is incompatible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is 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 is incompatible with the older operating system, causing several issues for users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Melancholy is incompatible with cycling.

The Guardian

"Peace is incompatible with terrorism," they said.

The Economist

"But improvisation is incompatible with modern bureaucracy".

The New York Times

Homosexuality is incompatible with the priestly vocation.

The New York Times

Extreme greed is incompatible with healthy, long-term economic planning.

The New York Times

A boycott decision is incompatible with open democratic discourse".

The Guardian

For him, plotting is incompatible with the spontaneity of creation.

The Guardian - Books

"This is incompatible with the practice of modern medicine.

The Guardian

"Sharia is incompatible with western civilisation," he said.

The Guardian

Perhaps it is incompatible with language, a place "beyond words".

The New Yorker

It is Islamization that is incompatible with democracy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing technical specifications, always double-check compatibility charts to ensure that items are compatible before stating something "is incompatible".

Common error

Avoid stating that something "is incompatible" without specifying what it is incompatible with. Be precise about the context of the incompatibility to prevent confusion. For example, instead of saying 'This software is incompatible', specify 'This software is incompatible with older operating systems'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is incompatible" functions primarily as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes a subject by asserting that it cannot coexist or function properly with something else. As seen in Ludwig, it’s used to express fundamental conflicts or mismatches.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is incompatible" is a versatile and frequently used expression that denotes a state where two or more elements cannot coexist or function together effectively. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, ranging from formal and scientific to news and media. Its primary function is to declare non-conformance, often serving to inform or warn about potential conflicts or limitations. While generally maintaining a neutral to formal register, its usage remains consistent and authoritative, underscoring its importance in clear and precise communication. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is incompatible with what to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not compatible

Uses "not compatible" instead of "incompatible", creating a slightly more direct and less formal tone.

cannot coexist with

Emphasizes the inability to exist together, focusing on the co-occurrence aspect.

are mutually exclusive with

Highlights the exclusivity between the two elements, suggesting that one precludes the other.

do not align with

Focuses on the lack of alignment or agreement between the elements.

are in conflict with

Indicates a clash or opposition between the elements.

are contradictory to

Suggests a direct contradiction or opposition between the two elements.

are irreconcilable with

Implies that the differences are too great to be resolved or harmonized.

are not in harmony with

Emphasizes a lack of harmonious relationship or agreement.

clash with

Suggests a forceful disagreement or conflict.

are adverse to

Highlights the opposing or unfavorable nature of one element towards the other.

FAQs

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

Use "is incompatible" to describe when two things cannot exist together or function correctly. For example, "That software "is incompatible" with this operating system" or "Their political views "are incompatible" with each other".

What are some alternatives to "is incompatible"?

Alternatives include "is not compatible", "cannot coexist with", or "are mutually exclusive". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct: "is incompatible with" or "is incompatible to"?

"Is incompatible with" is the correct usage. "Incompatible" typically requires the preposition "with" to connect the two incompatible elements.

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

While both phrases convey the same meaning, "is incompatible" tends to sound slightly more formal and definitive, whereas ""is not compatible"" is more straightforward and less technical.