are incompatible with

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

NASA's suits are incompatible with Russian station systems.

The New York Times

These two facts are incompatible with public safety.

The New Yorker

Elastomers are incompatible with traditional additive manufacturing, says DeSimone.

MIT Technology Review

Sir Humphrey Most good ideas are incompatible with government policy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Big dogs, the police contend, are incompatible with city living.

The New York Times

Extensive night operations are incompatible with normal circadian rhythms.

Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour

These developments are incompatible with Ukraine's own European choice.

The New York Times

What more proof do our decision-makers want that industrial farming methods are incompatible with nature?

The Guardian

An official remarks: "The meagre resources of Portuguese cinema are incompatible with your reveries".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Programs (especially outdated kernels) which are incompatible with AMS 2.07 or above cannot be run.

University of California, Berkeley

Restrictions on free expression on college campuses are incompatible with the fundamental values of higher education.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are incompatible with", ensure that the subjects you are comparing are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Providing specific examples can further clarify the nature of the incompatibility.

Common error

Avoid using "are incompatible with" when you simply mean something is unsuitable or less effective. "Incompatible" implies a fundamental inability to function together, not just a suboptimal arrangement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are incompatible with" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's inability to coexist or function harmoniously with something else. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts to highlight fundamental conflicts or mismatches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

33%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are incompatible with" is a versatile expression used to denote a fundamental conflict or inability to coexist between two or more things. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While alternatives like ""do not align with"" and "are at odds with" exist, understanding the specific nuance of incompatibility—a basic inability to function together—is crucial for accurate and effective communication. To ensure clear usage, be specific about the subjects being compared and avoid using it when something is merely unsuitable, not fundamentally conflicting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not align with

Focuses on the lack of agreement or correspondence between two or more things.

are at odds with

Emphasizes the conflict or disagreement between different elements.

are inconsistent with

Highlights the lack of uniformity or coherence.

cannot coexist with

Underscores the inability of two things to exist or occur together.

are mutually exclusive with

Implies that the presence of one thing prevents the presence of the other.

are irreconcilable with

Stresses the impossibility of resolving differences or conflicts.

clash with

Highlights a direct and forceful opposition.

are contrary to

Indicates a direct opposition or contradiction.

are in opposition to

Focuses on actively opposing or resisting something.

are incongruous with

Emphasizes the lack of harmony or suitability between elements.

FAQs

What does "are incompatible with" mean?

The phrase "are incompatible with" means that two or more things cannot coexist, function together effectively, or are in conflict. It suggests a fundamental lack of harmony or agreement.

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

Use "are incompatible with" to express that two things cannot work together or are fundamentally opposed. For example, "His political views "do not align with" the party's core values, which makes them incompatible with each other".

What are some alternatives to "are incompatible with"?

You can use alternatives like ""do not align with"", "are at odds with", or "are inconsistent with" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "are incompatible with" or "cannot coexist with"?

Both "are incompatible with" and "cannot coexist with" express a similar idea, but "are incompatible with" is generally broader. "Cannot coexist with" specifically emphasizes the inability to exist together in the same space or time.