be inconsistent with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be inconsistent with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation where something does not align or match with another thing, such as facts, beliefs, or actions. Example: "His statements seem to be inconsistent with the evidence presented in the report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Therefore it would be inconsistent with the sponsor's intent to approve this appropriation".

The New York Times

That seems to be inconsistent with a market-clearing model, no?

The New Yorker

Plus it would be inconsistent with what Iran, Saudi Arabia and Russia need, Roberts said.

The Guardian - Business

It would, however, be inconsistent with the approach of the Strasbourg court.

The Guardian

"Maybe he considered professions of religious partisanship to be inconsistent with his sense of public decorum.

The New York Times - Books

"This outcome appears to be inconsistent with other recent, widely discussed N.C.A.A. decisions".

The New York Times - Sports

"That would be inconsistent with the 'accept and use' language," she said.

The New York Times

That doesn't have to be inconsistent with what Wal-Mart had to say.

The New York Times

He said the government could not pass any law that would be inconsistent with Islamic law.

The New York Times

Such pacing would be inconsistent with the urgency of this round.

The New York Times

"Mr Haq has properties which appear to be inconsistent with his known sources of income and that requires an explanation".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be inconsistent with" to highlight discrepancies between facts, statements, or actions, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing. This phrase effectively communicates a lack of alignment or agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "be inconsistent with" when a simpler term like "disagree" or "differ" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or complex. Choose the simplest and most direct way to express your idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be inconsistent with" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the relationship between two entities that do not align or agree. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples show its use in various contexts to highlight discrepancies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be inconsistent with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a lack of alignment or agreement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is acceptable for use in written English. It commonly appears in News & Media, Scientific and Formal & Business contexts to point out discrepancies. While there are several alternatives such as "contradict" or "not align with", it's crucial to use the phrase appropriately, avoiding overuse in situations where simpler terms would suffice. This comprehensive analysis offers guidance on its proper usage, related phrases, and potential pitfalls, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not align with

Emphasizes a lack of correspondence or agreement, focusing on the absence of alignment.

contradict

Implies a direct opposition or conflict, suggesting a stronger disagreement than simply not being consistent.

be incompatible with

Highlights the impossibility of existing together harmoniously, suggesting a fundamental conflict.

be in conflict with

Directly states a state of opposition, emphasizing the presence of a clash.

not correspond with

Stresses the absence of a direct relationship or match, focusing on the lack of correspondence.

clash with

Suggests a conflict or disagreement, often implying a more forceful opposition.

be at odds with

Indicates a state of disagreement or conflict, highlighting a fundamental difference.

stand in contrast to

Highlights a clear difference or opposition, emphasizing the contrasting nature.

deviate from

Suggests a departure from an established course or standard, emphasizing the act of diverging.

differ from

Indicates a divergence or dissimilarity, highlighting the points of difference.

FAQs

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

You can use "be inconsistent with" to show a lack of agreement or logical coherence. For example, "His actions "are inconsistent with" his words" or "The data appears "to be inconsistent with" the hypothesis."

What are some alternatives to "be inconsistent with"?

Alternatives include "contradict", "not align with", "be at odds with", or "clash with". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to use "be inconsistent with" or "disagree with"?

"Be inconsistent with" tends to be more formal and is often used in academic, legal, or professional contexts. "Disagree with" is more commonly used in everyday conversation and less formal writing.

What is the difference between "be inconsistent with" and "contradict"?

"Be inconsistent with" implies a lack of alignment or logical coherence, while "contradict" suggests a direct opposition or conflict. "Contradict" is stronger and implies a more forceful disagreement.