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9 Excuses for Late Assignments: Turning Online Homework Late
- by Michael Smart
- January 5, 2024
It is a common scenario to fail to submit the assignment within the timeframe during your academic years. With many reasons for late assignment submission, there are a number of excuses you can give and they soften the stance of your professor.
Any student should strive to stay updated when it comes to matters of studies and assignments. However, some may face some uncertainties which can derail their concentration and affect how they are working, leading to delays.
In that case, here is a comprehensive list and explanation of the excuses you can give for late submissions.
9 Excuses for Late Submission of Assignments
A student may develop stress of keeping with the environment and hinder them from keeping assignment deadlines.
Although we may not deny the chances of a student being careless, genuine cases can prompt a student to fail to finish the work on time.
If found in such a scenario, then look for any possibility of asking for an extension. Here, you must have a compelling reason that can bargain your request.
1. Blaming Illness for late Homework
Illness and sickness are natural happenings that are unavoidable in someone’s life. Such situations may make one lack the physical and emotional strength to work on the assignment or homework.
While giving such an excuse, ensure that it is valid by backing it up with the note from your doctor. Some sickness can still occur on your immediate family member, thereby affecting how you work.
For example, your parent or a sister may be highly sick, prompting you to leave what you are doing and take care of him or her. Such is a strong reason that can compel one to ask for a late submission.
2. Domestic Violence for Undone Assignment
Domestic flights are typical cases in any marriage setup. Such can be a sensitive excuse which a teacher must consider and probably bring it up to your parents.
Also, a teacher can report such cases to the guiding and counseling office, who can talk to your parents concerning such ordeals. They should understand the impacts of such actions on your academic life.
3. Writers Block
A student can read many books until he/she develops writer’s block. Such situations are overwhelming, thereby affecting the productivity of a student. One can diagnose such an experience by taking a short break and come back while fresh.
A teacher should listen to your story and grant you leave of some days before you recollect and work on your assignment before submitting it as agreed.
4. Other Paper Due
When you have another paper to work on ahead, you may need time to prepare. About that, you can request your professor to give you more time so that you can prepare for another paper that you are about to handle.
That can be a valid reason that could justify your late submission. The best practice is to put such information in the application and let the teacher acknowledge your request.
5. Job Interview
One can receive a request for a job interview which can be unavoidable. A teacher should listen and accept such an apology by granting ample student time to prepare and attend that interview in the subject area. It is a valid reason that can lead to the late submission of assignments.
6. Learning Disability
One should inform the university in advance in case you have a learning disability. The most common issue is dyslexia which is an abnormal condition that makes a student struggle in making speedy and accurate spelling and reading.
Nearly all universities have plans that support students who experience learning disabilities. Such conditions are harsh, and that is why a college should accommodate such cases.
7. Lost a Family Member
Death is unavoidable in the life of someone. When you lose an immediate family member, it can be distractive, leading to divided attention
If found in such circumstances, you can ask your professor to extend the submission date to assist you in overcoming such a situation.
8. You are a Caretaker
A student may be caring for a disabled person like a sick partner or a disabled parent. You have to let your teacher know in advance about that situation for you to enjoy the window of late submissions.
9. Blaming a Lazy Group Member
Group assignments are not new in the academic world. You might get assigned to someone who is lazy and drag your group leading to late submission.
If you are sensing that, it is critical to inform your instructor of late submissions. You can join this by saying that he forgot to submit the assignment early, especially his or her part.
As a group, you can join forces and assist that student who might be the cause of the delay and finish the assignment within the agreed timeframe as agreed by your teacher. You can choose to cover up the ills of a lazy student for success.
Reasons and Excuses for Turning in Late Online Homework
Online assignments present a little bit different excuses on top of the ones discussed above. However, ensure that you back your excuse with sound reasoning.
Such creates a better impression with your instructor as it indicates sincerity towards the pending task. This works better if you send a good late assignment email to your professor to explain more about the situation.
In this section, we can examine some of the good excuses you can provide to justify your late submission of the online assignment.
1. Computer Issues
When your laptop fails to work, it can lead to the destruction of your schedule. Such an excuse co only be valid if you provide evidence for your argument.
