is inconsistent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is inconsistent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that does not align or match with other information or standards. Example: "The results of the experiment are inconsistent with the initial hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their offense is inconsistent.

The New York Times - Sports

This is inconsistent.

The New York Times

Yet he is inconsistent.

The Guardian - Arts

The decision is inconsistent.

The New Yorker

Unfortunately, this feature is inconsistent.

The New York Times - Tech

Charles's hand placement is inconsistent.

The New York Times

Yet Dylan's art is inconsistent.

The New York Times - Books

The run game is inconsistent".

The New York Times

Their offensive line is inconsistent.

The New York Times - Sports

Williamson says Labour is inconsistent.

The Guardian

"But his fastball is inconsistent.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is inconsistent", clearly specify what it is inconsistent with to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The data is inconsistent", say "The data is inconsistent with the previous findings."

Common error

Avoid using "is inconsistent" without providing specific examples or evidence of the inconsistency. Simply stating that something is inconsistent without elaboration weakens your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is inconsistent" functions as a predicative adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its lack of consistency. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function across diverse contexts. The phrase, according to Ludwig AI, is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is inconsistent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig and its numerous examples. Its primary function is to describe a lack of consistency or alignment. While its register varies depending on the context, it's commonly found in news, scientific, and formal writing. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to specify what the subject is inconsistent with. Remember to avoid overgeneralizing the inconsistency without providing specific examples or evidence. The phrase is so well-established in the English language that it's suitable for different types of communication and is considered safe to use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not consistent

Uses a negative construction to express the lack of consistency.

is contradictory

Highlights the presence of conflicting elements.

is not in agreement

Emphasizes the lack of harmony or alignment.

is at variance

Indicates a state of disagreement or opposition.

is discrepant

Focuses on noticeable differences or discrepancies.

is self-contradictory

Highlights internal inconsistency within a statement or system.

does not align

Emphasizes the lack of alignment with expectations or standards.

lacks coherence

Focuses on the absence of logical connection or clarity.

is irregular

Emphasizes a lack of uniformity or pattern.

is unpredictable

Highlights the lack of consistent behavior or outcome.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is inconsistent" is used to describe something that does not align with other information, standards, or expectations. For example: "The witness's testimony "is inconsistent" with the police report."

What are some alternatives to saying "is inconsistent"?

You can use alternatives such as "is contradictory", "is not consistent", or "does not align" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "is inconsistent" or "are inconsistent"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is inconsistent" with singular subjects (e.g., "The result "is inconsistent""). Use "are inconsistent" with plural subjects (e.g., "The results "are inconsistent"").

What's the difference between "is inconsistent" and "is contradictory"?

"Is inconsistent" suggests a general lack of alignment or harmony, while "is contradictory" implies a direct opposition or conflict between two things.