this is a fallacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a fallacy" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when identifying or pointing out a logical error in an argument or reasoning. Example: "The argument presented is flawed because this is a fallacy that undermines its validity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

This is a fallacy.

The New York Times

"This is a fallacy," he said.

The Guardian

The examples of Enron, WorldCom and various banks suggest this is a fallacy.

The Guardian

"We think we remember exactly what happens, but research demonstrates that this is a fallacy".

The Guardian

The charismatic enjoy charmed lives of premature promotions, multiple suitors and fast friends, whereas everyone else keeps their head down and hopes for the best.But this is a fallacy, says Olivia Fox Cabane, an executive charisma coach for Fortune 500 companies.

The Economist

This is a fallacy, however.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

The McQuaid bat is straight when this is put to him: "That is a fallacy being put out there by Brian and his people, to say that I'm twisting the rules or getting the rules twisted.

The Guardian - Sport

This too is a fallacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

But this belief is a fallacy, says Clifford S. Asness, managing principal at AQR Capital Management, a money management firm in New York.

The New York Times

This, however, is a "fallacy".

SEP

This definition is a fallacy since the incipient anatomic and pathophysiologic lung injury occurs with exposure and steadily progresses until sufficiently severe to become phenotypically detectable.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “this is a fallacy” to politely but firmly point out flawed reasoning without resorting to personal attacks. It maintains a focus on the argument itself, not the person making it.

Common error

Avoid overusing "this is a fallacy" as a blanket dismissal of complex arguments. Ensure your criticism is precise and addresses the specific logical flaw, not the entire idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is a fallacy" functions as a statement used to identify and point out a logical error or flaw in an argument or reasoning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid way to express disagreement with flawed logic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is a fallacy" is a grammatically correct and commonly used statement to identify logical errors in arguments. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific discussions. While versatile, it's important to use it precisely, specifying the flawed reasoning to avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "this is incorrect" or "this is based on faulty logic" can be used depending on the context. The phrase is generally neutral in register, making it appropriate for a wide range of discussions where logical accuracy is important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this represents an error in reasoning

Replaces "fallacy" with a more descriptive phrase about flawed reasoning.

this is based on faulty logic

Focuses on the logical flaw underlying the statement.

this argument is invalid

Directly states the argument's lack of validity.

this line of thinking is flawed

Highlights the flaw in the thought process.

this is a misconception

Indicates a misunderstanding or incorrect belief.

this is simply untrue

Directly states that the statement is not factual.

this is a mistaken belief

Emphasizes the incorrect nature of the belief.

this assumption is incorrect

Points out the inaccuracy of the underlying assumption.

this is not the case

A simple and direct way of saying something is not true.

the premise is false

Highlights that the foundational idea is not true.

FAQs

How can I use "this is a fallacy" in a sentence?

Use "this is a fallacy" to identify a flawed argument or incorrect reasoning. For example, "The assumption that correlation implies causation "correlation implies causation" is a classic example of a logical error; therefore, "this is a fallacy".

What are some alternatives to saying "this is a fallacy"?

You can use alternatives like "this is incorrect", "this is a misconception", or "this is based on faulty logic", depending on the specific context and type of error you're addressing.

Is it better to say "that is a fallacy" or "this is a fallacy"?

Both "that is a fallacy" and "this is a fallacy" are grammatically correct. Use "this" when referring to something you've just stated or are currently discussing. Use "that" when referring to something previously mentioned or more distant.

What does it mean when someone says "this is a fallacy of composition"?

Saying "this is a fallacy of composition" means that someone is incorrectly assuming that what is true of a part is necessarily true of the whole. It is the idea that what is true of the part is true of the whole or vice versa. /s/fallacy+of+composition.