logical course of action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "logical course of action" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a decision or strategy that makes sense based on reasoning or evidence. Example: "Given the circumstances, the logical course of action would be to postpone the meeting until next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The logical course of action is to repeal the act.

The Guardian - Opinion

With all the of Lebanon's contradictions stacked against him, analysts say, laying low may bethe only logical course of action.

The New York Times

He never tells you what to do; he leads you to a logical course of action through a series of smart questions.

The New York Times

A more logical course of action would be to focus efforts on ensuring that Iran will abstain from crossing the nuclear weapons threshold.

The New York Times

This may sound strange, but the Golden State Warriors' most logical course of action could involve sitting their best player for the remainder of their series against the Houston Rockets.

The Guardian - Sport

For 14 years, when contrition seemed to be his only logical course of action, Rose essentially tried to lower his shoulder and take out the wall between him and the game.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Crizotinib had received FDA approval a few months earlier, so it was the logical first course of action.

Stanford University

They usually exist in unspoken and unwritten format because they form a part of the logical argument or course of action implied by tacit assumptions".

Huffington Post

While normalizing interventions may seem "a logical and obvious course of action" to prevent (projected psychological) harm to children with atypical sex anatomies, Minto et al. reported that their findings provided evidence of significant harm to sexual function, and emphasized that decisions about such procedures are not simply "medical" issues, but "moral" issues.

Archives of Sexual Behavior

Nor can they claim theirs is no more than a cold, analytical judgment, merely forecasting rather than endorsing the logical consequences of a current course of action.

The Guardian - Opinion

A person with schizophrenia may be apathetic and may lack the drive and ability to pursue a course of action to its logical conclusion, may withdraw from society, become detached from others, or become preoccupied with bizarre or nonsensical fantasies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "logical course of action", clearly articulate the reasoning behind it. Providing supporting evidence or outlining potential benefits will strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone shares your definition of 'logical'. Always explain the steps or reasoning that lead to your conclusion to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "logical course of action" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific strategy or decision that is considered reasonable and well-reasoned, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

32%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "logical course of action" is a commonly used phrase to describe a sensible and well-reasoned approach. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure the reasoning behind the 'logical' choice is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "sensible course of action" or "rational course of action" can provide similar meanings, though with slightly different nuances. By understanding its usage and potential pitfalls, you can effectively incorporate "logical course of action" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sensible course of action

Replaces "logical" with "sensible", suggesting an action that is practical and reasonable.

rational course of action

Uses "rational" instead of "logical", highlighting the action's basis in reason and clear thinking.

reasonable course of action

Substitutes "logical" with "reasonable", implying that the action is fair and justifiable.

appropriate course of action

Replaces "logical" with "appropriate", emphasizing that the action is suitable and fitting for the situation.

wise course of action

Uses "wise" instead of "logical", suggesting that the action demonstrates good judgment and foresight.

prudent course of action

Replaces "logical" with "prudent", highlighting the action's carefulness and avoidance of risks.

judicious course of action

Substitutes "logical" with "judicious", implying that the action demonstrates sound judgment and discretion.

expedient course of action

Replaces "logical" with "expedient", suggesting an action that is convenient and practical, though potentially less ethical.

the next logical step

Alters the structure to emphasize the sequential nature of the action as the next step in a process.

most reasonable approach

Changes the structure and replaces both "logical" and "course of action" to offer a broader alternative describing the way to deal with something in a reasonable way.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "logical course of action" in a sentence?

To use "logical course of action" effectively, clearly connect it to the situation you're describing. For example, 'Given the evidence, the "logical course of action" is to proceed with the investigation'.

What are some alternatives to "logical course of action"?

Alternatives include "sensible course of action", "rational course of action", or "reasonable course of action". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "logical course of action" formal or informal language?

"Logical course of action" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts. However, in highly informal settings, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.

How does "logical course of action" differ from "best course of action"?

"Logical course of action" implies a decision based on reasoning and evidence, whereas "best course of action" encompasses broader considerations, including ethics, values, and potential outcomes.