be incompatible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be incompatible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more elements cannot coexist or function together effectively. Example: "The new software update seems to be incompatible with the older operating system, causing frequent crashes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Dignity should not be incompatible with opportunity.

The New York Times

Those two aims may be incompatible.

The Economist

This, however, would be incompatible with capitalism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tastelessness and funniness need not be incompatible.

The New York Times

The two claims seemed at face value to be incompatible.

The Guardian

There's no reason why education should be incompatible with craftsmanship...

The New York Times

These are the questions, and they may be incompatible.

The Guardian - Arts

Continuous improvement doesn't have to be incompatible with disruptive innovation.

Harvard Business Review

Upstream and downstream uses can also be incompatible.

Developments in Water Science

They cannot give us anything that would be incompatible with the EU treaties".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mods may be incompatible.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be incompatible" to highlight fundamental, often unresolvable, differences between concepts or systems.

Common error

Avoid using "be incompatible" when describing minor differences or preferences. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the discrepancies are substantial and create a genuine impediment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be incompatible" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state where two or more entities cannot harmoniously coexist or function together. As Ludwig AI states, this usage is correct in English, evidenced by various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

30%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be incompatible" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to express that two or more things cannot coexist or function harmoniously. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "not be compatible" or "be mutually exclusive" exist, "be incompatible" serves as a versatile and widely understood option for conveying discordance or conflict. Ensure clarity by specifying what is being compared and avoid using it for minor discrepancies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not be compatible

Replaces "incompatible" with its direct antonym, maintaining the core meaning of non-alignment.

cannot coexist

Directly states the inability of two things to exist together peacefully or effectively.

be mutually exclusive

Emphasizes the impossibility of both elements existing or being true at the same time.

be irreconcilable

Highlights the inability to bring two differing things into agreement or harmony.

be contradictory

Focuses on the conflicting nature of two elements, where one negates the other.

be inconsistent

Suggests a lack of uniformity or coherence between two things.

be mismatched

Indicates an unsuitable pairing or combination due to differences.

be incongruous

Highlights the lack of harmony or appropriateness in combining two elements.

be at odds

Implies a state of disagreement or conflict between two entities.

be unsuited

Emphasizes the lack of fitness or appropriateness of one thing for another.

FAQs

How can I use "be incompatible" in a sentence?

The phrase "be incompatible" is used to describe two or more things that cannot coexist or function together effectively due to fundamental differences. For example, "The new software update seems to "be incompatible" with the older operating system, causing frequent crashes."

What are some alternatives to "be incompatible"?

Alternatives include phrases like "not be compatible", "be mutually exclusive", or "be irreconcilable", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean when something is described as "incompatible"?

When something is described as "incompatible", it means that it cannot work or exist harmoniously with something else. This can refer to technical systems, personal relationships, or even conflicting ideas.

Is it always negative when things "be incompatible"?

Yes, the phrase "be incompatible" typically carries a negative connotation, as it implies a hindrance or conflict. It suggests that the inability to coexist or function together is undesirable.