it is not consistent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is not consistent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that lacks uniformity or coherence in various contexts, such as data, behavior, or arguments. Example: "The results of the experiment were troubling because it is not consistent with our previous findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ms. Blake noted that the Walker County organization built its last house in 2005 and that "it is not consistent to build a house and yet not have funds".

The New York Times

It is not consistent with what Long Island is all about -- residential, small homes.

The New York Times

"It is not consistent with what they have been saying privately".

The Guardian

It adds: "It is not consistent with limiting warming to below 2C, unless other countries make much deeper reductions and comparably greater effort".

The Guardian

It is not consistent with the work that we have undertaken alongside the judiciary and others in the past year to improve attitudes towards victims of abuse.

The Guardian

But it is not consistent with the Conservative message of two years ago and it is not, in the short term, supported by any economic consensus.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is a bad decision," said a spokeswoman, Susan Asmus, "and it is not consistent with the previous court rulings or with the Clean Water Act".

The New York Times

But while this suggests that Q4's 0.6% fall in GDP will not be repeated, it is not consistent with a strong recovery either.

The Guardian - Business

Having public debates regarding military strategies where everyone is honest and open, and the newspapers are dutifully reporting it, is not consistent with trying to keep an elusive enemy off balance and uncertain.

The New York Times

However, SIS has no record of any response to this email and it is not consistent with the evidence provided to the committee by the chief of SIS …" the report says.

The Guardian

To the Editor: The gauzy portrait painted by Frank R. Lindh of his son, John Walker Lindh, is the understandable pleading of a stricken father, but it is not consistent with the known facts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is not consistent", ensure the subject it refers to is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what lacks consistency or what it is inconsistent with.

Common error

Avoid using "it is not consistent" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, be specific about the nature of the inconsistency and its impact. Detail the specific discrepancies or variations rather than merely stating a lack of consistency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not consistent" typically serves as a statement of incongruity or variance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and usable, acting to highlight a deviation from an expected standard, pattern or norm. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is not consistent" serves to point out a lack of uniformity or agreement. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its neutral tone and applicability across various contexts make it a versatile expression for highlighting discrepancies or deviations from expected norms. While similar to "it is inconsistent", the subtle difference lies in the emphasis on a breach of expectation versus a broad statement of irregularity. When using this phrase, it is crucial to clearly define what 'it' refers to, as well as the specific context in which the inconsistency arises. This will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it lacks coherence

Focuses on the absence of a logical or meaningful connection between elements, rather than simply stating a lack of consistency.

it is at odds

Suggests a direct conflict or disagreement, which is a stronger assertion than simple inconsistency.

it doesn't align

Emphasizes a failure to correspond or match, highlighting a lack of harmony rather than just a lack of uniformity.

it is not in agreement

Specifically points out a disagreement or contradiction, often between different sources or pieces of information.

it deviates

Highlights a departure from a norm, standard, or expected pattern, which might imply inconsistency but also suggests a change or alteration.

it is erratic

Implies unpredictable or irregular behavior, emphasizing the instability and variability of something.

it is discrepant

Highlights notable differences or discrepancies between items, facts or statements.

it varies

Indicates fluctuation or change, emphasizing the instability and variability of something, but doesn't necessarily mean disagreement.

it is spotty

Suggests that it's only consistent sometimes, or not in every place or situation.

it is uneven

Suggests a lack of balance or regularity, emphasizing the disparity or variability in quality, quantity, or distribution.

FAQs

What does "it is not consistent" mean?

The phrase "it is not consistent" means that something lacks uniformity, predictability, or agreement. It indicates a deviation from an expected pattern or standard.

What can I say instead of "it is not consistent"?

You can use alternatives like "it lacks coherence", "it doesn't align", or "it is at odds" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it is not consistent"?

It's appropriate when describing data, behaviors, arguments, or any situation where there is a lack of expected uniformity or agreement. It is used to point out that something does not follow a regular pattern or standard.

How does "it is not consistent" differ from "it is inconsistent"?

While very similar, "it is not consistent" often implies a lack of adherence to a norm or expectation. "It is inconsistent" can more broadly highlight any difference, irregularity, or contradiction. Both are often interchangeable but choose depending on the nuance you intend to convey.