are inconsistent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are inconsistent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where things do not match or align with each other in terms of logic, behavior, or data. Example: "The results of the experiment are inconsistent with our initial hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are inconsistent.

The New York Times

And they are inconsistent.

The Economist

Several dancers are inconsistent.

The New York Times - Arts

All are inconsistent.

The Guardian - Sport

His policies are inconsistent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those decisions, however, are inconsistent.

The Economist

Even the desserts are inconsistent.

The New York Times

Firewalls and network logs are inconsistent.

The Economist

However, the results are inconsistent.

Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases

Moreover, the measures of "success" are inconsistent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I don't think they are inconsistent".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are inconsistent", ensure that the subjects being compared are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The survey results are inconsistent with the previous findings."

Common error

Avoid using "are inconsistent" when referring to a singular subject. Instead, use "is inconsistent". For instance, say "This policy is inconsistent with our values" instead of "This policy are inconsistent with our values".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are inconsistent" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject being not consistent. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing results, policies, claims, and even people, emphasizing a lack of uniformity or agreement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are inconsistent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for highlighting a lack of consistency or agreement across various subjects. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and applicable across a wide array of contexts. Appearing frequently in both scientific and news media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. Related phrases include alternatives such as "do not align" and "are contradictory", offering nuances in meaning. When utilizing "are inconsistent", clarity in subject definition is crucial, and care should be taken to ensure agreement in number between the subject and verb. By understanding its function, purpose, and common alternatives, writers can effectively use "are inconsistent" to convey discrepancies and inconsistencies in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not align

This alternative suggests a lack of correspondence or agreement.

are contradictory

This implies a direct opposition or conflict between elements.

are not in agreement

This indicates a discrepancy or lack of consensus.

are not uniform

This suggests a lack of consistency or regularity.

are at variance

This denotes a state of disagreement or conflict.

are incompatible

This implies an inability to coexist or function harmoniously.

lack coherence

This suggests a lack of logical connection or consistency.

are discrepant

This indicates a noticeable difference or inconsistency.

diverge

This implies a separation or deviation from a common point or standard.

don't match up

This is a more informal way of saying that things do not correspond or agree.

FAQs

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

You can use "are inconsistent" to describe situations where two or more things do not align or agree. For example, "The witness statements "are inconsistent" with the evidence at the crime scene."

What's the difference between "are inconsistent" and "are contradictory"?

"Are inconsistent" implies a lack of uniformity or agreement, while "are contradictory" suggests a direct opposition or conflict. "The findings are inconsistent" means they don't align perfectly, whereas "The findings are contradictory" means they directly oppose each other.

What are some alternatives to "are inconsistent"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "do not align", "are discrepant", or "are incompatible".

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

Yes, but the choice depends on the subject. Use "is inconsistent" with singular subjects (e.g., "The report is inconsistent"), and "are inconsistent" with plural subjects (e.g., "The reports "are inconsistent"").