logical error

USAGE SUMMARY

'logical error' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a technical phrase used to describe an incorrect conclusion a person has drawn when applying logic to a problem. For example: "The senator made a logical error when he argued that raising taxes would result in the government taking in more revenue, when it is actually more likely to have an adverse effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

We observed that the fluctuation in the set-up/hold time of single flux quantum logic gates caused by thermal noises is the most probable origin of the logical error of the large-scale single flux quantum circuit.

Physica C: Superconductivity and its Applications

It commits the logical error of arguing by default.

The New York Times - Books

Formal fallacies are deductively invalid arguments that typically commit an easily recognizable logical error.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Radical politics in all forms gets cast as either a vanity project or a logical error.

The New York Times - Books

The purpose of a distracter is to tempt you into a cul-de-sac of logical error.

The New Yorker

A logical error is built into the very term "domestic violence," which suggests that murderous rage directed at female relatives is a household affair, private, apolitical, not useful as a predictor of public violence.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Despite the logical errors in Mitt Romney's "47 percent" comments, we do face bankruptcy when the baby boomers retire and a shrinking percentage of workers must pay the ever growing expenses of a ballooning class of retirees.

The New York Times

That Heritage Foundation broadside accuses the Congressional Budget Office of making elementary logical errors, but if you actually read the office's report, it's clear that the foundation is willfully misreading it.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I specialise in finding logical errors," he said.

BBC

In another, he designed a program that could identify logical errors in OBO Foundry ontologies.

Science Magazine

In Q-CRQ decoding, we should handle two types of ambiguity: the physical and logical errors.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "logical errors", be specific about the type of error. Instead of just stating there's a "logical error", identify it (e.g., straw man fallacy, ad hominem).

Common error

Avoid assuming every disagreement stems from a "logical error". Sometimes, differences arise from differing values, assumptions, or incomplete information, not necessarily flawed logic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "logical error" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. As seen in Ludwig, it names and identifies a specific type of mistake in reasoning or computation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "logical error" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a flaw in reasoning or computation. Ludwig examples show it appears frequently in Science, News & Media and Encyclopedias, indicating a formal to neutral register. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a technical term useful for identifying specific fallacies. When using the phrase, consider being precise about the type of error. Avoid assuming disagreement always stems from a "logical error", because other factors such as assumptions or values might apply.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reasoning mistake

A simpler and more direct way to express an error in reasoning.

erroneous reasoning

Emphasizes the incorrectness of the reasoning process.

flawed logic

Highlights the imperfection or weakness within a logical process.

unsound reasoning

Focuses on the lack of soundness in the reasoning.

fallacy in reasoning

Refers to a flaw in the structure of an argument, deviating from a simple error.

inferential error

Specifically refers to an error made during the process of making inferences.

invalid argument

Focuses on the argument itself being incorrect or unsound.

deductive fallacy

Specifically refers to a mistake in deductive reasoning.

faulty deduction

Highlights the problem lies within the deductive process

cognitive bias

Indicates a systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.

FAQs

How can I identify a "logical error" in an argument?

Look for flaws in reasoning, such as inconsistencies, unsupported claims, or irrelevant information. Understanding common fallacies like ad hominem or straw man can help you spot a "logical error".

What's the difference between a "logical error" and a factual error?

A "logical error" is a mistake in reasoning, while a factual error is an incorrect statement of fact. An argument can be logically sound but based on false premises, or vice versa.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "logical error"?

You can use alternatives like "flawed logic", "invalid argument", or "reasoning mistake" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to point out a "logical error" in a casual conversation?

While identifying a "logical error" can be helpful, consider the context and your relationship with the other person. In some cases, it may be more diplomatic to gently guide the conversation rather than directly pointing out the error.