defies logic

USAGE SUMMARY

"defies logic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that doesn't make sense, or that is irrational. For example, "Her decision to buy a new car despite having no money defies logic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It defies logic.

Forbes

This defies logic.

The New York Times - Arts

"But Michael defies logic.

The New York Times - Magazine

That defies logic.

The New York Times - Magazine

Something that defies logic.

The Guardian - Sport

Dubai defies logic.

The Guardian

Thomond Park defies logic.

The Guardian - Sport

It also defies logic.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the phrase defies logic.

The Washington Post

But this claim defies logic.

The Washington Post

It sort of defies logic".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "defies logic" to highlight situations where expected patterns or rational explanations are absent, creating emphasis and inviting further scrutiny of the inconsistency.

Common error

Avoid using "defies logic" to describe personal preferences or subjective opinions. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios where objective reasoning is clearly contradicted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defies logic" functions as a commentary or assessment, typically following a statement or observation to express that it's inconsistent with reason or common sense. Ludwig provides examples that confirm its role in highlighting illogical situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defies logic" is a versatile expression used to indicate that something contradicts reason or common sense. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, especially in news and academic writing. While it's a powerful way to highlight irrationality, it should be reserved for situations where objective reasoning is clearly contradicted, not for subjective opinions. Alternative phrases like "contradicts reason" or "makes no sense" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Defies logic" remains a potent tool for emphasizing the illogical aspects of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contradicts reason

Focuses on the opposition to logical thought rather than the inability to be understood by it.

makes no sense

A more straightforward and common way of saying something lacks a logical explanation.

is illogical

Highlights the absence of logical reasoning.

is irrational

Emphasizes the lack of rational thought or behavior.

lacks coherence

Suggests a lack of clear and orderly relationship in the parts of something.

is nonsensical

Implies that something is absurd and without meaning.

flies in the face of reason

A more emphatic way of stating that something contradicts what is considered reasonable.

is counterintuitive

Describes something that goes against what one would expect or naturally assume.

boggles the mind

Focuses on the bewildering or astonishing aspect of something difficult to understand.

is beyond comprehension

Implies that something is impossible to understand.

FAQs

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

You can use "defies logic" to describe situations or actions that don't make sense or contradict reason. For example, "His decision to quit his job without a backup plan defies logic".

What phrases are similar to "defies logic"?

Alternatives to "defies logic" include "contradicts reason", "makes no sense", or "is illogical".

When is it appropriate to use "defies logic"?

"Defies logic" is appropriate when describing events, decisions, or statements that are inconsistent with reason or common sense. It's strongest when applied to objective scenarios rather than subjective preferences.

What's the difference between "defies logic" and "lacks logic"?

"Defies logic" implies a contradiction or active opposition to logical reasoning, while "lacks logic" simply indicates an absence of logical reasoning. "Defies logic" is a stronger statement than "lacks logic".