A non sequitur (pronounced non-SEK-wih-ter) is a statement, idea, or conclusion that does not logically follow from what came before it. The phrase comes from Latin:
non sequitur = “it does not follow”
It originally came from logic and philosophy, where it described a faulty argument—a conclusion that was not supported by the evidence or reasoning.
For example:
“All cats are animals. My car is blue. Therefore, the moon is made of cheese.”
The conclusion does not follow from the earlier statements, so it is a non sequitur.
In everyday conversation, a non sequitur is often just a sudden, unrelated comment:
That jump has no clear connection.
Non sequiturs are also used deliberately in comedy and art. They can be funny because the human brain expects patterns and connections, so an unexpected jump creates surprise.
Examples include:
- Absurdist humour: A character says something completely unrelated to the situation.
- Surrealism: Strange combinations of ideas or images that don’t follow normal reality.
- Comedy sketches: A conversation suddenly takes an impossible turn.
The comedian Monty Python often used non sequiturs, mixing ordinary situations with bizarre interruptions. Cartoon humour also relies heavily on them.
There is a related term in debate: a non sequitur fallacy. This is when someone presents an argument where the conclusion simply does not logically come from the premises.
Example:
“He owns a fancy car, so he must be a good person.”
The ownership of a car does not logically prove someone’s character.
So, in simple terms:
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