it was illogical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was illogical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation, argument, or reasoning that does not make sense or lacks coherence. Example: "After reviewing the proposal, I concluded that it was illogical to proceed without further research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"The DPRK is not interested at all in the dialogue to discuss the issue of making it freeze or dismantle its nukes unilaterally first," he said, adding that it was "illogical" to compare the two countries because only North Korea was under constant U.S. military threat.

The Washington Post

There are those who say it was illogical for Coleman to have signed with the Mets.

The New York Times - Sports

The explanation was as political as it was illogical: all crimes occur in the past.

The Guardian - Opinion

This decision was as surprising to most members of a church in which a third of the clergy are women as it was illogical to everyone else.

The Economist

Senator William L. Armstrong, a Colorado Republican, said it was "illogical and somewhat unjust" to change the rules on taxpayers who had made investments in good faith.

The New York Times

Indeed, some nanotechnology researchers said it was illogical to assume that a nano-size component inherently carries greater risk than a larger component.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It's illogical, completely beyond quantification.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"They just think it's illogical.

The Guardian - Books

And it is illogical from a tax perspective.

The New York Times

It's illogical for our partners to stand against this.

The Guardian

As a first reaction, we think it's illogical and we are highly sceptical about it".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was illogical", ensure that the context clearly establishes what specific aspect or reasoning is being deemed illogical. Be precise to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was illogical" when describing purely subjective preferences or opinions. Logic applies to reasoning and facts, not tastes. Instead, use phrases like "it didn't appeal to me" or "it wasn't to my taste".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was illogical" functions as a judgmental statement, asserting that a specific action, idea, or situation lacks a rational basis or sound reasoning. The provided examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage across various contexts to express disagreement or criticism.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was illogical" serves as a versatile phrase used to express a lack of reason or sense in various scenarios. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, predominantly in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what aspect is considered illogical. Alternative expressions like "it defied logic" or "it made no sense" can offer nuanced ways to convey a similar sentiment. Avoid using "it was illogical" in situations relating solely to personal preferences, as logic does not apply to subjective taste. This ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it defied logic

Emphasizes the contradiction of the situation with logical reasoning.

it lacked reason

Highlights the absence of a rational basis for something.

it made no sense

Indicates a lack of comprehensibility or coherence.

it was irrational

Focuses on the absence of rational thought or behavior.

it was unreasonable

Suggests the action or decision was not fair or sensible.

it was absurd

Highlights the ridiculous or nonsensical nature of something.

it was preposterous

Emphasizes the outrageous or unbelievable quality.

it was senseless

Implies a lack of purpose or meaning.

it was inconsistent

Highlights that something does not agree with previously held beliefs, statements, or actions.

it did not follow

Indicates that a conclusion or action does not logically arise from what preceded it.

FAQs

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

Use "it was illogical" to describe a situation, decision, or argument that lacks a sound rational basis. For example, "It was illogical to invest all our savings in such a risky venture."

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

You can use alternatives such as "it defied logic", "it made no sense", or "it was irrational" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it was illogical" or "it is illogical"?

The choice between "it was illogical" and "it is illogical" depends on the timeframe you're referring to. Use "it was illogical" for past events or decisions, and "it is illogical" for present or ongoing situations.

What's the difference between "it was illogical" and "it was unreasonable"?

"It was illogical" suggests a flaw in reasoning or a lack of logical connection, while "it was unreasonable" implies that something wasn't fair, appropriate, or sensible in the given circumstances.