non sequitur
C1Formal, academic, literary; sometimes used humorously in informal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A conclusion or statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument or context.
Any remark or event that seems incongruous, random, or irrelevant to what preceded it. In informal usage, it can describe a sudden, illogical shift in conversation or thought.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. Originates from Latin meaning 'it does not follow'. In logic, it denotes a formal fallacy. In general discourse, it often highlights a jarring disconnect in dialogue or narrative.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Usage is equally common in educated discourse in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with academic or intellectual critique in both regions. In informal use, it can carry a tone of amused observation.
Frequency
Low-frequency but stable term in similar registers (academic, literary, journalistic) in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + be + a non sequiturIt + be + a non sequitur + to + [infinitive][Subject] + responded with a non sequiturVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “That's a non sequitur if I ever heard one.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used in critical analysis of a proposal: 'Linking marketing spend to last quarter's weather is a non sequitur.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, logic, rhetoric, and literary criticism to identify flawed reasoning.
Everyday
Used humorously or critically when someone makes a wildly unrelated comment: 'He went from taxes to penguins—total non sequitur.'
Technical
Precise term in formal logic for an argument where the conclusion does not follow from the premises.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His comment about the weather was a complete non sequitur in our discussion about budgets.
- The politician's answer was a blatant non sequitur, avoiding the question entirely.
- The essay's central argument collapses under the weight of a foundational non sequitur in its third premise.
- Her transition from Kantian ethics to a recipe for scones was a delightful, if baffling, non sequitur.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'NON' (not) + 'SEQUITUR' (follows). It does NOT FOLLOW the logic.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOGICAL THOUGHT IS A PATH; A NON SEQUITUR IS A SUDDEN DETOUR OFF THAT PATH.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation 'не следует'. The closest conceptual equivalent is 'логическая ошибка', 'вывод не вытекает из посылок', or informally 'не в тему'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'non-sequiter' or 'non sequiter'.
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'That's very non sequitur') instead of a noun.
- Confusing it with a mere change of subject, which might be intentional.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'non sequitur' used most precisely?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it's more common in educated or humorous contexts to point out a random or illogical shift in talk.
Primarily, yes, as it points to flawed logic. However, in creative writing or comedy, it can be used intentionally for absurd or humorous effect.
A non sequitur is a logical disconnect; the conclusion doesn't follow. A red herring is an intentional distraction from the relevant issue. All red herrings in arguments are non sequiturs, but not all non sequiturs are deliberate red herrings.
In British English: /ˌnɒn ˈsɛk.wɪ.tə/. In American English: /ˌnɑːn ˈsɛk.wɪ.t̬ɚ/. The stress is on the first syllable of 'sequitur'.