You can provide a receipt from your technician indicating the service quotation. Alternatively, you can take it to the university’s ICT department to see if they can assist in data recovery.
2. Wi-Fi Failed to Work
Wi-Fi is a technological issue that the school can address objectively. Schools should provide such a service to allow the students to work effectively.
However, when the students go out and encounter an internet challenge, it could cause a delay in the submission of assignments.
This is also one of the excuses for student lateness in class and can be used as a common reason. You can present the same evidence for missing classes and assignments.
3. Never Understood the Assignment
Every student learns uniquely. We have quick learners who need simple directions to learn. Some may be slow hence requiring more lessons to grasp the subject.
If you are in the category of slow learners, it may take you a while before completing the same assignment leading to late submission.
4. Sickness
One can fail to submit the assignment at school due to sickness. It would help if you wrote to your instructor to explain why it was challenging to work in such conditions.
You can back up your points with a medical report from your doctor to ascertain your honesty.
5. Had an Exam
The student could be doing a different course elsewhere. When the programs clash, the student must find a way of balancing them. If you are examining another cause, then it is reasonable to seek leave for a late submission.
Consequences of Being Late with Assignment
Different schools and colleges deal with such situations uniquely. For example, some universities and colleges would take off some points from the total mark.
In most universities, a late assignment submission penalty is taking 5% off the total allocated marks for that assignment. Such would be deducted for the first seven days, after which the professor will not accept the assignment again. While the late submission penalty varies, most universities follow a similar plan to deter lateness.
Another consequence of being late with your assignment is that it could lead to your studies’ postponement.
If you fail to submit it within the semester’s schedules, it will be difficult for the faculty to compile your marks and decide your course overall within the program leading to deferments.
On the other hand, some extreme cases could lead to suspension or expulsion. Before your join, any academic institution, ensure you understand the policies that govern your studies. Also, it is good to apply tips to beat homework due dates so as to avoid these consequences.
It is essential to adhere to the laid down procedures so that you are on the safe side. However, lecturers sometimes decide on the pros and cons of accepting late student assignments before applying the penalties. Here are the common penalties.
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Good Excuses for Late Assignment Submission and Deadline Extension Requests
Two things that students dread the most and they are poor grades and handing in assignments late. The consequences of failing to submit work within the specified deadline or turning it in later than the allotted time is a common cause of worry and stress among students.
Even though you might try hard not to miss deadlines, many things can come along the way, making it inevitable. Some of these things are avoidable, such as writers block, while some, such as emergencies, disasters, or sicknesses, are unavoidable and genuine.
Professors are already wary of such eventualities and look forward to a convincing reason as to why a student failed to turn in the assignment or why they are requesting an extension.
As human as they are, teachers, teaching assistants, and professors can distinguish genuine reasons and either forgive you (avoid deducting late submission marks) or grant you a deadline extension.
Have you ever wondered what excuses you would make to get an extension or if you have submitted an assignment or turned in online homework late? You are not alone. Thousands of students write to their instructors to ask for extensions or to get pardoned for submitting assignments late.
In this guide, we take you through some of the best excuses you can use to make for not handing in your homework on time. You can incorporate them into your late submission of assignment email, deliver them in person to your professor or teacher, or write an apology letter, email, or text message for the late submission. We have professional homework helpers who can handle nearly every subject you can ever think about. If you are short of time, hire one of them for the task and see the best they can do for you; you will be amazed at their capabilities.
Candid Excuses to Persuade Your Teacher to Accept a Late Assignment Submission
Here are some convincing reasons you can use if you fail to meet a submission deadline for an assignment and either want an extension or want it to be accepted and graded unconditionally.
1. The truth will set you Free!
The best excuse for submitting an assignment late is to tell your instructor or teacher the truth. It would help if you were bold enough to let your teacher or the professor know why you really want additional time or why you turned in an assignment late.
If, for instance, you were just lazy or had so many things happening in your life, sharing your genuine concerns with the professor will earn you more time.
