failure of logic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure of logic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where reasoning or argumentation is flawed or inconsistent. Example: "The failure of logic in his argument made it difficult to take his claims seriously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But their complaints reflected a failure of logic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thus to argue that we know what's best for consumers, independent of what they have chosen for themselves, is a failure of logic as well as the height of presumption.

The Economist

To liberals, a lot of conservative thinking seems like a failure of logic: why would a conservative be against equal rights for women and yet despise the poor, when to liberate women into the world of work would create more wealth, meaning less poverty?

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But of the many failures of logic and foresight of that investment, which I made in 2010, the one that stings the most is not realizing that so few restaurants in New York make money precisely because too many restaurants in New York have investors like me.

The New Yorker

As progressives identify failures of logic in the conservative position, so it works the other way round (one of Lakoff's examples: "How can liberals support federal funding for Aids research and treatment, while promoting the spread of Aids by sanctioning sexual behaviour that leads to Aids?").

The Guardian - Books

Your oxygen levels change, with less oxygen going to your conscious brain and more going to your reactive brain, leaving you open to mental blanking, memory failure, loss of logic, increase in emotions, narrow your attention and cause you to be edgy.

WikiHow

Ignoring the obvious self-harming failure of this logic for one moment, there is something to be said against the obvious lopsided justice meted out by our supranational legal organisations.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the neo-Hegelian tradition Marxist philosophers like Plekhanov (1937: 114) [1908] cited the paradox as evidence of the failure of "customary" logic and in favour of the 'logic of contradiction'.

SEP

Back then, she was interested less in the rhythms of everyday life than in failures of everyday logic: "Corn from Delft / Is good for elves," she wrote in one of the anthologized poems.

The New Yorker

This may be grounds for suspicion by the reader and a prod to self- improvement for the writer, but it is not a failure of consistency or logic.

BBC

Mr. Starr's failure was not one of logic or law, but of simple common sense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex arguments, pinpoint the specific "failure of logic" rather than making a general accusation. For instance, specify whether it's a straw man fallacy or an appeal to emotion.

Common error

Avoid using "failure of logic" as a blanket term for disagreement. Instead, analyze the specific flaws in reasoning to create a more persuasive critique.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure of logic" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a deficiency or breakdown in the logical reasoning process. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is often used in opinion pieces and analytical contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failure of logic" is a noun phrase used to denote a flaw or breakdown in reasoning, often employed to critique arguments across a range of domains. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and usable in English. While alternatives such as "logical fallacy" or "flawed reasoning" exist, "failure of logic" maintains a neutral to formal register suitable for educated discourse. It's recommended to pinpoint specific logical failures for impactful communication. Although Ludwig shows it’s not overwhelmingly frequent, the phrase appears in authoritative sources, solidifying its place in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

logical fallacy

A formal flaw in the structure of an argument, implying a specific type of error in reasoning.

flawed reasoning

Highlights the imperfection or defect in the reasoning process.

breakdown in reasoning

Emphasizes a cessation or disruption of coherent thought processes.

faulty logic

Directly indicates an error or defect within the logical structure itself.

irrationality

Suggests a departure from reason or logical thought, often implying emotional influence.

cognitive bias

Focuses on systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.

reasoning error

Points to a mistake or inaccuracy in the process of drawing conclusions.

fallacious argument

Specifically refers to an argument based on deception or false premises.

lack of coherence

Stresses the absence of a clear and logical connection between elements.

inconsistency in reasoning

Highlights contradictions or discrepancies within the logical framework.

FAQs

How can I identify a "failure of logic" in an argument?

Look for inconsistencies, unsupported claims, or logical fallacies such as ad hominem attacks or straw man arguments. Question assumptions and consider alternative explanations.

What are some alternatives to saying "failure of logic"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "logical fallacy", "flawed reasoning", or "faulty logic".

Is "failure of logic" a formal term used in academic writing?

While "failure of logic" is understandable, formal academic writing often favors more precise terms like "logical fallacy" or specific types of reasoning errors such as confirmation bias or appeal to authority.

What's the difference between "failure of logic" and "lack of evidence"?

"Failure of logic" refers to a flaw in the reasoning process itself, while "lack of evidence" means there is insufficient data to support a claim. An argument can be logically sound but lack evidence, or vice versa.