are mutually inconsistent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are mutually inconsistent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing two or more statements, ideas, or theories that cannot coexist or be true at the same time. Example: "The two theories presented in the paper are mutually inconsistent, leading to confusion about the underlying principles."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Many students recognise these goals are mutually inconsistent.

The Guardian - Opinion

And they are mutually inconsistent.

Forbes

(39) and (41) are mutually inconsistent.

SEP

That is, P and ~P are mutually inconsistent and cannot be both true (LNC), and they are mutually exhaustive (LEM).

SEP

But if several theories of the same system are predictively successful and if these theories are mutually inconsistent, they cannot all be true, not even approximately.

SEP

The modal or causal asymmetry of time, a transfer of necessity principle, and the supposition of infallible foreknowledge are mutually inconsistent.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

They're mutually inconsistent, for one thing.

The Economist

Yet some of those equalities can be mutually inconsistent.

The Economist

He argued that current technology may make it easier to achieve the twin goals—"once thought to be mutually inconsistent"—of liquidity and competition.

The Economist

Each principle separately seemed to him self-evident, but when taken together they seems to be mutually inconsistent.

SEP

While hundreds of studies have investigated the impact of country image on quality evaluation of foreign products, results have been mutually inconsistent.

Journal of Business Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid redundancy by making sure you are not simply restating the inconsistency with different words after the phrase; instead, elaborate on the implications of their incompatibility.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "are mutually inconsistent" when the items are merely different or unrelated, not actually in conflict. Make sure the items actively negate or contradict each other, rather than just being distinct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are mutually inconsistent" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the relationship between two or more subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are mutually inconsistent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a relationship where two or more things cannot coexist or be simultaneously true. According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in both scientific and news contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the contradiction between the subjects is clear and actively negates each other. Alternatives such as "are incompatible" or "are contradictory" may be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are incompatible

Replaces 'mutually inconsistent' with a single word indicating a lack of compatibility.

are contradictory

Focuses on the direct opposition between the items.

are at odds

Emphasizes the conflict or disagreement between the items.

cannot coexist

Highlights the inability of the items to exist together.

are irreconcilable

Stresses that the differences cannot be resolved.

are conflicting

Similar to 'contradictory' but perhaps implying a less direct opposition.

are logically disjoint

Highlights that the sets have no shared elements and can't exist together

are mutually exclusive

The items prevent each other from occurring, focusing on the fact of precluding each other.

represent a paradox

Highlights the seeming absurdity of both items being true.

stand in opposition

Emphasizes the confrontational relationship between the items.

FAQs

What does "are mutually inconsistent" mean?

The phrase "are mutually inconsistent" means that two or more ideas, statements, or actions cannot all be true or valid at the same time. They contradict each other in some fundamental way.

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

You can use "are mutually inconsistent" to describe theories, beliefs, or even goals. For example, "The two economic policies "are mutually inconsistent", as one promotes inflation while the other aims for deflation."

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

While similar, "are mutually inconsistent" emphasizes the inability of the items to coexist, whereas "are contradictory" focuses on their direct opposition. "Are contradictory" suggests a more direct clash, while "are mutually inconsistent" can imply a more subtle incompatibility.

What are some alternatives to saying "are mutually inconsistent"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "are incompatible", "are at odds", or "cannot coexist". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.