non sequitur

USAGE SUMMARY

"non sequitur" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
The phrase means '[something] does not logically follow', and is used to refer to a statement or conclusion that does not logically follow from the preceding statement or premise. Example: "I think we should go to the beach on Saturday - non sequitur."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Non sequitur?

The New Yorker

It's a non sequitur".

The Guardian

This isn't a non sequitur.

The Washington Post

That's a stunning non sequitur.

The Washington Post

It was not a non sequitur.

The New York Times

Even linguistically, that's an absolute non sequitur.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

There is no non-sequitur.

The Guardian

"Unemployment was another high" seems almost a non-sequitur.

The Guardian - Books

Beady-eared listeners might have spotted a non-sequitur here.

The Guardian

Perry decides to let that non-sequitur slide.

The Guardian - Music

He pauses, then goes for a semi non-sequitur.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, utilize a "non sequitur" to create surreal humor or to characterize a person as eccentric or distracted.

Common error

Avoid calling any random or weird statement a "non sequitur". A true "non sequitur" implies a specific failure in a sequence of thought. If there is no intended sequence or argument, the term might be technically misapplied.

Linguistic Context

In modern English, "non sequitur" functions primarily as a noun, though it can occasionally act as an adjective when modifying other nouns (e.g., "non sequitur questions"). According to Ludwig, it is used to label a specific type of logical failure or an abrupt conversational shift. It often appears following an indefinite article ("a non sequitur") or as a predicate nominative.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

A "non sequitur" is far more than just a 'random comment'; it is a fundamental label for logical discontinuity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is most prevalent in analytical writing—particularly in politics and social commentary—where it is used to expose flaws in rhetoric. Derived from Latin for "it does not follow", it has transitioned from a strict term of formal logic into a versatile tool for describing anything from surrealist humor to baffling political evasions. When you use "non sequitur", you are identifying a bridge that was never built between a premise and its conclusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

logical fallacy

refers to the broader category of errors in reasoning rather than just the specific disconnect.

illogical conclusion

uses more descriptive, plain English to explain that the result does not follow the premise.

irrelevant remark

focuses on the conversational appropriateness rather than the formal logic.

abrupt transition

describes the stylistic shift in writing or speech rather than the logical error.

disconnect

is a more modern, informal term for a lack of connection between two points.

unrelated statement

provides a literal description of the phrase's effect in a dialogue.

tangent

suggests a move away from the main topic rather than a failure of logic.

inconsistency

indicates a lack of harmony or agreement between parts of an argument.

fallacy

is a generic term for any deceptive or false notion in reasoning.

off-topic comment

focuses strictly on the relevance to the current subject of discussion.

FAQs

How do I use "non sequitur" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an argument or a comment, such as: "His sudden mention of the weather was a complete "non sequitur" during the serious business meeting."

What is a simpler way to say "non sequitur"?

Depending on the context, you could say "it doesn't follow", "illogical jump" or simply "irrelevant".

Is "non sequitur" considered formal?

Yes, it is widely used in "academic writing", legal contexts and high-level journalism to critique reasoning.

What is the difference between a "non sequitur" and a "red herring"?

A "non sequitur" is a logical gap where the conclusion doesn't follow, while a "red herring" is a deliberate distraction used to lead an audience away from the real issue.