logical fallacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'logical fallacy' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an argument or statement which appears valid but is in fact incorrect. For example, "The politician's argument that raising taxes would lead to increased economic growth was a logical fallacy".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is a logical fallacy.

University of California, Berkeley

The whole thing is a logical fallacy.

The New York Times

That's called circular reasoning and it's a logical fallacy.

The New York Times

This involves explaining the logical fallacy underpinning a myth.

The Guardian

Free college sounds great, but it is a logical fallacy.

University of California, Berkeley

The belief that the connection between two events causes an outcome is a logical fallacy.

The Guardian - Sport

Reside said this attempt at mitigation rested on "an absolute logical fallacy".

The Guardian

It's a logical fallacy, but whoever said dating had to make sense?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It sounded like a logical fallacy, but it seemed pleasantly futuristic nonetheless.

The New Yorker

(And then there's the logical fallacy most inherent to storytelling: the misleading application of anecdotal evidence).

The New Yorker

If anything, it's a pointing indictment of the logical fallacy in our society's way of thinking".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When identifying a "logical fallacy", be specific about the type of fallacy (e.g., ad hominem, straw man) to strengthen your critique and demonstrate a clear understanding of the error in reasoning.

Common error

Avoid casually labeling any disagreement as a "logical fallacy". Ensure you can clearly articulate why the reasoning is flawed and which specific fallacy is being committed. Misuse dilutes the term's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "logical fallacy" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific type of error in reasoning or argumentation. It is used to label a flawed pattern of thought rather than describing an action or state. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a standard English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

25%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "logical fallacy" is a noun phrase used to identify errors in reasoning, commonly found in academic, news, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Its purpose is to critique arguments and highlight flawed logic. When using the term, specify the fallacy type to strengthen your critique. Common alternatives include "fallacy in reasoning" and "flawed argument". Avoid overusing the term without proper justification. Being able to identify and articulate logical fallacies allows for more critical and informed discussions. Major sources using it are The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Washington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fallacy in reasoning

Focuses on the presence of a flaw within the reasoning process itself.

flawed argument

Highlights that the overall argument is weak due to errors in its construction.

reasoning error

Emphasizes the mistake made during the reasoning or inference process.

invalid argument

Indicates that the argument's conclusion does not follow from its premises.

unsound reasoning

Stresses the lack of solid basis or validity in the reasoning employed.

erroneous deduction

Highlights an incorrect conclusion reached through deductive reasoning.

specious reasoning

Suggests the reasoning appears correct but is actually deceptive or misleading.

faulty logic

Identifies a defect or imperfection in the logical structure of an argument.

deceptive argument

Emphasizes the intent to mislead or deceive through the use of flawed reasoning.

argumentative flaw

Focuses on the specific imperfection or defect within the argumentative structure.

FAQs

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

Look for common patterns of flawed reasoning, such as appeals to emotion, attacks on the person making the argument (ad hominem), or misrepresentations of the opponent's position (straw man). Understanding these patterns will help you spot fallacies more easily.

What are some common types of "logical fallacies"?

Common types include the ad hominem fallacy, the straw man fallacy, the appeal to authority fallacy, the false dilemma fallacy, and the bandwagon fallacy. Learning about these will sharpen your critical thinking skills.

How can I avoid committing a "logical fallacy" in my own arguments?

Carefully examine your premises, ensure your conclusions follow logically from your premises, and avoid making unsupported claims. Also, be open to feedback and willing to revise your arguments if flaws are pointed out.

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

A "logical fallacy" is a flaw in the reasoning process, while a factual error is an inaccuracy in the information presented. An argument can be logically valid but based on false premises, or factually correct but logically unsound.