

3. I’m waiting for my classmate to complete their section of the assignment first

I can’t do my homework until my classmates finish their section of our group project. They are the ones slowing me down!

4. Homework is pointless in my class and not worth any marks

My teacher told us that tests and exams make up 100% of our final grade, so there’s no point in doing the homework if it isn’t worth anything. 

5. I already know everything there is to know

I have already studied for the class and know everything there is to know. So doing the homework won’t teach me anything.

6. My teacher went easy on us and didn’t give us any work for a week

The teacher felt bad about giving us so much homework in previous weeks, so they decided not to give the class any more homework for the next week.

7. A substitute teacher is filling in

Our regular teacher is away, and a substitute teacher is filling in. The new substitute teacher does not care what we do since they are only there temporarily. 

8. You’re going to do your homework later on a video chat with your classmates 

You’re taking it easy right now because later at night, you will get on a video chat with classmates and do the work together.

9. My teacher said the homework was optional

My teacher gave us the option to do the homework and said it wouldn’t be graded either way. Normally I would do it regardless, but I didn’t feel like it this time.

10. I’m already getting straight A’s and need a break

I just need a break! I’ve been working so hard lately, and my grades reflect that. If I skip homework for one night, it will not affect my grades.

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Excuses for not doing homework to use with your classmates.

Sometimes you’ll need excuses for not doing homework to use with your classmates, primarily if they are relying on you for group work. For example, if you are working on a project or assignment together and haven’t completed your portion of the work, they might get pissed off. For this reason, it’s good to have excuses you can use with your classmates.

It could be a migraine, a cold, flu, covid-19, or other viruses. You were so sick you couldn’t complete the homework. 

2. My pet was sick

You were worried about your family pet, so you took them to the vet to ensure they were okay. You were there all night worrying about them.

3. There was a power outage at home

The whole block lost power, and as a result, you couldn’t do your share of the homework. The power outage lasted all night, so there was nothing you could do!

4. I thought it was due later

Whoops! You swear you thought it was due later. 

5. My ex was harassing me

You were trying to do the work, but your ex kept harassing you by calling and texting you or even showing up at your front door. Needless to say, you couldn’t get much done because of them.

6. I had no place to work

Typically, you work in your room, but you couldn’t this time because there were renovations taking place in your house. So you had to move all your stuff out of your room, which took forever!

7. My parents forced me to do something 

How annoying! Your parents insisted you do something together as a family. You tried to tell them you had vital homework to do, but they insisted, stating that you don’t spend enough time together.  This excuse works great if your parents are divorced. 

8. I was in an accident

Maybe it was a car accident, or you fell down the stairs. Regardless of the accident, you were too injured to do anything and needed to recover.

9. I was fighting with my partner

Being in a relationship is tough . So tough that sometimes you fight all night with your partner about meaningless topics. Once you two get going, the next thing you know is that it’s past midnight, and you got nothing done. 

10. I’ve been carrying the group all year, and now it’s your turn

It’s time for everybody else to pick up the slack! You’ve been the key to your group’s success in class so far, and you’re tired of carrying everyone else. Sheesh!

What if your teacher or parents are strict and don’t believe your excuses?

Sometimes your excuses for not doing homework will not cut it, no matter how much you try to convince your teacher or parents. They may be so strict that they will not accept any possible reason you may throw at them.

In these scenarios, it’s better to just come clean and explain why your homework isn’t complete without passing the blame. 

This is because if your teacher or parents don’t believe you or care regardless of what you say, you can have a clean conscience by telling the truth. Furthermore, if your parents or teachers know you’re telling the truth, they might have more respect for you and your situation, knowing that you could have blamed it on the dog or an alien abduction. 

How to finish homework faster

If you’re tired of using excuses for not doing your homework and want to become a better student, then it’s a good idea to learn some tips on how to finish your homework faster. If you can finish your homework faster, you’ll have extra time to do the things you want with your friends and family.  This will reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with the feeling of not getting your homework done. Not only will these tips help with getting your homework done faster, but they will also teach you how to get caught up on schoolwork if you’re falling behind.

Here are some tips on how to finish your homework faster:

1. Set up your workstation

The first step is to make sure you are doing your homework in a productive environment. If you do your homework in your room or an office, make sure that your space is neat and tidy. A clear space can equal a clear mind, which can put you in the right mindset before you start working.

2. Make a list of things that need to get done

Make a list of all the things you need to get done. Don’t worry if the list is larger than anticipated. Seeing everything in a list will become satisfying when you start crossing things off it.  Before you know it, your list will shrink in size and eventually disappear.

3. Estimate the time it will take for you to complete each item on your list

It’s a good idea to put a time estimate for all the things on your list. This way, you can start prioritizing items based on time. You can also plan your breaks better this way.

4. Unplug from screens and distractions

If one of your main problems is procrastination, then it is especially important to limit distractions. It’s easy to get wrapped up on Instagram or Tiktok for hours at a time.  Unplug from your phone and any other screen that isn’t necessary for your homework.

5. Start with any outstanding items

If you’re wondering how to get caught up on school work that is outstanding, then you should with all your outstanding items first! Pick the easiest outstanding item to get the ball rolling, then work to finish them all before moving on to tasks with future due dates.

6. Break down larger tasks into smaller ones

If you have a lot of bigger tasks, then you should break them down into smaller ones. For example, if you have to write an essay on a particular topic, break the essay down into smaller chunks like the intro paragraph, the supporting paragraphs, and the conclusion. Make each of those paragraphs a smaller task. It will seem more manageable this way.

