be compatible

USAGE SUMMARY

"be compatible" is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing two or more entities, people, or things that are able to exist and work together without difficulties or issues. For example, "The two operating systems must be compatible in order for the program to work properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Those may not be compatible".

The New York Times - Science

You have to be compatible.

The Guardian

Of course they can be compatible.

The Guardian - Opinion

They don't think we'd be compatible".

The New York Times

Not all bad...'." Can the two traditions ever be compatible?

The Guardian - Music

That could be compatible with cabinet government and collective responsibility.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dance music has proved to be compatible with nearly anyone.

The New Yorker

But what they create should be compatible with what's there".

The New York Times

It will be compatible with existing smartphones, tablets and computers.

The Economist

And he, if nobody else, believed the goals to be compatible.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Morgan said the software would soon be compatible with Netscape Navigator.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be compatible", ensure that the subjects you are comparing are clearly defined and that the context provides a clear understanding of what aspects are compatible.

Common error

Avoid stating that two things "be compatible" without specifying the context or aspect of compatibility. Be specific about how they are compatible to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be compatible" functions primarily as a predicate adjective phrase, describing a state of agreement, suitability, or harmonious coexistence between two or more entities. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be compatible" is a versatile expression used to describe the harmonious coexistence or effective interaction between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in a variety of contexts, ranging from scientific research to news reports. Its frequency suggests that it is a fundamental concept in communication, highlighting the importance of agreement and suitability. When employing "be compatible", it is vital to provide context and specific details regarding the areas of compatibility to prevent ambiguity. Overall, "be compatible" is a valuable and reliable phrase for expressing the capacity of different elements to work together effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be suitable

Focuses on the appropriateness of something for a specific purpose or situation.

be well-matched

Indicates a good pairing or combination.

be interoperable

Specifically highlights the ability of systems or components to work together.

be consistent

Emphasizes uniformity or a lack of contradiction.

be harmonious

Emphasizes a pleasing or congruent arrangement.

be coherent

Highlights logical and consistent relationships.

be congruous

Stresses the alignment or agreement between things.

be attuned

Implies sensitivity and responsiveness, leading to compatibility.

be reconcilable

Suggests that differences can be resolved to achieve compatibility.

be consonant

Highlights agreement or harmony, often in a more formal context.

FAQs

How to use "be compatible" in a sentence?

Use "be compatible" to describe the ability of two or more things to exist or work together without conflict. For example, "The new software needs to "be compatible" with the existing operating system."

What can I say instead of "be compatible"?

You can use alternatives like "be suitable", "be interoperable", or "be harmonious" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be compatible with" or "be compatible to"?

"Be compatible with" is the correct and more common usage. "Compatible to" is less frequent and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What's the difference between "be compatible" and "be compliant"?

"Be compatible" means able to exist together without conflict, while "be compliant" means conforming to a rule or standard. They are not interchangeable.