was illogical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was illogical" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, argument, or reasoning that does not follow logical principles or is inconsistent. Example: "His reasoning for the decision was illogical, as it contradicted the evidence presented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

But all along, UConn Coach Geno Auriemma said that this season's streak was illogical.

The New York Times - Sports

Wang's bishop retreat with 10... Be6 had not been played before and was illogical.

The New York Times

The explanation was as political as it was illogical: all crimes occur in the past.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Spataro said that limiting wiretaps to 75 days was "illogical," since important material could emerge on the last day.

The New York Times

Linda T Sánchez, a congresswoman from California and the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said Trump's prediction was illogical.

The Guardian

Hoon said the way in which green pressure groups currently attributed carbon emissions to Heathrow was illogical and unfair.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

These notions are illogical.

The New Yorker

Which is illogical.

The Guardian - Opinion

These attitudes are illogical.

The Guardian - Sport

I think that's illogical.

The Guardian

Wouldn't that be "illogical"?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was illogical", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates the contradiction or lack of reasoning. Providing specific examples or explaining the logical flaw strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "was illogical" as a general criticism without providing concrete reasons. Simply labeling something as illogical without explaining why weakens your argument and can come across as dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was illogical" functions as a predicative adjective, describing a subject as lacking logical consistency or sound reasoning. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct way to express that something doesn't align with logical principles. For example, "The decision was illogical."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was illogical" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something lacking logical reasoning. As per Ludwig AI, it is a clear and direct way to express disagreement or highlight a flaw. Its use is particularly frequent in news and media sources. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide context and explain why something "was illogical" to strengthen your argument. Alternatives like "did not make sense" or "was irrational" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. However, according to Ludwig, "was illogical" offers a versatile and formal option suitable for various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was not logical

This is a more literal and straightforward substitution, maintaining the same level of formality.

was irrational

This emphasizes the lack of reason and emotional influence behind the statement or action.

did not make sense

This alternative is more direct and less formal, focusing on the lack of comprehensibility.

was unreasonable

This highlights the lack of fairness or justification in the action or statement.

defied logic

This alternative suggests a more active contradiction of logical principles.

was devoid of reason

This emphasizes the complete absence of rational thought or justification.

did not add up

This is a more idiomatic and informal way of saying that something didn't make logical sense.

lacked coherence

This alternative focuses on the absence of a clear and consistent connection of ideas.

was a non sequitur

This alternative indicates that the conclusion does not follow logically from the preceding statements.

was inconsistent

This emphasizes a contradiction within the statement or action itself.

FAQs

How can I use "was illogical" in a sentence?

You can use "was illogical" to describe something that doesn't follow the rules of logic or doesn't make sense. For example, "His explanation for being late was illogical because it contradicted his earlier statements."

What can I say instead of "was illogical"?

You can use alternatives like "did not make sense", "was irrational", or "was unreasonable" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "was illogical" or "was not logical"?

Both "was illogical" and "was not logical" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Was illogical" is often preferred in formal writing due to its conciseness.

When should I use "was illogical" versus "was illogical"?

Use "was illogical" to describe a complete absence of logic, implying a fundamental flaw in reasoning. Reserve "was illogical" to imply that a certain step or component within it misses the mark.