7. Start with something small and easy

If you’re really struggling to even get started, then the best thing you can do is just pick the smallest and easiest task on your list of items and do that first. Once you cross it off the list, you might become more motivated to move on to the next item. Keep going from there and build momentum.

8. Take breaks and stretch

Taking breaks is really important for mental and physical well-being. Within every hour, do 50 minutes of concentrated and focused work with a 10-minute break at the end. Stretching is another great thing you can do while on your break to get your blood flowing. Set a timer for 50 minutes, then again for 10 minutes when the 50 minutes elapse. 

9. Stay focused

If you do 1-hour blocks of 50 minutes of work, with 10 minutes of break, then its important that the 50 minutes of work is high quality. Do your best to stay focused on the task at hand. Then, you can release that focus on your 10-minute break. 

10. Relax and reward yourself at the end of your working session

Did you complete your list? A large portion of it? Or did you only complete a few small tasks? If you’ve struggled with homework, then any amount you’ve completed should be a celebration. Even if you only completed 1 task on your list, that’s one task that wasn’t completed yesterday. Make sure to give yourself credit, and reward yourself with whatever makes you happy.  Of course, the more you complete, the bigger the reward!

How to finish homework last minute

There isn’t a method on how to finish homework last minute that will always work. Realistically, you shouldn’t be leaving things until the last minute. However, there is one technique you can try.

If you have an assignment that due the next day, but you haven’t done anything for it, do the absolute bare minimum and hand it in. Pull your teacher aside and say that life got in the way, but you still wanted to submit something. Explain that you aren’t happy with your work, and would kindly request that you can resubmit it again in another few days to show what you’re truly capable of.  

Your teacher might see this as a positive effort and will reward you with a later deadline. Of course, this means that you will need to put more effort into the assignment. If you don’t do it, or hand in something lackluster, then this strategy on how to finish homework last minute will not work again.

If you’re having trouble finishing your assigned work in school, then we hope this list of excuses for not doing homework will help you.  Of course, we always recommend taking an honest approach. However, if you’re feeling embarrassed or ashamed about not finishing your homework again, then try one of these excuses if it makes you feel better.

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how to get out of homework 1 say you sick and your tired and just ignorn the teacher and here you go

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49 Best Excuses For Not Doing Homework

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

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

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

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

Good Excuses For Not Doing Homework

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

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

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

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

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

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

Funny Reasons For Not Doing Homework

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Believable Excuses For Not Doing Homework

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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.

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?

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

Daniel Reed

Leave a reply, related posts, positive procrastination — never heard of it well now you have, 5 tips to study better at university, how to stay motivated with college coursework, homework hacks: how to do college assignments faster, studytubers may be more harmful than helpful for college students, ‘psychology of learning’ offers winning strategies for studying and acquiring knowledge, watch these 4 youtube channels to be more productive this semester, youtubers on ‘studytube’ share homework for a living, the impact of listening to indigenous voices in 2024 america, it’s time to talk about filipino food, dark cafes and big yellow taxis—the everlasting world of joni mitchell, what’s behind beyoncé and taylor swift’s massive 2023, by the way, the universe is always singing.

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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 378,292 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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100 Excuses for Not Doing Homework

Homework, a word students all over the world are familiar with, brings both fear and responsibility. It’s a crucial part of learning, helping us practice what we learn in class and teaching us discipline and time management. However, sometimes unexpected things happen, and students face real challenges that make finishing homework tough. 

In this blog, we’ll explore 100 excuses for not doing homework. Some excuses are funny excuses for not doing homework, while some are genuine and good excuses for not doing homework. So make sure to check them all one by one.

Students often use these excuses when they find homework overwhelming. While these excuses might seem like a quick fix, it’s important to remember that being honest and responsible is essential. Instead, let’s focus on taking a proactive approach to our studies, asking for help when needed, and using time wisely. By understanding and tackling the obstacles that come our way, we can create a strong foundation for success in school and personal growth. Let’s make homework less daunting and more manageable together!

Common 100 Excuses for Not Doing Homework

• Family Emergencies: Sometimes, unexpected family situations may require our immediate attention, leaving us with no time to complete homework.
• Technical Issues: Computer crashes or internet problems can hinder our ability to access and submit assignments.
• Sickness: Falling sick can affect our productivity, making it challenging to concentrate on homework.
• Lack of Resources: Not having access to necessary textbooks or materials can impede progress.
• Extra-Curricular Activities: Involvement in sports, arts, or other activities can leave little time for homework completion.
• Overwhelming Workload: Having too much homework from different subjects can be daunting to handle.
• Time Management: Poor time management skills might lead to insufficient time for homework.
• Misplacement: Misplacing your homework or notes can create a genuine obstacle.
• Personal Issues: Emotional or personal problems can impact our focus and motivation to complete homework.
• Weather Conditions: Severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snowstorms, may disrupt internet connectivity or power supply.
• Power Outage: Unexpected power outages can prevent you from working on electronic devices.
• Traveling: Being away from home or school due to travel can limit your ability to complete homework.
• Lack of Motivation: Feeling unmotivated or uninterested in the subject can result in procrastination.
• Distractions at Home: Noise or disturbances at home can make it hard to concentrate.
• Technology Addiction: Spending too much time on electronic devices can lead to distractions and reduced focus on homework.
• Family Obligations: Helping with household chores or taking care of younger siblings can consume homework time.
• Personal Injuries: Physical injuries may restrict your ability to write or use a computer.
• Mental Fatigue: Being mentally exhausted after a long day at school can impact productivity.

