Provided is a liquid crystal composition having a positive dielectric anisotropy, the liquid crystal composition containing two or more compounds selected from compounds represented by general formula (LC0-1) to general formula (LC0-3), and one or more compounds selected from groups of compounds represented by general formula (LC1) to general formula (LC5). The liquid crystal composition has features of a large Δ∈ and a low viscosity, and provides a practical, highly reliable liquid crystal display element that can realize low-voltage driving and high-speed response. The liquid crystal composition is useful for an active matrix driving liquid crystal display element. The liquid crystal composition can be applied to a liquid crystal display element of an IPS mode or the like.