inconsistently

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "inconsistently" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not done in the same way all the time. For example, "The school district's policies are implemented inconsistently, causing confusion among parents and teachers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is hard to have a consistent position on U.S. immigration laws, partly because the laws themselves seem so inconsistent, and inconsistently enforced: an immigrant who evades armed guards at the border might subsequently arrive in a so-called sanctuary city, in which the federal statutes seem not to apply.

The New Yorker

Current regulations, Obama said, were inconsistent and, often, inconsistently enforced.

The New Yorker

Moreover, there is a possibility for backward causation implicit in the advanced wave front of inconsistency affecting earlier states in the inconsistently identified smear of spatial positions; and backward causation may be the way to go with quantum nonlocality, as Huw Price (1996) has argued.

SEP

They are, though, agreed on one thing: the rules are an inconsistently applied mess.

The Guardian

The effective ban by the established West German parties on working with the PDS was first broken in eastern Germany and in Berlin – with the Social Democrats somewhat inconsistently maintaining that coalitions in the west remained a taboo.

The Guardian - Opinion

The protagonists are all referred to locally by single-name tags, chosen, at first sight, inconsistently.

The Economist

Such a view would threaten affirmative action, an institution prized by leftists, and treated inconsistently by a court that is as divided as public opinion is on the subject.

The Economist

Many of those who criticise peace talks with the AUC are, inconsistently, also hostile to Mr Uribe's military build-up.

The Economist

A report by the Southern African Migration Project (SAMP) concludes that farmers could pay a bit more, but that they would have to pay a lot more to attract South Africans.Immigration laws are applied inconsistently in different parts of South Africa, so hiring practices vary too.

The Economist

Florida's law, a study by a local paper concluded, has been applied inconsistently and in odd ways: to exonerate gang members involved in a deadly shoot-out with an AK-47, for example.

The Economist

Some complain that the rules are meted out inconsistently: not a few people still use the site to raise money for cosmetic surgery (body mutilation?).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "inconsistently", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking consistency. For example, instead of saying "The data was applied inconsistently", specify "The data was applied inconsistently across different departments".

Common error

Avoid using "inconsistently" without specifying the domain or criteria where the inconsistency occurs. Vague statements like "He behaved inconsistently" lack impact. Be precise: "He behaved inconsistently with the company's ethical guidelines".

Linguistic Context

The adverb "inconsistently" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating a lack of uniformity or predictability in the way an action is performed or a quality is exhibited. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "inconsistently" is a grammatically sound and versatile adverb used to denote a lack of uniformity or predictability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it frequently appears in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific texts, making it suitable for a variety of registers. To use it effectively, always specify the context in which the inconsistency occurs to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "sporadically" or "erratically" to add nuance. By following these guidelines, you can leverage "inconsistently" to express a nuanced observation about the variability of a situation or action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sporadically

Emphasizes the irregular and infrequent nature of the action.

erratically

Highlights the unpredictable and often unstable nature of the behavior.

unevenly

Focuses on the lack of uniformity or balance in the way something is done.

variably

Suggests that the manner or degree changes depending on the circumstances.

unpredictably

Stresses the inability to foresee how something will be done.

intermittently

Indicates that the action happens at irregular intervals with pauses in between.

fitfully

Implies that the action occurs in short, irregular bursts.

capriciously

Suggests that the action is driven by whims or sudden impulses.

randomly

Emphasizes the absence of any discernible pattern or method.

arbitrarily

Highlights that the action is based on personal preference or convenience rather than reason.

FAQs

How do you use "inconsistently" in a sentence?

"Inconsistently" describes actions or behaviors that lack a predictable pattern. For example: "The rules were applied "inconsistently" across different regions".

What is a good alternative to "inconsistently"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "inconsistently" include "sporadically", "erratically", or "unevenly". Choose the word that best reflects the specific lack of consistency.

What does it mean when something is done "inconsistently"?

When something is done "inconsistently", it means it's not done in the same way every time. There is a lack of uniformity or predictability in how it is performed or applied.

Is it better to be consistent or "inconsistent"?

In most situations, consistency is preferred for fairness and predictability. However, in creative contexts or when adapting to change, being strategically "inconsistent" might be beneficial.