• Lack of Sleep: Insufficient sleep can make it difficult to concentrate on homework.
• Classwork Overload: Teachers assigning lengthy in-class tasks can leave little time for homework.
• Internet Research Challenges: Difficulty finding relevant information online can slow down the completion process.
• Commute Time: Long travel times to and from school can cut into homework time.
• Celebrations and Festivals: Preparing for special occasions can make it challenging to focus on homework.
• Exam Preparation: Prioritizing exam revision might leave less time for regular homework.
• Group Project Issues: Dependence on group members’ progress can lead to delays in submitting assignments.
• School Events: Participation in school events and activities can affect homework time.
• Lack of Understanding: Struggling to grasp the concepts covered in class can make homework difficult.
• Teacher Absence: When teachers are absent, it may lead to confusion about the assignment.
• Change in Schedule: Unforeseen changes in the school timetable can disrupt homework routines.
• Personal Loss: Coping with the loss of a loved one can interfere with completing homework.
• Technological Glitches: Software or hardware malfunctions can cause delays in finishing assignments.
• Pet Responsibilities: Taking care of pets can take up time meant for homework.
• Mental Health Issues: Struggling with mental health challenges can impact productivity.
• Internet Restrictions: Parental controls or school firewalls can limit access to online resources.
• Noisy Environment: Working in a loud environment can hinder concentration.
• Field Trips: Participating in educational outings can lead to postponing homework.
• Unforeseen Visitors: Unexpected guests can disrupt your homework schedule.
• Allergy Season: Seasonal allergies can lead to discomfort and reduced productivity.
• Sports Injuries: Injuries sustained during sports activities may hinder the ability to complete homework.
• Lack of Support: Lack of parental support or guidance can affect academic performance.
• Heavy Traffic: Being stuck in traffic can delay getting home to do homework.
• Incomplete Lecture: Incomplete or unclear explanations in class can make homework difficult.
• Classroom Disturbances: Disruptions during class can hinder learning and understanding.
• Volunteer Work: Involvement in volunteer activities can consume time required for homework.
• Power Struggles: Family arguments and disagreements can distract from homework.
• Exam Anxiety: Preparing for upcoming exams might take precedence over regular assignments.
• Power Surges: Power surges can damage electronic devices, affecting homework completion.
• Social Events: Being invited to social gatherings can disrupt homework routines.
• Peer Pressure: Engaging in peer activities instead of focusing on homework can be tempting.
• School Projects: Major school projects may consume significant time and effort.
• Incomplete Class Notes: Inadequate or messy class notes can hinder homework understanding.
• Communal Computer: Sharing a computer with family members can limit access.
• Teacher Miscommunication: Miscommunication about the homework assignment can cause confusion.
• Slow Internet: Slow internet speed can lead to delays in online research.
• Sudden Power Cuts: Sudden power cuts can disrupt your work on electronic devices.
• Late School Hours: Extended school hours can leave less time for homework.
• Weekend Commitments: Weekend commitments can impact completing homework.
• Unforeseen School Events: Unexpected school activities can interfere with homework.
• Cultural Celebrations: Cultural festivities might require time away from homework.
• Home Repairs: Home repairs or maintenance can disrupt your homework environment.
• Language Barriers: Struggling with language barriers can slow down comprehension.
• Internet Safety Concerns: Parental concerns about online safety may limit internet usage for homework.
• Lost or Broken Materials: Losing or breaking essential materials can delay homework.
• Noisy Siblings: Noisy siblings can make it difficult to concentrate on homework.
• Inadequate Lighting: Poor lighting conditions can strain your eyes while doing homework.
• Lack of School Supplies: Not having the necessary stationery can hinder progress.
• Teacher’s Absenteeism: Frequent teacher absenteeism can delay assignment explanations.
• Online School Platform Glitches: Technical issues with online platforms can disrupt homework completion.
• Change in Family Routine: Changes in family routines can affect homework schedules.
• Parent’s Travel: When parents travel, it may lead to disruptions in completing homework.
• Exam Schedules: Preparing for multiple exams can take precedence over regular homework.
• School Safety Drills: School safety drills can interrupt class time for homework explanations.
• Change in Syllabus: Changes in the syllabus may require extra time for adjustment.
• School System Changes: Transitions to a new school system can be challenging.
• Academic Pressure: Feeling overwhelmed by academic expectations can impact productivity.
• Unexpected All-Nighters: Staying up late to complete assignments from other subjects.
• Sporting Events: Participating in sports events can interfere with homework time.
• School Trips: Educational trips can lead to postponing homework.
• Overdue Library Books: Returning overdue library books may require additional time.
• Misunderstood Instructions: Misunderstanding the assignment can lead to errors and delays.
• Power Cables Damaged: Damaged power cables can affect electronic devices.
• Broken or Malfunctioning Printer: Printing issues can delay submitting physical assignments.
• Cultural Obligations: Cultural obligations may demand time away from homework.
• Lack of Encouragement: Lack of encouragement from teachers can affect motivation.
• Overcommitment: Committing to too many activities can leave little time for homework.
• Seasonal Distractions: Seasonal events or holidays can disrupt homework routines.
• Internet Outages: Internet outages in the area can hinder online research.
• Personal Projects: Engaging in personal creative projects can consume time.
• Inadequate Workspace: Having an uncomfortable workspace can affect productivity.
• Cluttered Work Area: A cluttered work area can lead to disorganization and inefficiency.
• Transport Issues: Transportation problems can hinder timely submission of homework.
• Unresolved Conflict: Unresolved conflicts with peers or teachers can affect focus.
• Sleep Disorders: Suffering from sleep disorders can impact productivity.
• Online Distractions: Getting sidetracked by social media or online games while doing homework.
• Difficult Concepts: Struggling with complex concepts can slow down homework progress.
• Part-Time Job: Balancing part-time work and school can be challenging.
• Inconsistent Study Habits: Inconsistent study habits can lead to incomplete assignments.
• Bullying: Dealing with bullying can negatively impact academic performance.
• Transportation Strikes: Transportation strikes can disrupt school attendance and homework completion.
• Lost Stationery: Losing essential stationery can delay completing written assignments.

