Inconsistent comparison

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An inconsistent comparison is a misleading argument popular in advertising. For example, an advertisement might say "product X is less expensive than product A, has better quality than product B, and has more features than product C". This is designed to give the impression that product X is better than products A, B, and C in all respects, but doesn't actually make that claim. [1] In fact, product A may be the most expensive, product B may be the lowest quality, and product C may have the fewest features of the three. So, the original statement really only means "product X is not the most expensive, lowest quality, or fewest featured product on the market". That would hardly be as effective of an advertisement, however.

See also

Apples and oranges when two items or groups of items are compared that cannot be practically compared

A comparison of apples and oranges occurs when two items or groups of items are compared that cannot be practically compared.

An incomplete comparison is a misleading argument popular in advertising. For example, an advertiser might say "product X is better". This is an incomplete assertion, so it can't be refuted. A complete assertion, such as "product X sells for a lower price than product Y" or "the new product X lasts longer than the old product X" could be tested and possibly refuted.

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References

  1. "Inconsistent comparison:". 15 December 2010. Retrieved 26 March 2019.