Sweep the teacher off their feet by telling them the truth about the assignment. Maybe you never understood it until the last minute, or you were caught up with other assignments and could not balance your time, family, and assignments.
Nobody predicts crime around them. There are instances when exposure to robbery can shatter us down.
You can be so shaken that you can't do anything. If you were a robbery victim or witness, your professor could genuinely understand and extend the deadline.
Maybe during the robbery, your backpack, phone, or laptop was snatched; explaining to your professor earns your trust and more time to complete the assignment and hand it in for marking.
3. Push the blame on a social loafer in your group
Some people are just lazy when they are part of a group. If a member of your group never did their part, which yours was dependent upon, you can share with the teacher and get an extension or pardon for submitting part of the group assignment late. Group assessments are always a tough call.
One member might be lazy or do the wrong thing altogether, which all of you realize when it is too late. The truth is that teachers know what goes in the groups, and sometimes they give such assignments to test your team or group skills.
Such skills are essential and determine your survival in the job market. Sharing your challenge means you are bold enough to accept failure and take necessary remedies.
4. Sickness
You cannot predict when you get sick; even the healthiest people suddenly fall ill out of the blues. You can tell the teacher, " I'm sorry, but I fell ill yesterday and could not do much on the assignment.
I need more time ." Any teacher will accept this excuse as it shows your resilience, determination, and readiness to learn and how much you value your school work, even in the face of sickness.
Show that you need an extension to complete just a little bit and work on your paper as though it is your last chance at life.
Besides, if you are handing it in late, your teacher will sympathize with you for persevering through sickness to complete the assignment, albeit late.
5. That time of the month, Argh!
Suppose you are a lady; lucky you! But for boys, stay out of this unless you want more trouble with your teacher. You can excuse yourself for submitting an assignment late or asking for an extension blaming your lateness on menstruation.
Male and some female teachers might buy into this excuse, but you must show reasons for it. You can say your cramps were painful, and you could not persevere.
Of course, you will be given an extension or your late assignment accepted because this is a natural process that every lady goes through, and the experience is different from person to person.
6. You lost your pet
People are attached to their pets: dogs, cats, salamanders, iguanas, snakes, spiders, etc. They play a role in our lives anyway.
Losing a pet can make you frustrated, alone, and demoralized, especially if it has meaning in your life. Although this is a rare excuse, pulling it to your teacher can work magic.
It will work unless your teacher is heartless or disentangled with life matters, which most are not. Your pet is a companion or the best friend of your life, and losing them can demoralize your spirit.
7. Your roommate fell ill
If you have a roommate, you can tell your professor that you are submitting an assignment late because your roommate fell ill. You had to take care of them or drive them to the hospital for urgent care.
As caring and empathetic as we teachers are, you will always win our hearts with this excuse on two fronts. One is that you are a loving soul, and two is that you are determined to work hard on your paper despite adversities.
It will be an extension for you, or a pardon for lateness will be granted.
8. Other assignments
You can blame lateness or ask for deadline extensions claiming that you have other homework or due papers. In an age where assignments swarm you, your professor will most likely buy into your story and grant your wishes and desires.
Inform the teacher early enough of the possibility of getting a deadline extension or that you will submit an assignment late. Do not let assignments bog you down.
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9. Late response from the teacher/professor
You can also blame lateness in submitting an assignment because your professor got back to you late.
Teachers are busy and sometimes forget to read and respond to emails. Woe unto you if your email for instruction clarification is among them.
If your professor responded or clarified the instructions late, you can use that as a yardstick to get your assignment deadline extension or acceptance of your already late assignment.
10. Blame it on domestic violence
If you had a fight with your partner or your parents got into a fight, it is an excuse for a deadline extension or to turn in an assignment late.
You can tell your professor that the commotion and subsequent events- cops, neighbors, and other family members- derailed you from doing the assignment.
Besides, who can concentrate in such environments? Not even your professor can imagine doing assignments after such ordeal. If it is a parent, include their contacts so your professor can reach out. If it were your partner, you must come with a police report.
Trust us on this; such encounters will earn you some sympathy, and your teacher will handle you gently going forward. Instead of punishing you, in addition to accepting late submissions by extending your deadline, they will refer you to a counselor for therapy sessions.