While these 100 excuses may seem like a comprehensive list, remember that using excuses for not doing homework should only be a last resort. Being honest with teachers and taking responsibility for our studies is essential for our growth and development as students. Instead of relying on excuses, let’s focus on improving our time management, seeking help when needed, and developing healthy study habits . By doing so, we can overcome the challenges of homework and thrive in our academic journey. Remember, the key to success lies in determination, dedication, and consistent effort.

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100 Excuses For Not Doing Homework

Ever found yourself looking for reasons why the homework isn’t done? We’ve all been there! Welcome to a playful exploration of the wild and amusing world of excuses for skipping homework. From classic “dog ate my homework” scenarios to inventive and unexpected twists, this list dives into a sea of imagination and creativity.

Homework excuses aren’t just about dodging assignments; they’re a peek into the clever, humorous, and sometimes terrible excuses students make up when facing close deadlines. This collection isn’t about running from responsibility; it’s a lighthearted dive into the humorous side of student life. 

So, whether you’re seeking a chuckle or perhaps some inspiration not for avoiding homework, of course!, join us in this whimsical journey through 100 excuses for not doing homework, amusing, and maybe even relatable excuses for those moments when the homework simply doesn’t make it to the teacher’s desk!

Advantages Of School Homework

Table of Contents

Homework may seem like extra work, but it holds surprising benefits! It helps remember what we learn in class, making those lessons stick better. Doing homework sharpens our skills and prepares us for tests or exams. It makes us responsible and  improves our time management skills we’ll use in our future lives. Here are some of the advantages of homework:

• Reinforcing Learning

Homework reinforces what we learn in class, making those lessons stick better in our minds. When we revisit the day’s topics at home, it strengthens our understanding of the subject.

• Skill Enhancement

Doing homework sharpens our skills, be it in maths, language, or any other subject. Practice makes perfect, and homework provides the practice we need to improve our abilities.

• Preparation for Assessments

Homework prepares us for tests and exams by giving us a chance to apply what we’ve learned independently. It’s like a practice session before the big game!

• Developing Responsibility

Completing homework teaches us responsibility by honouring deadlines and commitments. It’s a lesson in managing time and tasks, valuable skills for the future.

• Showcasing Understanding

Homework gives us the opportunity to demonstrate what we’ve learned and allows teachers to gauge our understanding of the material. It’s a chance to shine and showcase our knowledge.

Homework, the word itself can make some of us feel embarrassed. We’ve all been there, staring at a blank page, trying to come up with a good excuse for not doing our homework. So, let us start an interesting and creative journey of 100 excuses for not doing homework and they are as:

Top 10 Excuses Related To Health

• Feeling Under the Weather: Down with a Nasty Cold – Can’t Focus!
• Headache Havoc: Splitting Headache, Can’t Stare at Books!
• Stomach Troubles: Tummy Ache, Homework’s a No-Go!
• Sleepless Nights: Insomnia Strikes Again – Brain Needs Rest!
• Allergy Attack: Sneezing and Sniffling, Can’t Concentrate!
• Exhaustion Epidemic: Worn Out from Busy Day, Homework Delayed!
• Injury Woes: Sprained Ankle – Can’t Sit for Long!
• Dizzy Spells: Feeling Dizzy and Disoriented – Not Homework-Ready!
• Vision Blurs: Eyes Strained, Can’t Read the Assignments Clearly!
• Flu Fiasco: Caught the Flu Bug – Need Rest to Recover!

Top 10 Excuses Related To Technical Issues

• Lost Internet Connection: Wi-Fi Woes, Homework’s Lost in Cyberspace!
• Computer Crash Catastrophe: Screen Froze, Homework Vanished into the Digital Abyss!
• Printer Predicament: Printer Jammed, Homework Stuck in Printing Limbo!
• Software Snafu: Software Glitch Ate Up the Assignment!
• Power Outage Problem: Power Cut, Homework Left in the Dark Ages!
• Device Update Disaster: Update Error, Homework Trapped in Digital Update Limbo!
• Slow System Syndrome: Lagging Device, Homework’s Trapped in Loading Limbo!
• Battery Drain Dilemma: Device Ran Out of Battery, Homework Lost in Digital Void!
• File Format Fiasco: Incompatible File Format, Homework Unreadable!
• Device Distress: Device Malfunction, Homework in Technical Turmoil!

Top 10 Excuses Related To Family Matters

• Family Emergency: Urgent Situation, Homework Forgotten Amidst Chaos!
• Sibling Sabotage: Sibling Hid Homework, Can’t Find It Anywhere!
• Parental Priorities: Family Event, Homework Put on Hold for Family Time!
• Home Responsibilities: Household Chores Took Priority Over Homework!
• Sibling Distraction”: Sibling Needed Help, Homework Postponed for Assistance!
• Family Celebration: Special Occasion, Homework Delayed for Family Festivities!
• Family Outing: Unexpected Trip, No Time for Homework Preparation!
• Sibling Quarrel: Family Dispute, Homework Forgotten in Family Feud!
• Parental Assistance: Parent Needed Help, Homework Set Aside for Support!
• Family Obligations: Unexpected Family Commitment, Homework Ignored for the Day!

