fallacious argument

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fallacious argument" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an argument that is based on incorrect reasoning or false facts. For example: "The defense counsel made a fallacious argument in an attempt to discredit the witness's testimony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

This is a fallacious argument.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is a convincing soundbite but a fallacious argument.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite the frequency with which this is repeated - from newspaper columns to saloon bar arguments - it is a fallacious argument.

The Guardian

As in Maine, opponents of marriage equality are trying to make the fallacious argument that marriage equality would somehow harm heterosexual couples.

The New York Times

CORRECTION: This fallacious argument is based on the idea that evolution and religion are fundamentally the same since they are both "belief systems". This idea is simply incorrect.

University of California, Berkeley

This condition is troublesome as it is based on the fallacious argument that the US receives a continuous stream of unauthorized Mexican migrants.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

So the conventional wisdom about how we have to fear a Chinese bond-buying strike just doesn't make sense — and in fact it falls down in exactly the same way as fallacious arguments about the harm done by fiscal deficits in a depressed economy; basically, Erskine Bowles is making the same error as whatshisname.

The New York Times

Within minutes of Sherman's remarks, the crypto community erupted in consternation, trotting out the tired, fallacious arguments I've pointed out before.

Forbes

Recognize fallacies and determine if the fallacious arguments are relevant for the science content.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Fallacious arguments persist that drilled solids are beneficial.

Drilling Fluids Processing Handbook

Logically fallacious arguments can be rather sophisticated and persuasive.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing a "fallacious argument", clearly identify the specific flaw in its reasoning or the false premise it relies on to effectively counter it.

Common error

Avoid dismissing an entire viewpoint just because one "fallacious argument" is used in its support. Instead, address the specific fallacy while acknowledging any valid points the viewpoint may contain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fallacious argument" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies an argument characterized by flawed reasoning. Ludwig examples show its use in academic, news, and opinion contexts. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

30%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fallacious argument" is a noun phrase used to describe an argument containing flawed reasoning or false premises. It is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, including news, academia, and science. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is perfectly valid for use in written English. When encountering a "fallacious argument", it is best to clearly identify the specific flaw in the reasoning. Alternative phrases like "misleading argument" or "flawed argument" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to avoid dismissing an entire viewpoint simply because it contains a single logical fallacy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Misleading argument

Focuses on the deceptive nature of the argument.

Flawed argument

Emphasizes the presence of defects or errors in the argument's structure or reasoning.

Erroneous argument

Highlights that the argument contains mistakes or inaccuracies.

False argument

Indicates the argument is untrue or based on falsehoods.

Spurious argument

Suggests the argument is not genuine or well-founded.

Incorrect argument

States simply that the argument is not right or accurate.

Defective argument

Highlights a deficiency or imperfection in the argument.

Invalid argument

Focuses on the argument not being logically sound or well-reasoned.

Unsound argument

Implies the argument is not reliable or well-supported.

Illogical argument

Stresses the lack of logical consistency in the argument.

FAQs

How can I identify a "fallacious argument"?

Look for common logical fallacies like ad hominem, straw man, or appeal to emotion. A "fallacious argument" often lacks sound reasoning or relies on irrelevant information.

What's the difference between a "fallacious argument" and a false statement?

A false statement is simply untrue. A "fallacious argument" uses faulty reasoning, even if the individual statements within it are true. The structure of the argument is flawed.

What can I say instead of "fallacious argument"?

You can use alternatives like "misleading argument", "flawed argument", or "erroneous argument" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to call someone's argument "fallacious" in a formal debate?

Yes, but it's crucial to explain why the argument is "fallacious". Simply labeling it as such without providing a clear explanation of the logical flaw is not constructive and can be seen as an ad hominem attack.