contorted logic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contorted logic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe reasoning that is twisted, convoluted, or illogical, often in a critical context. Example: "The politician's argument was filled with contorted logic that left the audience confused and unconvinced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But, using some nicely contorted logic, Mr Walsh also managed to shift some of the blame onto BAA, the airport's owner, for not completing the terminal on time.

The Economist

Former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg accuses Livingstone of "contorted" logic by citing Hitler.

The Guardian

The chancellor's contorted logic pervades his approach to energy and the environment.

The Guardian

That has led to some contorted logic: usually, reformers counter appeals to xenophobia by appealing to heritage.

The New Yorker

Money-driven politics brought us "Corporations are people" — contorted logic upheld by a narrow majority on the Supreme Court.

The New Yorker

His target is a particular mind-set that dominates public debate: the puff-chested vanities, poisonous bigotry and contorted logic of certain politicians, generals and journalists.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

As congress prepares to debate the merits of stem-cell research in the coming months, we will undoubtedly hear rosy visions of the future of medicine with stem cells (as well as the contorted political logic that suggests that research on human embryos and cross-species nuclear-transfer experiments are permissible in the private sector, but morally indefensible in the public sector).

The New York Times - Magazine

So let's dispense with tortured logic and contorted arguments.

Huffington Post

So when we discover that life exists or existed elsewhere in our solar system or on a planet orbiting another star in the Milky Way, or in a planetary system in another galaxy, we will see a huge effort to square that circle with amazing twists of logic and contorted justifications.

Huffington Post

And yet there's still what they call a row on about whether certain people — BBC presenters, mainly — were putting on the poppies too early, which, in some contorted-logic way, was alleged to be disrespectful to veterans.

The New Yorker

At his Harvard graduation, he delivered a speech on "The New Art," in which he spoke enthusiastically of Marcel Duchamp's "Nude Descending a Staircase," Gertrude Stein's poetry ("Her art is the logic of literary sound painting carried to its extreme"), and Arnold Schoenberg's music, with its "bristling forests contorted by irresistible winds".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contorted logic" when you want to critically describe reasoning that is not only incorrect but also strangely or unnaturally twisted. This phrase suggests a deliberate manipulation or distortion of logic, not just a simple mistake.

Common error

Avoid using "contorted logic" in neutral or positive contexts. It carries a negative connotation and implies that the reasoning is intentionally misleading or deeply flawed. Opt for more neutral terms like "complex reasoning" or "unconventional approach" if you don't want to criticize the logic itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contorted logic" functions as a noun phrase, where 'contorted' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'logic'. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase in English, often employed to critically assess reasoning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "contorted logic" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, primarily employed to critique reasoning perceived as twisted, flawed, or intentionally misleading. According to Ludwig AI, it is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, where it serves to express skepticism or disapproval. When employing this phrase, writers should be mindful of its negative connotation and ensure its appropriateness for the intended context. Alternatives like "twisted reasoning" or "flawed logic" may be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illogical reasoning

Directly states that the reasoning is not logical.

twisted reasoning

Focuses on the distorted nature of the reasoning process.

flawed logic

Highlights the presence of errors or weaknesses in the logical structure.

convoluted reasoning

Emphasizes the complex and difficult-to-follow nature of the argument.

tortured logic

Implies that the logic has been unnaturally forced or strained.

strained logic

Implies that the logic is forced and unnatural.

specious reasoning

Suggests that the reasoning appears correct but is actually false or misleading.

fallacious reasoning

Highlights the presence of logical fallacies in the argument.

deceptive logic

Focuses on the intention to mislead through the use of logic.

unsound logic

Indicates that the logic is not based on solid foundations.

FAQs

How can I use "contorted logic" in a sentence?

You can use "contorted logic" to describe arguments or reasoning that is twisted, convoluted, and often intentionally misleading. For example: "The politician's defense relied on "contorted logic" to deflect blame".

What's the difference between "flawed logic" and "contorted logic"?

Flawed logic simply means there's a mistake in the reasoning. "Contorted logic" suggests that the reasoning is twisted or distorted, often implying a deliberate attempt to mislead.

What are some synonyms for "contorted logic"?

Some synonyms for "contorted logic" include "twisted reasoning", "flawed logic", and "convoluted reasoning".

Is "contorted logic" a formal or informal expression?

"Contorted logic" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in analytical or critical writing, such as news articles or academic papers.