Top 10 Excuses Related To Time Constraints

• Overloaded Schedule: Piled-Up Assignments, Homework Couldn’t Make the Cut!
• Last-Minute Rush: Unforeseen Commitments, Homework Left in Time Crunch!
• Unexpected Event: Urgent Task Arose, Homework Sidelined Amid Time Crunch!
• Extracurricular Overload: Activity Overload, No Time Left for Homework!
• Work Deadline: Work Commitment Ate Up Homework Time!
• Family Time Demand: Family Obligations, Homework Left Unfinished!
• Health Issue: Unplanned Health Concern, No Energy Left for Homework!
• Study Group Delay: Study Group Took Longer, No Time Left for Homework!
• Travel Time Eaten: Travelling Consumed Homework Preparation Time!
• Unforeseen Delay: Unexpected Holdup, Homework Postponed Due to Lack of Time!

Top 10 Excuses Related To Lack Of Resources

• No Access to Books: Library Closed, Can’t Find Needed Information!
• Internet Unavailable: No Wi-Fi, Can’t Research for Homework!
• Insufficient Supplies: Ran Out of Paper, Can’t Write Homework!
• Missing Textbook: Book Left at School, Can’t Complete Assignment!
• Computer Issues: Computer Broken, Can’t Type Homework!
• No Stationery: Pens Ran Out, Can’t Do Homework Without Them!
• Reference Material Missing: No References, Can’t Support Homework Ideas!
• No Electricity: Power Outage, Can’t Work on Computer or Lights!
• Printer Out of Ink: Printer Dry, Can’t Print Homework!
• No Quiet Space: Too Noisy at Home, Can’t Concentrate on Homework!

Top 10 Excuses Related To Forgetfulness

• Left Homework at Home: Forgetfulness Strikes Again!
• Memory Lapse: Forgot Assignment Details, Can’t Complete Homework!
• Misplaced Notebook: Can’t Find Notebook, Homework’s Lost!
• Missed Reminder: Forgot about Homework, Now It’s Too Late!
• Homework Slip-Up: Homework Assignment Slipped Mind Completely!
• Task Overlook: Overlooked Assignment, Now It’s Missing!
• Sudden Amnesia: Forgot Homework Details, Now It’s a Blank!
• Calendar Mishap: Missed Deadline, Homework Missed the Cut!
• Assignment Amnesia: Homework Assignment Slipped Memory !
• Mind Blank: Mind Went Blank, Homework Forgotten in the Abyss!

Top 10 Excuses Related To Extracurricular Activities

• Sports Practice: Practice Ran Late, No Time Left for Homework!
• Club Meeting: Club Meeting Overrun, Homework Delayed!
• Dance Rehearsal: Dance Practice Exhausted Time for Homework!
• Music Lessons: Music Class Overtime, No Time for Homework!
• Volunteering Commitment: Volunteering Lasted Long, No Time for Homework!
• Debate Competition: Debate Prep Took Hours, Homework Left Behind!
• School Play Rehearsal: Rehearsal Extended, Homework Set Aside!
• Scouting Event: Scouting Activities Took Time, No Homework Time Left!
• Language Club: Club Meeting Overran, Homework Put on Hold!
• STEM Workshop: Workshop Took Extra Time, No Time for Homework!

Top 10 Excuses Related To Personal Challenges

• Feeling Overwhelmed: Personal Stress, Homework Pushed Aside!
• Concentration Struggle: Can’t Focus, Homework Left Unfinished!
• Emotional Distress: Feeling Down, Homework Is Impossible!
• Anxiety Attack: Overwhelmed by Anxiety, Homework Ignored!
• Personal Commitment: Family Emergency, Homework Postponed!
• Lack of Motivation: Feeling Uninspired, Homework Is Neglected!
• Mental Exhaustion: Drained Mind, Can’t Tackle Homework!
• Procrastination Trap: Delayed Start, Now Homework’s Overwhelming!
• Time Management Struggle: Lost Track of Time, Homework Forgotten!
• Distraction Dilemma: Distracted by Personal Issues, Homework Unfinished!

Top 10 Excuses Related To Teacher Student Miscommunication

• Misunderstood Instructions: Confusion Over Assignment Details!
• Unclear Requirements: Requirements Not Clearly Communicated, Homework Misinterpreted!
• Missed Deadline Change: Missed Updated Deadline, Homework Left Incomplete!
• Lost in Translation: Misunderstood Task, Now Homework’s a Mystery!
• Change in Assignment: Assignment Change Not Communicated, Homework Missed!
• Missed Clarification: Missed Explanation, Homework Preparation Misguided!
• Technical Difficulties Misunderstood: Misinterpreted Technical Issues, Homework Delayed!
• Forgotten Announcement: Missed Teacher’s Announcement, Homework Neglected!
• No Confirmation Received: No Confirmation on Task, Homework Delayed!
• Expectation Miscommunication: Misunderstood Expectations, Homework’s Left Hanging!

Top 10 Excuses Related To External Distractions

• Noisy Environment: Disturbed by Loud Surroundings, Homework Ignored!
• Social Media Temptation: Distracted by Social Media, Homework Delayed!
• Family Noise: Family Noise Distracting, Homework Couldn’t Be Done!
• TV Show Temptation: Captivated by TV Show, Homework Overlooked!
• Pet Troubles: Pet Demands Attention, Homework Takes a Backseat!
• Outdoor Distractions: Outdoor Activities Taking Time, Homework Left Behind!
• Friend’s Visit: Friend’s Unexpected Visit, Homework Left Unfinished!
• Neighbourhood Noise: Disturbed by Neighborhood Noise, Homework Neglected!
• Gaming Addiction: Lost in Video Games , Homework Forgotten!
• Unexpected Guests: Unexpected Visitors, Homework Put on Hold!

