Propter hoc is a Latin phrase meaning "after this, therefore because of this." It refers to the logical fallacy of assuming that just because one event follows another, the first event caused the second. To avoid this error in reasoning, writers and speakers may use alternative expressions that convey the same meaning. Synonyms for propter hoc include "correlation does not equal causation," "post hoc ergo propter hoc," and "spurious correlation." These phrases remind us that there may be other factors at play that are responsible for the observed relationship between two variables. By using more precise language, we can avoid misleading ourselves and others with faulty logic.