it is incompatible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is incompatible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it 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

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If it means a system of dogma regarded as unquestionably true," he writes, "it is incompatible with the scientific spirit, which refuses to accept matters of fact without evidence, and also holds that complete certainty is hardly ever attainable".

The Guardian - Opinion

The British government must rewrite its mass data surveillance legislation because it is incompatible with European law, the high court has ruled.

The Guardian - Tech

Women are more likely to return an item if it is not what they expected, while men are more likely to return a non-clothing item because it is incompatible or not useful for its intended purpose, Royal Mail found.

BBC

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

The New Yorker

It is incompatible with other storage groups and should be stored seperately.

Princeton University

Islam as an entire religion is responsible, they cry: it is incompatible with "western values".

The Guardian - Opinion

It is incompatible with any promise of a job for life.

Harvard Business Review

May says she has had advice saying it is incompatible with the ECHR.

The Guardian

But it is incompatible with the European convention on human rights.

The Guardian

"Western democracy as we know it is incompatible with Zionism," he said.

The New York Times

Austria, Ireland, Finland and Sweden say that it is incompatible with their traditions of neutrality.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "it is incompatible" when highlighting fundamental conflicts or discrepancies that cannot be easily resolved or reconciled.

Common error

Avoid using "it is incompatible" for minor inconveniences or preferences. Reserve it for situations where a genuine functional or logical conflict exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is incompatible" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes a state or condition where two or more entities cannot coexist or function together effectively. Ludwig shows that this phrase connects a subject with a property of not being able to work in conjunction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

26%

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is incompatible" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for denoting conflict or non-coexistence between two or more entities. It functions as a predicative adjective phrase, primarily serving to highlight contradictions or fundamental discrepancies. While versatile, it is important to ensure it's used for genuine incompatibilities, not mere inconveniences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is common across various contexts, including science, news, and formal writing. Related phrases, such as "it clashes with" and "it is inconsistent with", offer alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is irreconcilable with

Highlights that the elements are incapable of being brought into harmony or agreement.

it is mutually exclusive with

Highlights that the two things prevent each other.

it is contradictory to

Emphasizes a direct logical contradiction.

it is inconsistent with

Emphasizes a lack of logical consistency.

it is at odds with

Suggests a direct conflict or opposition.

it clashes with

Replaces "is incompatible" with a verb that suggests conflict or disagreement.

it cannot coexist with

Focuses on the impossibility of simultaneous existence or function.

it does not align with

Highlights a misalignment or lack of coordination.

it is not in harmony with

Emphasizes the lack of agreement or concord.

it is unsuited for

Emphasizes that one thing isn't appropriate for other thing.

FAQs

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

Use "it is incompatible" to indicate that two or more things cannot coexist or function together effectively. For instance, "This software version "is incompatible" with your operating system".

What phrases can I use instead of "it is incompatible"?

Alternatives include "it clashes with", "it is inconsistent with", or "it does not align with", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "it is incompatible with" or "it is incompatible to"?

"It is incompatible with" is the correct form. "With" is the appropriate preposition to use in this context. "It is incompatible to" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "it is incompatible with" and "it is inconsistent with"?

"It is incompatible with" suggests a functional or operational conflict, while "it is inconsistent with" implies a logical contradiction or lack of coherence. For example: "The software "is incompatible with" the hardware" versus "His actions "are inconsistent with" his beliefs".