At last 100 Excuses for Not Doing Homework across 10 categories, excuses cover various scenarios from health issues to technological problems.In the health related category, excuses like feeling sick or having headaches are common. Technological Issues include internet outages and computer crashes. Family Matters encompass emergencies or familial responsibilities. Time Constraints excuses involve overloaded schedules or last-minute rushes. Lack of Resources includes missing books or printer problems.

While Forgetfulness excuses cite lost assignments or memory lapses. Extra-Curricular Activities involve sports or club meetings. Personal Challenges cite stress or lack of motivation. Teacher-Student Miscommunication reasons involve unclear instructions or missed deadlines. Lastly, External Distractions cover noisy environments or social media temptations. These excuses, while imaginative, showcase the diverse reasons why homework might be left undone.

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• Creatively Dodging Commitments, One Excuse at a Time! /
• Excuses For Not Doing Homework /

Excuses For Not Doing Homework

As a student, I understand the importance of completing homework assignments. But sometimes, it can be difficult to find the motivation or time to get your work done. I’m sure many of us have been in a situation where we’ve had to come up with excuses for not doing our homework.

Although it’s never ideal to make excuses, sometimes it’s necessary. Here are some of the most common excuses for not doing homework:

• I didn’t understand the assignment.

This is a common excuse, especially if you’re in a class where the material is new or unfamiliar. If this is the case, don’t be afraid to ask your teacher for clarification. They’ll be more than happy to help you understand the assignment better.

• I had a family emergency.

If you have a family emergency, this is a valid excuse for not doing your homework. Your teacher will likely understand and be willing to work with you to make up the work.

• I was sick.

If you’re sick, it’s understandable that you may not be able to complete your homework. Your teacher should be understanding of this.

• I had too much work.

Sometimes, teachers assign too much work and it can be overwhelming. If this is the case, talk to your teacher about it and see if they can reduce the workload.

• I had a test the next day.

If you had a test the next day, it’s understandable that you may not have had time to complete your homework. Your teacher should be understanding of this.

• I had to work.

If you have a job, your teacher should understand that you may not have had time to complete your homework.

• I had a project due.

If you had a project due, your teacher should understand that you may not have had time to complete your homework.

• Top 12 Best Excuses for Not Doing Homework

Have you ever faced a situation where you are in class and you face the dreadful truth that you do not have your assignments ready? Naturally, you start wondering how you will explain. Most students, if not all, have turned in their homework assignments late once in a while. Equally, most have been in a situation where they have no homework to turn in. In such a situation, most students make excuses for homework failures. Regarding homework excuses, having a few credible and uncommon ones in your back pocket is important. After all, life can be unpredictable, and sometimes you genuinely can’t complete your homework. However, it’s also important to remember that missing homework can have negative consequences and should be avoided if possible.

12 Excuses for missing homework

• Being ill or sick

When one is sick, it becomes challenging to focus on assignments. It could be a cold, flu, or something more serious. To add credibility to this excuse, seek medical attention, and you need a doctor’s note or other proof of your illness. This is one of the best excuses for missing homework as long as you can validate the claims.

• Experiencing a family emergency

This is a serious excuse, and it is hard for a teacher to argue with you. However, unexpected family emergencies can happen at any time. They can disrupt your ability to focus on completing the homework. In such situations, notify your teacher what’s going on and request for an extension on your assignment.

• Technology issues

In today’s digital age, technology issues are all too common. Whether it’s a computer malfunction, crashing or a lost file, technology issues are good school excuses that prevent you from completing your homework. To avoid this excuse, always have a backup plan in case of technology failure and troubleshoot any issues immediately they arise.

• Lack of understanding

Many students face challenges following a class lesson and their brains become blank when they get home. This is usually the case whenever the homework is harder, unclear or confusing compared to the examples showcased in class. Teachers may give tough homework to test the understanding of the student and do not expect to get correct answers all through.

Ensure you attempt to avoid the excuses for not doing homework. Seek help right away for the sections you don’t understand.

• Misplaced homework

Sometimes, homework assignments can get lost or misplaced, whether in your backpack, at school or at home. For example, you may forget your book or laptop at the library or school. To avoid this excuse, stay organized and keep track of your assignments.

• Overloaded schedule or too much homework

With several classes to attend, extra-curricular activities, part-time jobs, and other responsibilities, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. Some teachers will fall for this and understand you had too much on your table. Some will rule out other teachers’ assignments being their concern. To avoid this excuse, it’s important to prioritize your responsibilities and manage your time effectively. Managing your schedule is one of the ways of how to get out of homework excuses.

• Natural Disaster

Natural disasters can happen anytime, disrupting one’s ability to complete homework. If you are affected by a natural disaster like death of your loved one, floods or hurricane, it’s important to let your teacher know what’s going on and ask for an extension.

• The dog ate it

This classic excuse has been used for centuries and is still a favorite among students. The story goes that a student’s dog got a hold of their homework and ate it, leaving them without a completed assignment.

• I was absent during the assigning of the homework

The story can save you if you convince your teacher you were not in class when announcing the assignment. The register could show you were present in school but you could tell your teacher you were in the loo. Such can work if you frequently excuse yourself to visit the loo while classes are ongoing. You are safe if your classmates can vouch for you.

• Loss of energy

Lack of sleep or other energy-draining activities like extra-curricular activities can prevent you from completing your homework. Handle this by maintaining energy levels and prioritizing sleep.

