logical consequence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, academic, technical
Quick answer
What does “logical consequence” mean?
A conclusion that necessarily follows from given premises or facts according to the rules of logic.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A conclusion that necessarily follows from given premises or facts according to the rules of logic.
An inevitable result or outcome that can be deduced from a situation, argument, or set of conditions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; usage patterns identical across varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British academic philosophy discourse historically, but negligible difference today.
Frequency
Equal frequency in academic/professional contexts; rare in casual speech in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “logical consequence” in a Sentence
X is a logical consequence of YIt follows as a logical consequence that...The logical consequence of X is YVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “logical consequence” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This logically consequates from the premises.
- The theory consequates several predictions.
American English
- This logically follows from the premises.
- The theory entails several predictions.
adverb
British English
- The conclusion followed logically consequently.
- She reasoned logically consequentially.
American English
- The conclusion followed logically as a consequence.
- She reasoned with logical consequence.
adjective
British English
- The consequentially logical step was unavoidable.
- His argument was consequentially flawed.
American English
- The logically consequential step was unavoidable.
- His argument was consequentially flawed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in strategic planning: 'The logical consequence of this merger would be market dominance.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, mathematics, computer science: 'Modus ponens shows Q is a logical consequence of P and P→Q.'
Everyday
Very rare; simplified as 'that makes sense' or 'so that means...'
Technical
Core term in formal logic, AI, and legal reasoning with precise definitions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “logical consequence”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “logical consequence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “logical consequence”
- Using 'logical consequence' for probable outcomes (should be 'likely outcome')
- Confusing with 'cause and effect' (which is empirical, not purely logical)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Cause and effect describes empirical relationships in the real world. Logical consequence describes deductive relationships between statements, independent of real-world facts.
It's very formal. In casual speech, people say 'that means...', 'so then...', or 'it follows that...' instead.
In formal logic, they're often synonymous. In general usage, 'implication' can be weaker or more suggestive, while 'logical consequence' emphasizes deductive certainty.
Use it when demonstrating deductive reasoning: 'The logical consequence of these two premises is that the policy must be revised.' Avoid using it for probabilistic outcomes.
A conclusion that necessarily follows from given premises or facts according to the rules of logic.
Logical consequence is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Logical consequence: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈkɒnsɪkwəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɑːdʒɪkəl ˈkɑːnsəkwens/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Follow as night follows day (similar concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
LOGICAL CONSEQUENCE = LOGIC + AL + CON + SEQUENCE (a sequence that follows logically)
Conceptual Metaphor
LOGICAL REASONING IS A PATH (consequences are destinations reached by following the path)
Practice
Quiz
Which field uses 'logical consequence' as a technical term with precise formal definition?