are incompatible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are incompatible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more things that cannot coexist or function together effectively. Example: "The new software and the old operating system are incompatible, leading to frequent crashes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You two are incompatible.

The New York Times

But they are incompatible.

The New York Times

The two are incompatible.

The New York Times - Tech

And they are incompatible.

The New York Times

"These two things are incompatible.

The New Yorker

Interactivity and stories are incompatible.

The Economist

But the two are incompatible.

Forbes

The two thrusts are incompatible".

The New York Times

"Islam and democracy are incompatible.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Did somebody get the idea that these goals are incompatible?

The New York Times

"Islamism and democracy are incompatible.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are incompatible", ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify exactly which systems or ideas "are incompatible".

Common error

Avoid using "are incompatible" in overly broad statements. Instead of saying "technology and nature are incompatible", specify which aspects of technology conflict with specific natural processes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are incompatible" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, describing the relationship between two or more subjects. It indicates that the subjects cannot coexist or function together harmoniously. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are incompatible" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe situations where two or more things cannot coexist or function together effectively. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. It's frequently used in news, academic, and scientific contexts to denote fundamental conflicts or contradictions. When using "are incompatible", be specific about the subjects and avoid overly broad statements. Alternatives include "do not align", "cannot coexist", and "are mutually exclusive". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot coexist

Highlights the impossibility of existing together.

are irreconcilable

Suggests differences that cannot be resolved.

are contradictory

Focuses on the conflicting nature of the elements.

are mutually exclusive

Stresses that one invalidates the other.

are in conflict

Highlights an active opposition or clash.

do not align

Emphasizes a lack of correspondence or agreement.

are inconsistent

Indicates a lack of logical coherence.

do not harmonize

Implies a lack of aesthetic or functional agreement.

are not congruent

Stresses a lack of similarity or agreement.

cannot be combined

Focuses on the inability to merge or unite.

FAQs

How can I use "are incompatible" in a sentence?

You can use "are incompatible" to describe two or more things that cannot coexist or function together effectively. For example, "The new software and the old operating system "are incompatible", leading to frequent crashes".

What phrases can I use instead of "are incompatible"?

Alternatives include "do not align", "cannot coexist", or "are mutually exclusive", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is incompatible" instead of "are incompatible"?

No, "is incompatible" is used for singular subjects, while "are incompatible" is used for plural subjects. For example, "This software is incompatible with that operating system", but "These two programs "are incompatible"".

What's the difference between "are incompatible" and "are not compatible"?

"Are incompatible" strongly emphasizes a lack of coexistence or functionality, while "are not compatible" is a milder statement indicating a lack of harmonious interaction. Both convey a similar meaning, but "are incompatible" implies a more severe conflict.