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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
doesn't seem logical
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
doesn't appeal to me
doesn't make sense
is not logical
doesn't add up
is not reasonable
defies logic
something is fishy
something is amiss
is inconsistent
lacks coherence
it seems improbable
makes no logical sense
is illogical
is nonsensical
makes no sense
is completely illogical
is irrational
is fundamentally flawed
is without basis
defies all reason
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
12 human-written examples
It just doesn't seem logical".
News & Media
"It just doesn't seem logical to me".
News & Media
"It doesn't seem logical, but that's the observation".
News & Media
It doesn't seem logical to call those kids proficient".
News & Media
"It doesn't seem logical that this could happen.
News & Media
"That doesn't seem logical to me," he told me.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
47 human-written examples
Now, said Mr. Cisneros, it does not seem logical to go back to Mexico.
News & Media
"It does not seem logical to say that data held by a European company is adequately protected while it is inside the borders of the European Union, but not when it is transferred to a different part of that same company in Asia or South America, even if safeguards are put in place," Ms. Reding said.
News & Media
It does not seem logical to criticize a sample as nonrepresentative when it is the entire database.
Figure 1B: The lack of the 4 hr column in chitosan 4h post-induction does not seem logical to me.
Science
But this relationship does not seem logical considering the close relationship identified between Bison and Yak for dS and dI distances.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
This phrase is highly effective in professional debates or argumentative essays to highlight discrepancies in data or conclusions without attacking the person behind them.
Common error
Avoid using "doesn't seem logical" when you simply disagree with a choice or find it unappealing. Reserve it for instances where there is a genuine breakdown in cause-and-effect or evidence-based reasoning. For personal dislikes, use "doesn't appeal to me" instead.
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "doesn't seem logical" functions as a negative assertion using a linking verb to attribute a quality to a subject. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used as a predicate adjective phrase to evaluate statements, behaviors, or data sets.
Frequent in
News & Media
55%
Science
25%
Formal & Business
15%
Less common in
Wiki
3%
Encyclopedias
1%
Social Media
1%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "doesn't seem logical" is a versatile and correct English phrase used to highlight inconsistencies in reasoning. Ludwig data shows it is favored in high-quality journalism and scientific discourse because it provides a measured way to challenge conclusions. Whether you are questioning market trends in The New York Times or discussing scientific data in PubMed, this phrase serves as a reliable tool for analytical skepticism. It is less aggressive than calling something 'wrong' or 'stupid', making it ideal for maintaining a professional tone while pointing out flaws.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
doesn't make sense
Uses more colloquial phrasing to describe a lack of coherence
seems counterintuitive
Suggests that the subject goes against common sense or expected results
doesn't add up
An idiomatic expression often used when facts do not support a conclusion
lacks a rational basis
A more formal and clinical way to describe a missing logical foundation
appears inconsistent
Focuses on the discrepancy between different parts of an argument
is not reasonable
Shifts the focus from formal logic to fairness or common judgment
defies logic
A stronger, more emphatic way to state that something is completely illogical
seems irrational
Stronger connotation of a total lack of reason or sanity
is logically flawed
A direct technical critique of the reasoning process
doesn't follow
A shorthand for 'non sequitur', suggesting a breakdown in the chain of reasoning
FAQs
How to use "doesn't seem logical" in a sentence?
You can use it to question an outcome or a rule. For example: "The decision to cut the budget while increasing workload "doesn't seem logical" to the staff."
What can I say instead of "doesn't seem logical"?
Depending on the tone you want, you can use phrases like "doesn't make sense" for casual contexts or "seems irrational" for a stronger critique.
Is "doesn't seem logical" formal enough for academic writing?
Yes, it is widely used in academic and scientific journals to discuss data that contradicts hypotheses. However, for a more technical tone, you might prefer "is logically inconsistent".
What is the difference between "doesn't seem logical" and "isn't logical"?
The phrase "doesn't seem logical" is more subjective and tentative, suggesting an observation or an opinion. In contrast, "is not logical" is a definitive statement of fact regarding a fallacy.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested