it lacks coherence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it lacks coherence" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a piece of writing, speech, or argument that is disorganized or difficult to follow. Example: "The essay was poorly structured, and as a result, it lacks coherence, making it hard for the reader to understand the main points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If it lacks coherence, that is because there is none to be revealed.

The New York Times - Arts

Lovemarks is a brilliant visual confection that would star on any coffee table, but as a business book it lacks coherence.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He said it failed to make the best use of the BBC's network of correspondents, and that editorially it lacked coherence with other news services.

The Guardian

One of two experts commissioned by Donnelly and Wiltshire to specifically examine the history curriculum, Professor Gregory Melleuish, suggested it lacked coherence, contained too much optional depth study and not enough core content, and was rigid and overly prescriptive.

The Guardian

Inevitably, Arc lacks coherence; it's the sound of a band working out who they want to be.

The Guardian - Music

Inevitably, Arc lacks coherence; it's the sound of a band working out who they want to be.

The Guardian - Music

Nissen's account of the murders, devised as it was to avoid a death sentence, lacks coherence.

The New Yorker

The hasty crisis-to-crisis policy decision-making lacks coherence for the obvious reason that it is more or less driven by a desire to please the stock market.

The New York Times

It is not possible, however, to identify his opponents, and at times his discussion lacks coherence.

SEP

Mittwoch contains some superb, sustained music, but lacks coherence.

Independent

The festival is running behind schedule and lacks coherence.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it lacks coherence", ensure that the subject you're describing has identifiable parts or elements that should logically connect. Otherwise, consider using phrases like "it is unclear" or "it is vague".

Common error

Avoid using "it lacks coherence" to describe something that is inherently abstract or subjective, where logical consistency isn't necessarily expected. For example, saying "the feeling lacks coherence" might be inaccurate; instead, describe the feeling as "ambiguous" or "unfocused".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it lacks coherence" typically functions as a statement or judgment about a subject, indicating that the subject fails to present a clear, logical, and consistent structure or argument. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing something disorganized or difficult to follow.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it lacks coherence" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-to-formally registered expression used to indicate a deficiency in logical consistency or clarity within a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase serves to critique or evaluate by highlighting a failure in unified structure or argument. While fairly common across news, media, and scientific domains, it's crucial to ensure the subject indeed possesses elements that should logically connect, distinguishing it from mere vagueness. Alternatives such as ""it is inconsistent"" or ""it is disjointed"" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is incoherent

This is a direct synonym, highlighting the absence of logical connection.

it is inconsistent

This alternative suggests a contradiction or variance in the subject's elements.

it is disjointed

This phrase emphasizes a lack of connection between the different parts of the subject.

it is disconnected

This indicates a lack of connection between elements, similar to 'disjointed'.

it is rambling

This implies that the subject wanders aimlessly without a clear focus.

it is illogical

This suggests a flaw in reasoning or a contradiction of logical principles.

it doesn't make sense

This expresses a general lack of comprehensibility or reason.

it is unintelligible

This indicates that the subject is impossible to understand.

it is muddled

This suggests that the subject is confused and unclear.

it is disorganized

This emphasizes a lack of structure or order in the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "it lacks coherence" in a sentence?

Use "it lacks coherence" to describe something that fails to present a clear, logical, and consistent argument or structure. For example, "The presentation was confusing because "it lacks coherence"".

What can I say instead of "it lacks coherence"?

You can use alternatives like "it is inconsistent", "it is disjointed", or "it is incoherent", depending on the context.

Is "it lacks coherence" formal or informal?

"It lacks coherence" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in academic writing, news articles, and everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "it lacks coherence" and "it lacks clarity"?

"It lacks coherence" implies a lack of logical connection and consistency, whereas "it lacks clarity" suggests a lack of understandability or precision. Something can be coherent but still unclear, and vice versa.