• Being too stressed

I didn’t do my homework because I was stressed is a common phrase many students use. Students may face several stressors preventing them from focusing on their assignments. The best way is to manage stress and maintain a healthy mental well-being.

• Being too busy studying for a test

When studying for a test, students become anxious and busy to focus on their homework. Ensure you prioritize your time well.

How to skip homework excuses can be a necessary evil at times, but it’s important to remember that missing homework can have negative consequences. Having a few credible and uncommon excuses in your back pocket prepares you for an unexpected event. However, use these excuses sparingly and only in genuine situations. Stay on top of your homework and responsibilities to avoid the need for excuses in the first place.

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15 hilarious homework excuses, homework excuses you may have heard before.

Students will tell you just about anything to get out of trouble for not having their homework. This situation can be fodder to some great teacher stories as students can come up with the most hilarious homework excuses. Have you ever had students come up with homework excuses like these?

1. It just slipped out of my hands and blew away. That’s why I am late. I ran after it. Oops, the wind was so strong that I just couldn’t help it. *Sad face*

2. I was not able to hold the pencil because my finger hurt. You realize how difficult it is to hold a pencil when your finger hurts “really,” “really” bad?

3. I let somebody take it and did not get it back. That little bugger told me he was in urgent need of my homework copy, and I fell in the trap. *Grim face*

4. My dad wasn’t well, and my mom wasn’t home. Oh so common reason. But it works every time, doesn’t it?

5. You told us to do all the questions. Were we supposed to bring them too? I did them as you said but I did them on my rough copy at home. I did not know that I was supposed to bring it too. I will bring that tomorrow, ma’am! I have already done it. *Sincere mode on*

6. I left it in my shirt, and my mother washed it. And I had a fight with my mother. I didn’t do anything wrong. Trust me, I did the homework. *Poor face*

7. My dad accidentally put it in his office bag and took it to work. My dad is always in a hurry like that.

8. My younger sibling ripped it apart. That stupid brother does not understand the difference between food and papers. He chewed my homework. *Angry face*

9. We had an electricity cut off in our house, and I had to ignite it to get enough light to see the fuse box. It was such a sad day for me. I put so much hard work doing it. *Helpless face*

10. I got soap in my eyes, and it blinded me for the rest of the night. I have a good habit of bathing every day after school, and it cost me my homework. Seems like good habits ain’t that good.

11. I got a solar powered calculator, and the weather was cloudy. Advanced math without a calculator? No way.

12. I left my homework on your desk before you came but it’s just not here. I had handwritten it, took me ages!” Somebody must have stolen it. *Clueless face*

13. I left my homework on the table and my angry dog got hold of it. Rest is history. Angry dogs are dangerous, I tell you. I couldn’t try to pacify him.

14. My father went through a nervous breakdown, and he used the pages of my assignment to make paper boats. I wonder how he behaved. Like a kid, you know! I was, in fact, not coming today but mom forced me to stay out of dad's way or else he would tear all my books!

15. I tried so hard to understand the chapter but I couldn’t. Can you please explain it to me again, ma’am? I will give it another try. I am such a sincere boy; I just can’t leave my homework undone. I will definitely do it once I understand it.

Have some more interesting excuses you have heard of?

Or perhaps you invented them!

Share with us in the comments below and let the laughter begin!

About the Author: Aditya Singhal is the co-founder of Transtutors.com a leading online tutoring assistance program for college students. Having graduated from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), he worked briefly with the American consulting firm, Kurt Salmon Associates before taking the entrepreneurial route. Outside of the work arena, Aditya has a personal interest in helping MBA students. He is also actively involved in giving back to the society by contributing a part of the revenue towards education of poor students.

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10 common excuses students make for not doing homework.

Homework is an integral part of the educational process, designed to reinforce learning, foster discipline, and develop crucial skills such as time management and responsibility. However, despite its importance, students often find themselves grappling with a myriad of reasons to avoid completing assignments. From the classic “the dog ate my homework” to more elaborate justifications, excuses for not doing homework are as diverse as they are creative. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the top 10 common excuses students make for not doing homework, exploring the underlying reasons behind each excuse and providing strategies for educators and parents to address them effectively.

Common Excuses Students Make for Not Doing Homework

1. “i forgot”.

Perhaps one of the most frequently heard excuses, “I forgot” seems innocuous at first glance. However, forgetfulness can signal deeper issues such as poor organizational skills or overwhelming academic workload. Students may struggle to keep track of assignments amidst a plethora of other responsibilities. To combat this excuse, educators can implement strategies such as assignment notebooks, digital reminders, or periodic check-ins to help students stay organized and accountable.

2. “I Didn’t Understand”

When faced with complex assignments or concepts, students may resort to claiming lack of understanding as a reason for not completing homework. This excuse highlights potential gaps in comprehension or ineffective teaching methods. Educators should strive to provide clear instructions, offer additional support through tutoring or peer assistance, and encourage open communication to address any confusion promptly.

3. “It’s Too Hard”

Similar to the previous excuse, citing difficulty as a reason for not doing homework may indicate a need for differentiated instruction or scaffolded learning experiences. Students may feel overwhelmed or intimidated by challenging tasks, leading them to procrastinate or avoid completing assignments altogether. Educators can break down assignments into manageable steps, offer alternative approaches, and provide constructive feedback to build students’ confidence and resilience.

4. “I Didn’t Have Time “

In today’s fast-paced world, students juggle various commitments outside of school, from extracurricular activities to familial responsibilities. While time constraints are a legitimate concern, they should not serve as a perpetual excuse for neglecting homework. Educators and parents can help students prioritize tasks, establish a structured study schedule, and identify opportunities for time management skills development to ensure that homework remains a priority amidst competing demands.

