a fallacy about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fallacy about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a misconception or erroneous belief regarding a specific topic or argument. Example: "The article presents a fallacy about the effectiveness of the new policy, suggesting it will solve all economic issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"That's absolutely a fallacy about blogs," counters Ergatoudis.

The Guardian - Music

It's a fallacy about horror.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But this just means that theorists who reject the Phenomenal Principle are not disagreeing about whether the Phenomenal Principle involves a fallacy or about some semantic issue, but rather about the nature of experience itself.

SEP

Part of the problem here has to do with a common fallacy about history.

The Guardian - Opinion

A popular fallacy about war finance is that government borrowing transfers the war costs to future generations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A misleading fallacy about Holyrood's new income tax powers has taken hold in the debate about raising or cutting Scotland's rates.

The Guardian

The home secretary also repeated a common fallacy about those seeking asylum in Europe: it is true that many of those who make it to Greece and points north are young and fit, but that does not mean they are not also fleeing the civil war in Syria.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's a fallacy.

The Guardian

"It's a fallacy.

The Guardian - Arts

This is a fallacy.

The New York Times

That was a fallacy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing a "a fallacy about", clearly state the fallacy and then provide evidence or reasoning to refute it. This approach strengthens your argument and clarifies the correct understanding.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone believes the "a fallacy about" you are addressing. Qualify your statements to acknowledge that it may only be a prevalent misconception or a viewpoint held by a specific group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fallacy about" functions as a qualifier introducing a statement that identifies and often aims to debunk a misleading or incorrect belief. It sets the stage for discussing a flawed idea related to a specific subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct and serves to highlight errors in thinking.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fallacy about" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for identifying and addressing misconceptions or flawed reasoning concerning a particular subject. According to Ludwig, it's considered correct English. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias sources. To use it effectively, clearly state the fallacy and provide evidence to refute it, while avoiding overgeneralizations about who believes it. Alternatives like "a misconception regarding" offer similar nuances. When questioning the use of a fallacy about, the goal is typically to foster accuracy in understanding, not simply to criticize. The examples provide by Ludwig show its versatility and correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a misconception regarding

Focuses on the incorrect understanding of something, rather than the flawed reasoning behind it.

an error in reasoning concerning

Highlights the flawed logic involved in reaching a conclusion.

a mistaken belief pertaining to

Emphasizes the incorrectness of the belief itself.

a flawed assumption regarding

Points out the faulty basis upon which an idea is built.

a distorted perception concerning

Suggests that understanding is twisted or inaccurate.

an unfounded notion relating to

Highlights the lack of evidence supporting a particular idea.

a deceptive myth surrounding

Implies that the fallacy is intentionally misleading.

a widespread misunderstanding concerning

Focuses on the breadth of the incorrect belief rather than its nature.

a common delusion regarding

Highlights that the fallacy is a delusion.

a popular untruth concerning

Emphasizes that the fallacy is not true.

FAQs

How can I use "a fallacy about" in a sentence?

Use "a fallacy about" to introduce an incorrect or misleading belief related to a particular topic. For example: "The greatest "fallacy about" Busby is that his public behaviour has swollen around a soft centre of gentleness."

What is the difference between "a fallacy about" and "a misconception about"?

"A fallacy about" refers to a flaw in reasoning or a deceptive argument regarding something, while "a misconception about" refers to an incorrect understanding or interpretation of something. While both relate to incorrectness, "fallacy" emphasizes the flawed logic, and "misconception" emphasizes the misunderstanding.

What are some alternatives to "a fallacy about"?

Alternatives include "a misconception regarding", "an error in reasoning concerning", or "a mistaken belief pertaining to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to identify "a fallacy about" something?

Identifying "a fallacy about" something is usually done to correct misinformation or flawed reasoning. While the act of pointing out an error can be perceived negatively, the intention is generally to promote a more accurate understanding.