What is a non sequitur?

Non sequiturs are responses or follow-up statements that are not related to
the previous statement or question. When someone says something
completely random, it’s often a non sequitur. For example:

A: What do you want to eat for dinner tonight?

B: Did you know that Minnie Mouse’s first name is Minerva?

Non sequiturs encompass only responses or follow-up statements. If you say

something random on its own, that is not a non sequitur. If you say that same
random thing as a reply to an unrelated comment, that is a non sequitur.

The word non sequitur has its roots in ancient Latin, where it means “does not
follow.” Note the letter u at the end, before the r, in non sequitur, instead of the
–er ending common in English words. In writing, non sequitur is not
hyphenated.

Non sequiturs in writing are used as a literary device. Usually they work for
jokes and comedy, but they can also be used for characterization in dialogue.
Additionally, the term non sequitur is used in logic and philosophy to describe
a certain type of flaw in a train of thought. Below, we explain more about how
to use non sequiturs in writing and in logic.

Be careful with what you read about non sequiturs online. Many posts
labeled as “examples of non sequiturs” aren’t non sequiturs at all. They’re
just puns, wordplay, or jokes in general. Don’t forget that authentic non
sequiturs involve an abrupt change in topic or a random response unrelated to
what was said immediately before.

How do you pronounce non sequitur?

Because of its Latin roots, the word non sequitur may look a bit odd. However,
the word is pronounced just how it’s spelled—non SEK-quit-ur—with the
accent on the seq and non rhyming with gone.

Non sequitur examples

Calypso, by David Sedaris

I’m often misunderstood at my supermarket in Sussex, not because of my

accent but because I tend to deviate from the script.

Cashier: Hello, how are you this evening?

Me: Has your house ever been burgled?

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll

“You should learn not to make personal remarks,” Alice said with some
severity; “it’s very rude.”

The Hatter opened his eyes very wide on hearing this; but all he said was,
“Why is a raven like a writing-desk?”
“Good Day, Fellow!” “Axe Handle!” Norwegian folktale

Bailiff: Good day, fellow!

Ferryman: Axe handle.

Bailiff: Oh, yeah? How far is it to the innkeeper?

Ferryman: Up to under this knot.

Bailiff: Where’s your wife, man?

Ferryman: I’m going to tar her. She is lying on the beach and has a crack in
each end.

Bailiff: Where’s your daughter?

Ferryman: Oh, she’s in the stable, ready to foal.

Bailiff: Get out, you silly old man!

Ferryman: Yes, it’s not far; when you come up the hill, you’re nearly there.

The Room, by Tommy Wiseau

“I did not hit her! I did not! Oh, hi Mark.”

How to use non sequiturs in writing

Non sequiturs in writing: Comedy

 More often than not, non sequiturs are used for writing jokes. The random and
unexpected nature of non sequiturs makes them a great fit for comedy,
especially for offbeat styles of humor.

Non sequiturs were quite popular in the art that came out of the Absurdism
Movement, which began in the 1950s, such as Monty Python’s Flying
Circus and the plays of the Theatre of the Absurd. In modern times, non
sequiturs are used heavily in the TV show Family Guy.

Non sequiturs in writing: Drama

Although non sequiturs are primarily used for comedy, they still have a few
applications in drama. Non sequiturs are especially useful for indirect
characterization, or telling details about a character through their actions and
speech. In particular, non sequiturs can be used in dialogue to show that:

 a character is not paying attention to the conversation

 a character is intentionally changing the subject, perhaps because of an

ulterior motive

In general, you have to be cautious with non sequiturs in writing; using them
too often can create consistency issues in writing, making it difficult for the
reader or audience to follow along.

What is a non sequitur fallacy?

Aside from non sequiturs in writing, the term non sequitur is also used to
describe certain logical fallacies. In philosophy and logic, non sequitur refers
to a sequence of reasoning that misses or skips over a key part, which makes
the conclusion invalid (even if the premises are true). For example:

My dog is named Max, and he likes to eat dog food. Therefore, everyone
named Max likes to eat dog food.

Keep in mind that non sequiturs used in logic are not the same as non
sequiturs used as a literary device. Each refers to a different concept in its
respective fields; however, both take their name from the same Latin root.

What is a non sequitur? FAQs

What is a non sequitur?

Non sequiturs are responses or follow-up statements that are not related to
the previous statement or question, like when a person says something
completely random. For example, a non sequitur would be if someone asked
you how your day was and you answered with a scientific fact about walruses.

How can you use non sequiturs in writing?

Non sequiturs in writing are mostly used for humor. The random and
unexpected nature of non sequiturs makes them a good fit for jokes and
comedy in general. However, non sequiturs can also be used for dramatic
characterization, especially in dialogue, to show that a character is not paying
attention or is intentionally trying to change the subject.

What is a non sequitur fallacy?

A non sequitur fallacy is a sequence of reasoning that misses or skips over a

key part, making the conclusion invalid (even if the premises are true). For
example: My dog is named Max, and he likes to eat dog food. Therefore,
everyone named Max likes to eat dog food.