Meaning & use
logical fallacy
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Meanings
nouncountable
An error in reasoning that makes an argument invalid, often appearing convincing but failing to support the conclusion.
Grammar: Countable; use 'a logical fallacy' for one instance, or 'logical fallacies' for several.
Patterns
- commit a logical fallacy
- identify a logical fallacy
- fallacy in something
The politician's argument contained a logical fallacy: he attacked the person instead of the idea.
In the debate, she pointed out a logical fallacy in her opponent's reasoning.
Many advertisements rely on logical fallacies to persuade consumers.
nouncountable
A specific type of flawed reasoning pattern, such as begging the question or false dilemma, studied in logic and rhetoric.
Grammar: Often used with a name: 'the straw man fallacy' or 'the fallacy of equivocation'.
Patterns
- the fallacy of something
- a common fallacy
- fallacy known as
The false dilemma is a logical fallacy that presents only two options when more exist.
Students learn to recognize logical fallacies like ad hominem and slippery slope.
His essay was full of logical fallacies, weakening his overall argument.
Word forms
| plural | logical fallacies |
|---|
Common combinations
- commit a logical fallacy
- He committed a logical fallacy by assuming what he was trying to prove.
- identify a logical fallacy
- The teacher asked us to identify the logical fallacy in the editorial.
- common logical fallacy
- Appealing to emotion is a common logical fallacy.
- logical fallacy in
- There is a logical fallacy in your reasoning about the cause.
Synonyms and how they differ
- fallacy
- A broader term for any mistaken belief or unsound argument; 'logical fallacy' specifically refers to an error in the structure of reasoning.
- flaw
- A general imperfection; 'logical fallacy' is a precise term for a mistake in logic, not just any weakness.
Opposites
Word family
- fallacious adjective
- Based on a mistaken belief or unsound reasoning.
- fallaciously adverb
- In a way that involves a fallacy.
Commonly confused: logical fallacy or falsehood?
logical fallacy vs falsehood
A falsehood is a lie or untrue statement; a logical fallacy is a flaw in reasoning, not necessarily a false statement.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'logical fallacy' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Option C correctly uses 'logical fallacy' to mean an error in reasoning. Option A uses the singular form incorrectly after 'full of'; option B describes a factual error, not a reasoning flaw; option D misuses the term to mean a practical drawback.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “logical fallacy”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.