Non sequitur
Draws a conclusion that doesn't follow from the premises.
Specimen
Our exports are at a record high. That's why we need tighter border controls.
Fabricated passage — teaching example designed for clarity.
Logical fallacy / non sequitur
non sequitur — the premise doesn't support the conclusion
Dissection
Our exports are at a record high. That's why we need tighter border controls.
- no logical connection
- topic jumps without a bridge
- connector word masks the gap
Field notes
- Family
- Logical fallacy
- Habitat
- political speeches, policy commentary, editorials
- Frequency
- found in 7% of analyzed articles
- Confused with
- Red herring , Circular reasoning
In the wild
"Youth sports participation is declining. That's the real case for infrastructure investment."
Opinion column, regional broadsheet, March 2026
"Crime is falling in the suburbs, which is why we must act on immigration now."
Political commentary, national daily, February 2026
Why it works
Connective words like 'therefore' imply a logical link. Readers assume the connection and move on.
Counter-move
Ask: does this premise actually support this conclusion?
See it flagged in real articles while you read.
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