incoherence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incoherence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a lack of clarity or logical connection in speech or writing. Example: "The incoherence of his argument made it difficult for the audience to follow his point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He experienced a mixture of euphoria, hallucination and incoherence, and an extremely rapid flow of ideas.

The Guardian - Books

On one level this incoherence is a good thing, as is the fact that even within the far right, alliances have regularly broken down.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was extremely effectively in highlighting both the extremism and incoherence of Ryan's ideology, and his forcing Ryan to admit that he sought stimulus money, after trashing the stimulus bill as corrupt, was lethal.

The Guardian

Mr Yeltsin's handlers presumably do not want the world to hear the incoherence into which Russia's first elected leader has lapsed.Kremlin courtiers down the centuries have realised that tsars in their dotage and decrepit party bosses have their uses.

The Economist

Small steps A family affair Skimming In praise of holy fudge Reprints Related items A nation apartNov 6th 2003 America's deficits: A flood of red inkNov 6th 2003 Politics and Iraq: The home frontNov 6th 2003 Anti-Americanism: Hail on the chiefNov 6th 2003One answer to this final question is that incoherence is one of the luxuries of impotence.

The Economist

Mr Haldenby talks of "intellectual incoherence" in proposals such as the graduate tax suggested by Vince Cable, the business secretary, and the simultaneous reduction in inflation protection for public-sector pensioners and improved indexation for the universal state pension.The free-market groups are also disappointed with the approach to deficit-cutting.

The Economist

The anti-globalisation movement, so promising at the time of the 1999 Seattle demonstrations, fell apart, a victim of its own incoherence.

The Economist

But when the dust settles, the incoherence of taking a wild swing may become clear for all to see.

The Economist

AMERICA'S security is "threatened less by Russia's strength than by its weakness and incoherence," wrote Condoleezza Rice, now America's secretary of state, in 2000, shortly before Vladimir Putin and George Bush were elevated to their countries' presidencies.

The Economist

This incoherence is directly related to politicians' failure to have the courage of their convictions.

The Economist

In America, regulation will be no more effective this time than last.JOHN BLUNDELLAuckland, New ZealandSIR Your article on the hypocrisy and incoherence of America's energy policy is on target but has two important omissions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incoherence", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking coherence. Be specific about the elements that don't align or connect logically.

Common error

Avoid using "incoherence" in already convoluted sentences. Simplify the sentence structure first to ensure the lack of coherence is easily identifiable, and the use of "incoherence" adds clarity rather than further obfuscation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "incoherence" is as a noun. It refers to the state or quality of lacking logical connection or clear understanding. Ludwig AI shows that it's commonly used to describe flaws in arguments or policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The noun "incoherence" signifies a lack of logical connection or clarity, frequently used to critique flaws in arguments, policies, or presentations. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalent use in news and media, business, and academic contexts. While grammatically correct and widely understood, effective use requires clear specification of the elements lacking coherence. Synonyms include "inconsistency", "disparity", and "mismatch", each subtly altering the emphasis. By avoiding overly complex sentence constructions, writers can harness "incoherence" to improve clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inconsistency

Highlights a failure to remain the same in behavior, attitude, or principles.

lack of clarity

Highlights the absence of clearness or precision in expression or thought.

muddled thinking

Focuses on a confused or disorganized thought process.

lack of consistency

Emphasizes the absence of uniformity or steadiness in thought or action.

lack of cohesion

Indicates the absence of unity or connectedness in a set of ideas or arguments.

contradictory nature

Indicates the presence of conflicting elements or ideas.

irrationality

Emphasizes the quality of being illogical or unreasonable.

logical fallacy

Focuses on a flaw in reasoning or a misleading argument.

want of logic

Emphasizes a deficiency of sound reasoning or valid principles.

disconnect

Implies a lack of connection or agreement between different parts.

FAQs

How can I use "incoherence" in a sentence?

You can use "incoherence" to describe a lack of logical connection or clarity. For example: "The "incoherence of" his argument made it difficult to follow."

What are some synonyms for "incoherence"?

Alternatives to "incoherence" include "inconsistency", "disparity", and "mismatch", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "incoherence" or "incoherency"?

"Incoherence" and "incoherency" are largely interchangeable, but "incoherence" is more commonly used. Both refer to the quality of lacking logical connection or clarity.

What causes "incoherence" in writing?

"Incoherence" in writing can arise from a lack of clear organization, contradictory statements, or a failure to connect ideas logically. Ensuring a clear structure and consistent viewpoint can help avoid "incoherence".