5. “I’ll Do It Later”

Procrastination plagues many students, tempting them to postpone homework until the last minute. This excuse reflects a lack of self-discipline and effective time management strategies. Educators can teach students techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique or task prioritization to combat procrastination and instill a sense of accountability for completing assignments promptly.

6. “My Internet Was Down”

In an increasingly digital age, reliance on technology for completing homework is commonplace. However, technical issues such as internet outages or device malfunctions can disrupt students’ ability to access online resources or submit assignments. To address this excuse, educators can offer alternative offline activities or extensions for affected students while encouraging them to communicate issues promptly to seek assistance.

7. “I’m Not Feeling Well”

Health concerns, whether physical or mental, can impact students’ ability to focus on homework. Chronic illnesses, stress, anxiety, or depression may contribute to frequent absenteeism or decreased productivity. Educators and parents should prioritize students’ well-being, offering support services, accommodations, and flexibility when necessary to ensure that they can manage their health while maintaining academic progress.

8. “I Finished It, but I Left It at Home”

This classic excuse may seem far-fetched, but instances of misplaced or forgotten homework are not uncommon. Disorganization or lack of responsibility may contribute to such incidents. Educators can encourage students to utilize digital platforms for submitting assignments or implement backup submission methods to mitigate the impact of forgetfulness or logistical challenges.

9. “The Assignment Wasn’t Clear”

Miscommunication between educators and students regarding assignment expectations can lead to confusion and frustration. Ambiguous instructions or unclear grading criteria may contribute to students’ reluctance to engage with homework tasks. Educators should strive for clarity in their communication, provide detailed assignment guidelines, and be receptive to questions or requests for clarification to minimize misunderstandings.

10. “I Have Personal Issues”

Students may encounter various personal challenges outside of the classroom that affect their ability to complete homework assignments. Family problems, financial difficulties, or emotional turmoil can significantly impact academic performance. Educators and support staff should cultivate a compassionate and understanding environment, offering resources, referrals, and accommodations to help students navigate personal hardships while maintaining academic engagement.

Excuses students make for not doing homework often serve as red flags, signaling underlying issues that require attention and intervention. By understanding the motivations behind these excuses and implementing targeted strategies to address them, educators and parents can empower students to overcome barriers to academic success and cultivate a culture of responsibility, resilience, and lifelong learning. Through collaboration and support, we can transform excuses into opportunities for growth and achievement in the educational journey.

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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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35 Most Ridiculous Excuses Teachers Have Heard from Students This Year

by Rachael Moshman

“The dog ate my homework” is old news. We asked actual teachers for the worst/best excuses they’ve heard from students this school year.

Weird happenings:

Most teachers agree the best excuses (or worst?) are often the most bizarre.

• “Marker accidentally got all over my camera, so that’s why you can’t see on my screen.”
• “My math book caught on fire.”
• “This email is to inform you that I didn’t do my homework and can’t log on to class because I have no Wi-Fi.”
• “There’s a hair in my belly button and I won’t be able to concentrate until I get it out.”
• “We just found out a homeless man is living in our basement and keeps unplugging the Wi-Fi right when it’s time for Zoom school!”
• “I went fishing and was chased by a shark, so I didn’t have time to do my assignment.”
• “A squirrel stole my reading log.”
• “I don’t know how to take a picture with my phone.”
• “I’m still learning how to use my superpowers and accidentally burned my computer with my laser beam vision so all my assignments will be late.”
• “I left my backpack outside and our new goats ate all of my books and assignments.”

Family matters

School may be the student’s responsibility, but that doesn’t stop them from spreading the blame! Here are some of the best excuses involving mom, dad, grandma, siblings,…and even spouses!

• “My mom forgot to pray for me this morning, so that’s why I’m not following directions.”
• “The app on my mom’s phone glitched and she couldn’t find the actual key to start her car.”
• “My husband will do the work for me.” – Kindergartener
• “I wasn’t able to do my homework last night because my grandma needed the computer to chat with her boyfriend.”
• “Sorry I’m late. It was my turn to walk the horses and it took longer than I expected.”
• “I was busy helping my aunt make a Tinder profile.”
• “I’m grounded, so I couldn’t do my homework.”
• “My dad said we need to cut our budget, so I’m going to cut down on school.”
• “My little sister peed on my Chromebook.”

Hamster problems

Hamsters seem to be the new problem pet.

• “My hamster is missing.”
• “The hamster jumped out the window!”
• “My dog ate my hamster.”
• “I couldn’t log on because my hamster pooped on my keyboard and now my Chromebook isn’t working.”
• “My hamster chewed through my power cord.”

Mysterious ailments

Some of the worst/best excuses are when kids diagnose their own medical conditions

• “I need to be excused from the test because my menopause is making it hard to concentrate today” – 4th grade boy
• “My gout is really acting up so I wasn’t able to do the homework last night.”
• “I sprained my ankle, so I can’t come to Zoom class.”
• “My grandma says I have come down with a serious case of sass mouth. I think I’m too sick to work today.”
• “I got a flu shot last week and my arm hurts too much to write.”
• “I’m only nine. That’s way too young for homework.”

The truth of the matter

No, they didn’t do the work, but at least they were honest, right?

• “I got distracted looking at pictures of dogs.”
• “I’m not prepared for this assessment because I didn’t do the virtual lessons.”
• “I lost track of time watching TikToks and didn’t do my assignment.”

Keeping it short and simple

Because it’s hard constantly thinking up the best excuses…

• “No, thank you.”

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