illogical demand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "illogical demand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a request or requirement that lacks reason or sense. Example: "The manager's insistence on completing the project in one day was an illogical demand that left the team feeling overwhelmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

So voters want devolution, provided they are always the ones who win from the process - an unreasonable, but not illogical, demand.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The government's position is clear and it has been expressed categorically... Our aim is to not yield to illogical demands by the International Monetary Fund, which insists on legislating precautionary (austerity) measures after the programme ends," he said.

The Guardian

While both sides acknowledge that the lawsuit is unique in naming the union, some experts, like Jerome H. Skolnick, of New York University Law School, said it was not illogical to demand reform in the suit.

The New York Times

"However, demands outside any legal framework or illogical and outdated demands will not be useful.

BBC

Issuing bonds to satisfy shareholder demands was an intuitively illogical, but ultimately financially rational, solution.

Huffington Post

The Fish and Wildlife Service's "determination is arbitrary and capricious because it is both illogical and inconsistent with the cautious approach demanded by the E.S.A.," the judge wrote.

The New York Times - Science

The economic crisis has destroyed millions of jobs in rich countries, making their governments especially touchy about the impact of immigration on the demand for indigenous labour.Such concerns are illogical, because immigration is counter-cyclical.

The Economist

To demand without proposing something is a little illogical," she said.

The Guardian

It seems illogical, not to mention a bit petty, of the Spanish to demand the return of Gibraltar while they cling to their toeholds on the Moroccan side.

The New York Times

Sometimes supply and demand get out of balance and the price seems illogical.

Forbes

Referring to the "legitimate demands of the population", he said that the "repression of peaceful protests and illogical actions only aggravate the crisis and deepen wounds".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "illogical demand", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the lack of reason or rationale behind the request to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "illogical demand" simply to express disagreement. The demand must genuinely lack a logical basis, not just be something you personally oppose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "illogical demand" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "illogical" modifies the noun "demand". According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct. It characterizes a specific type of request, claim or requirement that defies reason or sound judgment.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "illogical demand" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a request or requirement lacking reason or sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable in written English. While its frequency is rare, its presence in reputable news sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, along with academic contexts, indicates its suitability for expressing criticism of unreasonable requests. Related phrases include "unreasonable request" and "irrational expectation", offering alternative ways to convey the same sentiment. The key is to ensure the context supports the assertion of illogicality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unreasonable request

This alternative emphasizes the lack of fairness or justification in the request.

irrational expectation

This phrase highlights the lack of logical basis for the anticipated outcome.

groundless requirement

This option suggests that the requirement is without a solid foundation or reason.

absurd stipulation

This alternative conveys a sense of ridiculousness associated with the condition or term.

nonsensical imposition

This phrase emphasizes the lack of sense and the burden associated with the demand.

invalid claim

This option focuses on the lack of legitimacy in the demand.

unjustified insistence

This alternative highlights the lack of valid reasons supporting the demand.

ludicrous expectation

This phrase suggests that the expectation is laughably unreasonable.

pointless request

This alternative underscores the futility or lack of purpose behind the request.

unfounded assertion

This option conveys that the demand is based on weak or nonexistent evidence.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "illogical demand" in a sentence?

To effectively use "illogical demand", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the absence of logical reasoning behind the request. For example, "The manager's insistence on completing the project in one day was an illogical demand that left the team feeling overwhelmed."

What are some alternatives to "illogical demand"?

You can use alternatives such as "unreasonable request", "irrational expectation", or "groundless requirement" depending on the context.

What makes a demand "illogical"?

A demand is considered "illogical" when it lacks a clear, rational basis or justification. It may contradict established facts, common sense, or the specific circumstances.

Is "illogical demand" a formal or informal expression?

"Illogical demand" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's crucial to ensure the tone and level of formality align with the communication's overall style.