11. Natural Disaster
If your area is experiencing a natural disaster such as an earthquake, tremor, hurricane, wildfire, or flooding, you can use that as an excuse for not turning in your assignment on time and ask for an extension.
Such events devastate people, property, and infrastructure, and your professor or teacher will be willing to sympathize with you and add more time.
12. Accidents
You can claim that you were involved in an accident and get a deadline extension or pardon for a late submission.
For instance, you can say you were cycling home when you had a bad crash with your bike that caused you so much pain that you could not concentrate on your paper.
Maybe your apartment caught fire, and you had to be evacuated until the fire went off, and you did not have much time left to accomplish the assignment deadline.
A car crash could also have shattered your inner peace and concentration, making you forget an assignment. Any minor accident (spraining a leg, falling on the staircase, or cutting your finger when cooking) or major (fire, car accident, bike crash, etc.), suffices as an excuse for turning in your assignment late.
13. Learning Disability
Nobody will beat you or punish you for your learning disability and for expressing yourself. If they do, such would only amount to discrimination, which is punishable by law. Your university or college admin has to know in advance that you have a learning disability.
Universities and colleges have structures and systems to support students with learning disabilities. You can use this excuse if you tried to meet a deadline but missed it.
Maybe you have dyslexia, meaning that you struggle with spelling and reading. If this is the case, write to your professor that even though you tried, the deadline was so close, and you need more time.
14. Grieving with a friend
If your close friend lost a relative or someone close to them, you could excuse yourself from an assignment deadline by telling your professor that you were grieving with them. You will come out as a considerate, caring, and sweet soul that everybody needs as a friend.
Your teacher will give you a few hours or days to accomplish the assignment unconditionally. You can then handle the assignment quickly and hand it in for grading like the other students.
15. Losing a Family Member
Losing a family member such as your grandma, father, brother, or sister is devastating. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as families tore apart, so did the morale to live life to the fullest.
Your teacher, who has compassion, empathy, and emotional intelligence, will understand the weight of losing a family member and direct you to the relevant professionals, such as counselors, for assistance.
Despite the worst encounter, you will get an unconditional deadline extension and pardon for submitting an assignment.
16. You were called in for an extra shift
You can convince your teacher to more time or accept an already late assignment by explaining that you were called in for an extra shift at work. You could be covering for a colleague who could not make it to their shift due to unavoidable issues.
When your teacher learns about this, they will pardon you because you have shown employability skills - going the extra mile for an organization.
This works well for student nurses who combine work and already intensive studies, and it can also work for any student pursuing any course.
Tell your teacher you could not afford to miss that extra shift to earn extra money to support yourself. Make it clear that you are not seeking sympathy but are being realistic given uncertain economic times.
17. You were out of town for the weekend
This extension excuse has to be very genuine. If you went out of town, you can tell your professor that you had anticipated doing the assignment but found out that network coverage was poor, or you forgot your laptop in your apartment and could not access the instructions remotely. Any teacher who senses genuineness in your request will grant you your wishes unconditionally.
18. You were volunteering
Teachers make a lot of observations apart from teaching. When assigned a paper but a volunteering opportunity comes up, and you grab it, it shows how caring you are to other people. You can claim that you needed the experience to build up your CV or to assist those in need within your community. Asking for more time or a late submission with proof that you volunteered can earn you a lot of respect from your teacher.
19. I forgot the upcoming deadline
If you are truthful in saying that you forgot about a deadline, explain why you might buy more time and complete the paper or accept the already late paper unconditionally.
Be frank and straight up with the teacher and tell them that you had other stuff in your life and did not notice that the deadline was fast approaching.
20. Your computer acted up
Technology came as a savior of humankind on many fronts, but it can also be a source of our frustrations.
Saying your computer broke down will probably sound like a lie in a world where you can borrow from a friend or access computers everywhere.
If you want to win with this excuse, provide evidence and show why you could not borrow a computer (privacy, fear of the unknown, or nobody to borrow one from). You can give evidence that you have been to a repair shop, visited the library to use the computers but were chased out during closing hours, or provide photo evidence of the broken computer.
