defying all logic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defying all logic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that seems irrational or goes against common sense. Example: "His decision to invest in that failing company was truly defying all logic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But at the end of the game, defying all logic, there is a big fat zero beneath the run column of his pitching line.

The New York Times - Sports

iPlayer Defying all logic, Trump's presidential campaign motors on, with the berkish billionaire favourite to win this week's Iowa Republican caucuses.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Instead, he will stay where he is, defying all logic as he remains impossibly hard to hit season after season even as the years and his innings pitched continue to mount.

The New York Times - Sports

The Argentine won a race for possession with Reina outside the area before defying all logic to find the net from what looked an impossible position.

BBC

"Good to have Google on record as defying all logic and reason: Facts aren't allowed if they come from RT, 'because Russia' — even if we have Google on Congressional record saying they've found no manipulation of their platform or policy violations by RT," Sputnik and RT Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan said.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This defies all logic.

Harvard University

That defies all logic".

The New York Times

Your position on this issue defies all logic and reason.

The New York Times

This game now defies all logic and reason.

The Guardian - Sport

Frankly, it defies all logic and is manifestly unfair.

The Guardian

With nearly flawless skin, she defies all logic by looking younger than she does in photographs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defying all logic", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the situation is illogical. Provide enough information for the reader to understand the contradiction.

Common error

Avoid using "defying all logic" in contexts where a simple explanation would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound overly dramatic or hyperbolic. Reserve it for situations that genuinely challenge logical understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defying all logic" functions as a descriptive modifier, often used to emphasize the irrationality or unexpected nature of a subject. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and serves to highlight a contradiction of what's reasonably expected.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defying all logic" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to underscore the irrational or unexpected nature of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian illustrate its application across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While not overly common, its use is appropriate when emphasizing a situation that contradicts reason or common sense. Remember to avoid overuse and consider similar phrases like "contrary to reason" or "defying common sense" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defying common sense

This alternative replaces "all logic" with the more colloquial "common sense".

in defiance of logic

This alternative puts "defiance" as the main point, highlighting the act of opposing logic.

contrary to reason

This alternative uses a more formal and direct expression of opposition to logical thought.

against all reason

Similar to "contrary to reason", this phrase emphasizes the lack of logical basis.

making no sense

This alternative is a simpler and more direct way of saying that something is illogical.

baffling all sense

This alternative highlights the confusing and perplexing nature of the situation.

running counter to reason

This phrase suggests that something is going against what would be expected logically.

flying in the face of reason

This phrase uses a more figurative expression, suggesting a bold contradiction of logic.

illogical behavior

This alternative is a noun phrase describing the behavior as illogical, suitable in contexts where the focus is on the behavior itself.

unfathomable

Highlights the difficulty in understanding something rather than directly stating its lack of logic.

FAQs

How can I use "defying all logic" in a sentence?

You can use "defying all logic" to describe a situation, action, or decision that goes against what is considered reasonable or expected. For example: "His decision to quit his job and travel the world, with no savings, was truly "defying all logic"".

What are some alternatives to "defying all logic"?

Some alternatives include "contrary to reason", "against all reason", or "defying common sense". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "defying all logic" or "defying common sense"?

Both are correct, but "defying all logic" suggests a more fundamental contradiction of logical principles, while "defying common sense" implies a contradiction of practical wisdom or widely held beliefs. Choose the phrase that best fits the context.

What does it mean when something is described as "defying all logic"?

When something is described as "defying all logic", it means that it is completely irrational, unexpected, and goes against what one would normally expect to happen. It often implies a sense of bewilderment or disbelief.