are not consistent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are not consistent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where things do not align or match in a reliable manner. Example: "The results of the experiment are not consistent with our initial hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sanitation practices are not consistent.

The New York Times

These things are not consistent.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The buttons are not consistent.

University of California, Berkeley

We are not consistent enough, though.

Independent

But their standards are not consistent.

The New York Times - Sports

It is also claimed that the rules are not consistent.

The Guardian

The traditional approaches are not consistent with cost-benefit assessment.

Annals of Nuclear Energy

These effects, however, are not consistent across geographical regions.

Atmospheric Environment

These simulation results are not consistent with experimental observations.

Chemical Engineering Science

"The problem with young players is they are not consistent.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The conditions are not consistent with international norms for prisoners of war, he added.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are not consistent", ensure that you clearly specify what elements are inconsistent and the context in which they differ. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "are not consistent" without providing specific examples or evidence. Vague statements can weaken your argument and leave the reader unsure of the actual inconsistencies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not consistent" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as lacking uniformity or predictability. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used to express discrepancies in data, results, or behaviors across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

36%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not consistent" is a versatile expression used to denote a lack of uniformity or predictability across various domains. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically sound and widely applicable in both formal and informal contexts. Its primary function is to highlight discrepancies or variations that prevent elements from aligning with expectations. While alternatives like ""are inconsistent"" or ""lack consistency"" exist, the choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember to provide specific examples when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are inconsistent

Direct synonym, replacing "not consistent" with its antonym.

lack consistency

Focuses on the absence of consistency rather than stating inconsistency directly.

do not align

Emphasizes the lack of agreement or correspondence between elements.

are not in agreement

Highlights the absence of consensus or alignment.

vary greatly

Highlights the significant differences and lack of uniformity.

differ significantly

Stresses the notable discrepancies between items.

are discrepant

Focuses on the inconsistencies and contradictions present.

are at variance

Indicates disagreement or contradiction.

present contradictions

Emphasizes the presence of conflicting elements.

deviate from the norm

Indicates a departure from expected or standard behavior.

FAQs

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

You can use "are not consistent" to describe data, results, or behaviors that do not follow a predictable pattern or standard. For example, "The experimental results "are not consistent" across all trials".

What are some alternatives to saying "are not consistent"?

Alternatives include "are inconsistent", "do not align", or "lack consistency". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "are not consistent" or "are inconsistent"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Are inconsistent" is more concise, while "are not consistent" might sound slightly less formal. Choose the one that best fits the tone of your writing.

What does it mean when something "is not consistent"?

It means that the thing in question does not behave in a predictable or uniform way. There are variations that make it unreliable or difficult to generalize about.