21. A Job Interview
Scavenging on any opportunity to earn extra bucks is commendable as a student; it shows you are independent. It is primal to fend for ourselves and meet our needs. You can say that you attended a recruitment drive, and the interview coincided with the assignment deadline. You will be excused for late submission or given more time to complete your essay or research paper.
22. Writer's Block
You can only demonstrate that your excuse is genuine if you are honest. You can tell your teacher that despite trying everything to avoid being late, your knack for creativity didn't click in on time, and you need extra time to put your house in order and complete the assignment. With so much running in our minds in the fast-paced world, you can research and read well but fail to sit down and write the perfect paper. When this occurs, ask for an extension or let your professor know why you are submitting a paper later than the deadline.
23. You hand a Birthday Party
Celebrating yourself is a form of self-care. If you had a birthday and needed time to be with your friends and family or were surprised by friends and could not turn it down, you have to tell your teacher. They will be human enough to allow you more time or accept your late assignment unconditionally unless they are narcissistic.
If you are a TikTok fan, you can check some of the homework excuse reels to get your ribs cracked.
Tips to Avoid Punitive Measures when running late with Assignments
If you notice that you will be late with an assignment (violate a deadline), you should write a late submission request letter. Otherwise, there are dire consequences. Failing to notify your teacher or professor could lead to deduction of the entire grade (an F grade), a partial deduction of a percentage of the whole grade (usually 5-10% depending on the institution), retaking or repeating the entire course(unit), or other measures that are not friendly either. To avoid such, here are some tips:
- Email your teacher, instructor, or professor to let them know you need an extension or will submit an assignment late.
- Accept the responsibility of submitting the assignment late but ask for a fair chance of hearing your excuse for not meeting the deadline.
- Assure your professor or instructor that it will never happen again.
- Call your teacher or professor and convince them to grant you more time or accept the late paper. You can let your parent or guardian do the same so that the professor sees the genuineness of your request.
- Talk to your teacher or professor early enough so they don't misjudge your request if you are late.
- Avoid being late always. Only submit a late paper if you must. Otherwise, using an assignment help website such as ours will save you from being labeled as the ever-late student and facing the consequences, which can be dire.
What next! Write that Email to Professor
There is a trail of reasons you can ask for acceptance of a late assignment. You should not be worried or stressed, yet there is an easy way out of missing deadlines.
Many high school, college, and university, even graduate students, have good excuses for not meeting submission deadlines.
When expressing your concerns, you can do so through an apology letter, email, text message, or message on Blackboard or Canvas (student course portal). Here is a format you can use to frame your email or messages.
Here is a sample email template that can help you know how to ask a professor or teacher to accept a late assignment.
Dear Sir/Madam, I sincerely apologize for violating the submission deadline for this assignment. Even though I tried my best to deliver on the due date (enter the due date and time), I could not do so because [ enter your reason/ excuse for lateness and expand on it a few sentences ] I sincerely apologize for this and ask for your pardon (or extension). {I assure you that I will submit the paper within [ amount of time you want ].} use this if asking for an extension. I am severely sorry for the inconvenience this situation might have caused you given your busy schedule, and I promise that this will never happen again. I look forward to your positive response and consideration. Sincerely yours, Your Name
Parting Shot!
Late submission costs 5% of the total marks allotted for your assignment, essay, or paper in most colleges and universities. Some professors are rigorous that each extra day attracts a deduction, and after a while, they might equally fail to accept your assignment and give you an F.
If you are running short of time and need an extension, use the above excuses to convince your teacher to give you more time. These excuses are also a perfect currency for submitting an assignment late, and you can incorporate them into your late submission apology email and win the heart of your teacher/instructor for unconditional acceptance and grading of the late paper.
We strongly advise that you avoid late submissions, and our services allow you to order assignment help and complete them within your deadline. You set the deadlines before the actual deadline, and we believe it is a potent weapon many students and probably your classmates are using to meet deadlines. Please place an order today and get instant assistance from our experts, who are online 24/7.
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