it is illogical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is illogical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to point out that something does not make sense or is not reasonable. Example: "The argument presented in the debate was flawed because it is illogical to assume that all people will react the same way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"At a time when we are resisting the $9.99 price of e-books," said David Young, chief executive of Hachette Book Group, the publisher of James Patterson and Stephenie Meyer, "it is illogical to give books away for free".

The New York Times - Books

The court found that "it is illogical to permit snowtubers, and the public generally, to bear the costs of risks that they have no ability or right to control".

The New York Times

It is illogical for Scotland to cut its ties with England, Wales and Northern Ireland, only then to hand that power to an undemocratic bureaucracy in Brussels as the first minister is intent on doing.

The Guardian

And it is illogical from a tax perspective.

The New York Times

It is "illogical" to remain outside, admits a senior Danish official.

The Economist

It is illogical to believe that it should necessarily "squeeze out money for schools and hospitals".

The Guardian

He later added: "It is illogical to ask Israel to take 5 million, or indeed one million".

The New York Times

Russia has supported the Syrian government's assertion, arguing that it is illogical that Syrian forces could have been responsible.

The New York Times

It is illogical, they say, to treat them the same as a highly paid, loud-mouth white radio shock jock.

The Guardian - Music

It is illogical that the United States should still have vast scientific programs for developing new nuclear weapons.

The New York Times

It is illogical to say that because Isis use Twitter, all our metadata should be collected without warrant".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is illogical", ensure that the statement following it clearly explains why the subject lacks logic. Be specific in pointing out the flaw in reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "it is illogical" as a standalone criticism without providing a clear explanation of why something is illogical. This weakens your argument and leaves room for misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is illogical" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing disagreement or criticism by highlighting a lack of reason or coherence. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently used to introduce an argument against a particular idea or action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is illogical" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something doesn't make sense or lacks a rational basis. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across diverse fields like news, science, and formal communication, highlighting its versatility in expressing disagreement or criticism. While readily understood, it's most effective when followed by a clear explanation of the specific flaw in reasoning. Alternatives like "it doesn't make sense" or "it is unreasonable" offer similar meanings, though "it is illogical" often carries a slightly more formal and assertive tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it doesn't make sense

This alternative is less formal and more direct, suitable for everyday conversation.

it is unreasonable

This alternative suggests a lack of fairness or justification, implying a flawed decision or action.

it is irrational

This alternative implies a departure from logical thought processes, often associated with emotional or psychological factors.

it is absurd

This alternative conveys a sense of extreme ridiculousness or nonsensicality.

it is preposterous

This alternative suggests that something is utterly foolish or outrageous, going beyond mere lack of logic.

it is fallacious

This alternative specifically refers to an error in reasoning or a deceptive argument.

it is inconsistent

This alternative focuses on a contradiction or lack of coherence between different elements.

it is paradoxical

This alternative describes a statement or situation that appears self-contradictory but may contain a deeper truth.

it defies reason

This alternative highlights the inability of something to be explained or understood through logic.

it is untenable

This alternative suggests that a position or argument cannot be defended or maintained due to its lack of logic or factual support.

FAQs

How can I use "it is illogical" in a sentence?

Use "it is illogical" to introduce a statement that contradicts reason or common sense. For example, "It is illogical to assume that everyone shares the same opinion on this matter."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is illogical"?

You can use alternatives such as "it doesn't make sense", "it is unreasonable", or "it is irrational" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "it is illogical" and "it is irrational"?

"It is illogical" implies a flaw in reasoning or a contradiction of established principles, while "it is irrational" suggests a departure from reason, often driven by emotions or other non-cognitive factors.

When is it appropriate to use "it is illogical" in writing?

Use "it is illogical" in formal writing or arguments where you need to clearly and directly point out a flaw in someone's reasoning or a contradiction in a situation. It's suitable when you want to maintain a neutral tone while expressing disagreement.