logical

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "logical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reasonable and sensible way of thinking or when describing an act or decision that makes sense. Example sentence: After considering all of the available options, I made the logical decision to purchase the less expensive car.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He always claimed to be possessed by spirits and, to them, this makes simple, logical sense.

The Guardian

Selling an annuity is a logical extension to the new pension freedoms and carries similar risks.

The Guardian - Money

Nevertheless he regarded himself - and persuaded some admirers to regard him - as a model of logical consistency.

The Guardian

Whatever their ethical merits, both views make logical sense.

The Guardian

"The Queen Mary is the logical next race.

The Guardian - Sport

Speaking after the vote, the Very Rev David Arnott, coordinator of the Church's principal clerk's office, said: "The general assembly understood this to be a logical extension of the benefits which accrue to those in civil partnership".

The Guardian

"It is logical to assume that a merger like this could mean substantial cost savings, and cost savings could mean job losses".

The Guardian - Business

There would be a logical financial motivation for this: BBC Sport has already suffered a series of recent budget cuts and is anxious to protect existing, longer-term arrangements with the likes of Wimbledon, the Olympics and the Six Nations.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The long catalogue of failings gives you grounds for accepting that that might be a logical conclusion as much as the other one".

The Guardian

While this is logical and consistent with the position in Scotland, it was not expected.

The Guardian

In the Bachelor Universe, it might seem perfectly logical to assume that just because a woman has had sex with one man, she will immediately have sex with all other men.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the word "logical", ensure that the context provides sufficient information for the reader to understand the reasoning behind the statement or decision. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "logical" to suggest that a particular outcome was inevitable or the only possible conclusion. Overusing the word in this way can stifle discussion and ignore alternative perspectives. Use it only when there is a clear chain of reasoning that leads to the conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "logical" primarily functions to describe something that is reasonable, rational, or based on sound reasoning. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage across various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "logical" signifies adherence to reason and sound principles, making it a versatile descriptor across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI clarifies, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage underscore its importance in effective communication. Appearing most frequently in News & Media sources, "logical" denotes rationality and coherence. Related phrases like "reasonable" and "rational" offer nuanced alternatives, while being mindful of implying inevitability is key to its proper application. Emphasizing clarity in reasoning when using "logical" maintains transparency and promotes understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasonable

Indicates something that is fair and sensible, similar to being "logical" but with a greater emphasis on fairness.

rational

Implies actions or decisions based on reason and intellect, closely related to "logical" but often used in more formal contexts.

coherent

Highlights the clarity and consistency of thought or expression, similar to "logical" in its emphasis on clear structure.

consistent

Focuses on the absence of contradictions or inconsistencies, sharing the "logical" aspect of internal agreement.

sensible

Suggests practical wisdom and good judgment, akin to "logical" but often used in everyday situations.

well-reasoned

Emphasizes the quality of the reasoning process, highlighting a carefully thought-out and "logical" argument.

valid

Indicates something that is sound and well-founded, closely related to the idea of "logical" validity.

sound

Implies reliability and solid grounding, like a "logical" argument that stands up to scrutiny.

cogent

Describes an argument that is clear, logical, and convincing, similar to the impact of a "logical" presentation.

plausible

Indicates something that appears reasonable and believable, less rigorous than "logical" but still making sense.

FAQs

How can I use "logical" in a sentence?

The word "logical" is used to describe something that is reasonable or in accordance with principles of logic. For example, "It was a "logical decision" to invest in renewable energy after assessing the environmental impact."

What are some alternatives to the word "logical"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "rational", "reasonable", or "coherent" as alternatives to "logical".

Is it correct to say something is "very logical"?

Yes, using "very" to intensify "logical" is grammatically correct. However, consider using a more descriptive word such as "extremely rational" or "eminently sensible" for greater impact.

What's the difference between "logical" and "rational"?

"Logical" refers to something that follows the rules of logic and is consistent, while "rational" implies something is based on reason or sound judgment. While they are similar, "rational" often suggests a more considered thought process. For example, a "rational choice" is based on careful evaluation.