be incompatible with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be incompatible with" 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 older operating systems, causing several issues for users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dignity should not be incompatible with opportunity.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

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

The Guardian

Politics interferes with funding, while economic growth may be incompatible with environmental risks.

The Guardian

Probably not – because that would surely be incompatible with being so addictive and entertaining.

The Guardian - Tech

But the CD turned out to be incompatible with the Starbucks sound system.

The New York Times

It is that the logic of institutional self-preservation may be incompatible with moral clarity.

The New York Times - Books

Iraq said that any new resolution on the inspections would be "incompatible" with those agreements.

The New York Times

His critics considered this policy to be incompatible with a government accountable to the people.

The New Yorker

(The DVDs turned out to be incompatible with the British system).

The New York Times

But such a discrepancy seems to be incompatible with the existence of knowledge.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "conflict with" or "be inconsistent with" to vary your writing and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "be incompatible with" in overly general statements without specifying the exact nature of the incompatibility. For example, instead of saying "The systems are incompatible", specify "The new software system is incompatible with the existing hardware due to outdated drivers."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be incompatible with" primarily functions as a relational phrase, indicating a state of discord or inability of two or more entities to coexist harmoniously or function effectively together. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be incompatible with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that denotes a state of conflict or lack of alignment between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. Its usage spans various contexts, from formal academic writing to general news reporting. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the elements in conflict are clearly defined. While synonyms like "conflict with" and "not be consistent with" offer variety, "be incompatible with" maintains a strong, formal tone suitable for diverse situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflict with

This alternative suggests a direct clash or opposition between two or more things.

not be consistent with

This implies a lack of alignment or agreement between different elements or ideas.

be at odds with

Suggests a state of disagreement or opposition, often implying a fundamental difference.

be inconsistent with

Focuses on the lack of uniformity or predictability between different elements.

not be harmonious with

Emphasizes the lack of pleasing or congruent combination.

be contradictory to

Highlights the presence of opposing or conflicting elements.

be irreconcilable with

Stresses the impossibility of bringing two things into agreement or harmony.

clash with

This is a more direct and forceful way to indicate a conflict.

fail to align with

This suggests a deviation from an expected or desired alignment.

be mutually exclusive with

This alternative highlights that two options or situations cannot exist or be true at the same time.

FAQs

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

You can use "be incompatible with" to show that two or more things cannot coexist or function together effectively. For example: "The new software is "be incompatible with" the older operating system".

What are some alternatives to "be incompatible with"?

Some alternatives include "conflict with", "not be consistent with", or "be at odds with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Be incompatible with" is the correct and standard phrasing. "Incompatible to" is grammatically incorrect. Always use the preposition "with" after "incompatible".

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

While both phrases convey a lack of compatibility, "be incompatible with" suggests a stronger, more fundamental conflict or inability to function together. "Not compatible with" is a more general and neutral expression.