invalid argument

USAGE SUMMARY

"invalid argument" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an argument that does not hold up to logical scrutiny. For example, "Bob argued that two wrongs make a right, but that is an invalid argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

An invalid argument.

The Guardian

But that's a very invalid argument".

The New York Times - Sports

Let's get more specific.The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 is a favorite boogeyman for some, despite the numbers that so easily disprove it as a cause.It is a statistical invalid argument, as the data show.

The Washington Post

If a system call is passed an invalid argument, acceptable options include returning an error value (for those calls that return a value), returning an undefined value, or terminating the process.

Stanford University

This point renders McDowell's version, as it stands, an invalid argument.

SEP

For this reason most of the old textbooks had a long section on 'fallacies' — ways in which an invalid argument may seem to be valid.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

An opposite error arises in the case of invalid arguments.

Yale University

Invalid arguments with plausible conclusions are judged to be valid.

Yale University

Formal fallacies are deductively invalid arguments that typically commit an easily recognizable logical error.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Deliberations in Basel about banking reform were being derailed by invalid arguments.

Stanford University

For months, Admati and Hellwig write, they had been "exposing the invalid arguments that were being given against reform.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When critiquing an argument, specify why it's an "invalid argument" by pointing out the specific logical fallacy or flaw in reasoning.

Common error

Avoid labeling an argument as an "invalid argument" simply because you disagree with the conclusion. Ensure your assessment is based on logical flaws rather than personal beliefs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "invalid argument" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a statement or series of statements where the conclusion does not logically follow from the premises. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

Science

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "invalid argument" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe flawed reasoning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across various contexts, including academia, science, and news. Identifying an "invalid argument" involves recognizing logical fallacies and assessing whether a conclusion logically follows from its premises. While the phrase itself is neutral, its use often implies a critique of the reasoning being discussed. To enhance your writing, specify the nature of the invalidity when using the phrase, and avoid conflating disagreement with logical invalidity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flawed reasoning

Focuses on the defect in the reasoning process itself.

unsound logic

Emphasizes the lack of soundness in the logical basis.

fallacious reasoning

Highlights the presence of fallacies in the argument.

specious argument

Suggests the argument appears correct but is actually false.

untenable argument

Indicates the argument cannot be defended or maintained.

weak argument

Describes the argument as lacking strength or persuasiveness.

faulty logic

Points to errors or defects in the logical structure.

erroneous reasoning

Focuses on the mistaken or incorrect nature of the reasoning.

baseless claim

Emphasizes the lack of factual support for the argument's premise.

groundless assertion

Highlights the absence of a solid foundation for the claim.

FAQs

What makes an argument an "invalid argument"?

An "invalid argument" is one where the conclusion does not logically follow from the premises, even if the premises are true. This means there's a flaw in the reasoning process.

How can I identify an "invalid argument"?

Look for common logical fallacies like ad hominem, straw man, or false dilemma. Also, check if the conclusion is supported by the evidence presented.

What can I say instead of "invalid argument"?

You can use alternatives like "flawed reasoning", "unsound logic", or "fallacious reasoning" depending on the specific context.

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

An "invalid argument" is about the structure of reasoning, while a false statement is about the truth of a particular claim. An argument can be invalid even if all the statements within it are true.