lapses in logic

USAGE SUMMARY

"lapses in logic" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to mistakes or errors in reasoning or logic. You can use this phrase in an essay, article, or any other piece of writing where you want to discuss or point out flaws in someone's argument or thought process. Example: The politician's speech was filled with lapses in logic, making it difficult for the audience to trust his proposed policies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

More problematic are the lapses in logic.

The New York Times

There are also lapses in logic.

The New York Times

When there are lapses in logic in what people think would be reasonable explanations, suspicion spreads.

The New York Times

For years my mother had been plagued by memory loss and lapses in logic.

The New York Times

The lapses in logic aside, it's chilling to assert that it's more ethical to starve a handicapped person if that person is blind.

The New York Times

The meandering, overstuffed scenario of "Love Sick" might not get high marks at film school, but the crowded cast of characters and the abrupt mood swings and lapses in logic suggest the emotional anarchy of adolescence.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

But something other than a lapse in logic is at work here.

The New Yorker

On the night of the president's address, Timothy Searchinger sat on his couch in Takoma Park, Md., just a few miles from the Capitol, and watched on television, struck by what seemed to him a glaring lapse in logic.

The New York Times - Magazine

Each app I tested suffered from occasional lapses in navigational logic, but they all eventually got me where I needed to go.

The New York Times - Tech

Once you've written your rough draft, you should go back and revise the essay and check for any lapses in your logic, and unproved points, or any weak arguments.

WikiHow

Despite the precautions, the production team has occasionally reshot small portions of coming episodes to repair lapses in the story's logic.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When pointing out "lapses in logic", be specific about the nature of the error and provide evidence to support your claim. Vague accusations are less effective than detailed analyses.

Common error

Avoid attributing all disagreements to "lapses in logic". Sometimes, differences arise from differing values, assumptions, or information, not necessarily flawed reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lapses in logic" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes instances where reasoning or logical thinking is flawed or breaks down. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lapses in logic" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe errors or failures in reasoning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in writing to pinpoint flaws in arguments and thought processes. Its prevalence across diverse contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific publications, indicates its versatility. While often neutral in tone, it can take on a more formal register in academic or professional settings. When employing this phrase, specificity is key, linking the "lapses in logic" to concrete examples to bolster the critique. Be mindful to avoid overgeneralization. Alternative phrasings like "logical fallacies" or "faulty reasoning" can provide nuanced expressions, as required by the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsound logic

Directly states that the logic being used is not valid or reliable.

faulty reasoning

Indicates that the reasoning process is defective or flawed.

defective reasoning

Similar to faulty reasoning but emphasizes the defective nature of the reasoning itself.

flaws in reasoning

Substitutes "logic" with the broader term "reasoning" and "lapses" with "flaws", indicating imperfections in thinking.

incoherent arguments

Focuses on the lack of clarity and order in a presented argument.

fallacious thinking

Similar to "logical fallacies", but referring to the process of thinking itself.

logical fallacies

Replaces the general idea of errors with a more specific term for identifiable flaws in reasoning.

illogical leaps

Highlights jumps in thought that do not follow a coherent path of reasoning.

reasoning gaps

Emphasizes the absence of sound reasoning, rather than active errors.

cognitive errors

Shifts the focus to mental processes, suggesting mistakes originating from cognitive functions.

FAQs

How can I identify "lapses in logic" in an argument?

Look for inconsistencies, unsupported claims, or conclusions that don't follow from the premises. Understanding common "logical fallacies" can also help.

What's the difference between "lapses in logic" and a misunderstanding?

"Lapses in logic" imply a flaw in reasoning, while a misunderstanding suggests a failure to comprehend information correctly. Someone might misunderstand the facts, but "lapses in logic" mean they are drawing invalid conclusions from those facts, even if they are accurate. Also keep in mind that "cognitive errors" may cause this as well.

How can I avoid "lapses in logic" in my own writing?

Carefully review your arguments, ensuring that each step follows logically from the previous one. Ask someone else to read your work and point out any areas where the reasoning is unclear or flawed. Also, avoid "incoherent arguments".

What are some alternatives to saying "lapses in logic"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "flaws in reasoning", "faulty reasoning", or "unsound logic". The best choice depends on the specific nature of the error.