Rhetorical Fallacies

False Dichotomy

This is when someone acts like there are only two choices when there are actually more.

Straw Man

This is when someone twists another person’s argument to make it easier to attack.

Appeal to Tradition

This is when someone says something is right just because it’s been done for a long time.

Slippery Slope

This is when someone says one small thing will lead to a huge, bad chain reaction.

Ad Hominem

This is when someone attacks the person instead of the argument.

Appeal to Authority

This is when someone says something must be true just because an important person said it, even if they’re not an expert.

Red Herring

This is when someone changes the subject to distract from the real issue.

“You either love pineapple on pizza or you hate pizza completely.”

False Dichotomy

Alex: “We should have less homework.”
Jamie: “So you just want school to be a giant party with no learning?”

Straw Man

“We have to keep wearing these itchy uniforms—our school has always had them.”

Appeal to Tradition

“If we let students redo one test, soon no one will study and the whole school will fail.”

Slippery Slope

“Don’t listen to her opinion on recycling—she’s messy.”

Ad Hominem

“My favorite actor says this vitamin works, so it must be amazing.”

Appeal to Authority

Parent: “Did you finish your homework?”
Kid: “But look at how clean my room is!”

Red Herring