logical deduction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "logical deduction" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the process of using reasoning and evidence to come to a logical conclusion or solution. Example: The detective used logical deduction to solve the mystery, piecing together clues and analyzing the evidence to identify the culprit.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hilbert style axiomatic systems have been the most commonly developed logical deduction systems for temporal logics.

SEP

Logic puzzle, puzzle requiring the use of the process of logical deduction to solve.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Meseguer's rewriting logic and the rewriting logic CRWL are two well-known approaches to rewriting as logical deduction that, despite some clear similarities, were designed with different objectives.

Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science

The first influential attempts to introduce logics different from classical logic remained within the Frege-Russell tradition of presenting a logical deduction system without any formal semantics.

SEP

The problem of the smudged faces is another instance of pure logical deduction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Prolog is based on the concepts of resolution (akin to logical deduction) and unification (similar to pattern matching).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even knowing that the authors of detective fiction are going to be pretty handy at logical deduction, I was immensely impressed.

The Guardian

The fact that George Michael has been ignoring me for ages leads me to make the logical deduction that he must be mentally unwell.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No amount of logical deduction can help when a European river you've never heard of crosses a film star from a movie you've never seen.

The New York Times - Science

While Aura and Missing ask you to use your brain as a tool for logical deduction, Midway's Psi-Ops: Mindgate Conspiracy enlists the brain as a blunt weapon for crushing and incinerating opponents.

The New York Times - Tech

There are certainly antisemitic rants, too, but what gives the text coherence, in so far as it has any, is a general mood music about a new style of politics of "intuition" and "character", rather than theory and logical deduction.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "logical deduction" when you want to emphasize the rigorous, step-by-step process of reaching a conclusion based on established facts and principles.

Common error

Avoid using "logical deduction" when the conclusion is based on assumptions or incomplete information rather than established facts. Ensure a clear chain of reasoning and evidence to support the deduction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "logical deduction" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the process or method of reaching a conclusion through reasoning. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

17%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "logical deduction" is a widely used and grammatically correct term that describes the process of reaching conclusions through reasoned steps based on evidence and established facts. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is appropriate for formal and scientific contexts, indicating rigor and systematic analysis. While frequently found in Science, Encyclopedias, and News & Media, it's less common in informal settings. When using the phrase, ensure that your premises are sound and your reasoning is clear to avoid common pitfalls such as confusing correlation with causation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deductive reasoning

Focuses more on the reasoning process itself, emphasizing the derivation of conclusions from premises.

inferential reasoning

Highlights the act of making inferences or drawing conclusions based on available information.

reasoned inference

Emphasizes the role of reason and careful thought in the inference process.

rational inference

Stresses the rationality and logical validity of the inferred conclusion.

deductive logic

Refers to the branch of logic concerned with deductive arguments and inferences.

logical reasoning

A broader term encompassing any form of reasoning that adheres to logical principles.

analytical thinking

Emphasizes the process of breaking down information and examining its components to arrive at a conclusion.

critical thinking

Highlights the evaluation of information and arguments to form a reasoned judgment.

drawing conclusions

A more general term for reaching a judgment or decision based on evidence or reasoning.

inference

A more concise term that refers to the act or process of deriving a conclusion.

FAQs

How is "logical deduction" used in problem solving?

"Logical deduction" involves using known facts and rules to arrive at a certain conclusion. For instance, if A implies B, and A is true, then through "logical deduction", we can conclude that B is also true.

What is the difference between "logical deduction" and induction?

"Logical deduction" starts with general principles and applies them to specific cases, while induction starts with specific observations and develops general principles. "Deductive reasoning" guarantees the conclusion if the premises are true, whereas inductive reasoning provides a probable, but not certain, conclusion.

When is it appropriate to use "logical deduction" in writing?

Use "logical deduction" when you want to demonstrate a clear, step-by-step reasoning process based on established facts. It's suitable for scientific reports, legal arguments, and any situation where a conclusion must be rigorously supported by evidence. It can be replaced with "inferential reasoning", when you are looking at making conclusions based on available information.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when using "logical deduction"?

Ensure your premises are accurate and complete, because faulty premises will lead to incorrect deductions. Also, avoid jumping to conclusions without a clear chain of reasoning. A common error is confusing correlation with causation, leading to a false "reasoned inference".