are not compatible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not compatible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that two or more items, ideas, or systems do not work well together or cannot coexist. Example: "The new software update and the older operating system are not compatible, which may cause functionality issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They are not compatible.

The New York Times

These worlds are not compatible.

The Guardian

Their track sets, however, are not compatible.

The New York Times - Tech

These are not compatible ways of seeing.

The New York Times

The two positions are not compatible.

The New York Times

These two things, they are not compatible.

The New Yorker

TiVo units that incorporate DirecTV tuners are not compatible.

The New York Times - Tech

As the techies might say, the two are not compatible.

The New York Times

Nationalism and economic competence are not compatible concepts.

Independent

Moreover, Wi-Fi/802.11b and the Atheros-backed 802.11a formats are not compatible.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Treatments for the two components of dissolved organic matter oxygen demand and hazardous are not compatible.

Industrial Waste Treatment Contemporary Practice and Vision for the Future

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not compatible", clearly specify what two or more things are incompatible to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "They are not compatible", specify "This software and that operating system are not compatible".

Common error

Avoid using "are not compatible" in overly broad statements without providing specific context. Unclear statements like "Their personalities are not compatible" can be vague; instead, clarify which specific personality traits clash.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not compatible" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the relationship between two or more subjects. It indicates a lack of harmonious coexistence or functional integration. Ludwig provides numerous examples in diverse contexts to illustrate this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are not compatible" is a versatile phrase used to express that two or more things cannot effectively coexist or function together. As Ludwig AI confirms, this grammatically sound phrase is widely used across diverse fields such as news, science, and general writing. While it is frequently used, it's crucial to provide a specific context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "do not work together" or "are incompatible" can be used for variety. By specifying what is incompatible and why, you can ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not work together

Emphasizes the inability to function as a unit.

are incompatible

A more formal synonym, stressing the impossibility of coexistence.

cannot coexist

Highlights the inability to exist in the same space or system.

do not align

Focuses on the lack of agreement or correspondence.

are not consistent

Indicates a lack of uniformity or coherence.

are mismatched

Suggests an unsuitable pairing or combination.

are discordant

Implies a lack of harmony or agreement.

are mutually exclusive

Highlights that the presence of one prevents the existence of the other.

cannot be reconciled

Emphasizes the impossibility of resolving differences.

are at odds

Indicates a state of conflict or disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "are not compatible" in a sentence?

Use "are not compatible" to indicate that two or more things cannot coexist or function together effectively. For instance, "These two applications "do not work together" because they use different file formats".

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

While "are not compatible" and "are incompatible" are often interchangeable, "are not compatible" can sometimes imply a functional issue, whereas "are incompatible" might suggest a more fundamental difference or opposition.

Which is a more formal way to say "are not compatible"?

A more formal way to express "are not compatible" is to say "are incompatible" or "cannot coexist", especially in academic or professional contexts.

What are some alternatives to using "are not compatible" in technical writing?

In technical writing, instead of "are not compatible", consider using phrases like "do not align", "are not consistent", or "are mismatched" to provide a more nuanced description of the issue.