obvious inconsistency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obvious inconsistency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when pointing out a clear contradiction or discrepancy in statements, arguments, or situations. Example: "The report highlights an obvious inconsistency in the data presented by the researchers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Last week, Texas A&M abolished its preferential admission policy for the relatives of alumni, calling it an "obvious inconsistency" in a system that is supposedly based on merit alone.

The New York Times

A1 University Ends Legacy Policy Texas A&M abolished its admission policy for legacies, the relatives of alumni, calling it an "obvious inconsistency" in a system that is supposedly based on merit alone.

The New York Times

After announcing in December that the school would not restore its affirmative-action program, Robert Gates, president of the university, said last month that he would also end preferences for legacies because they create "an obvious inconsistency in an admissions strategy based on individual merit".

The New York Times - Magazine

This is an obvious inconsistency between their actual performance and their subjective perception.

Journal of Modern Transportation

I spent the first five years as a constitutional law professor with no clue about the justifications for this "obvious inconsistency," as I once described it to my students.

Huffington Post

She goes on to highlight the obvious inconsistency in the allegations of espionage, clarifying, "I wasn't wearing a headscarf or proper clothing which is mandatory for a woman in Iran.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The documents submitted to the court had obvious inconsistencies, suggesting that conspirators were not worried about being caught.

The New York Times

Like any good storyteller, he believed in the power of make-believe to reveal truth, and he trusted children to sort out the obvious inconsistencies according to their own imaginations, as when the puppet X the Owl's cousin, for example, turned out to be the human Lady Aberlin in a bird suit.

The New York Times - Arts

Examples of the most obvious inconsistencies are therefore used to support our argument.

Language Testing in Asia

Two hundred and eighteen completed responses were used and the rest (32) were discarded due to obvious inconsistencies in the respondents' answers.

Applied Water Science

The timing of the letter's publication, some obvious inconsistencies in the letter's wording, and even the handwriting itself, led many to believe it to be a forgery.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obvious inconsistency", ensure that the inconsistency is indeed clear to your audience. Provide sufficient context or evidence to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "obvious inconsistency" when the inconsistency requires significant analysis to uncover. It can weaken your argument if the inconsistency is not immediately apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obvious inconsistency" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "obvious" modifies the noun "inconsistency". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and serves to highlight a discrepancy that is easily noticeable or apparent.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obvious inconsistency" is a grammatically sound way to point out a clear contradiction or discrepancy. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While "obvious inconsistency" is perfectly acceptable, there are several alternatives, like "striking inconsistency" or "clear discrepancy", that can add nuance to your writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the inconsistency is truly obvious to your audience to avoid weakening your argument. Remember to use it when the contrast is easy to detect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

striking inconsistency

Emphasizes the noteworthiness or prominence of the inconsistency.

apparent inconsistency

Suggests the inconsistency is readily noticeable or evident.

clear discrepancy

Focuses on the difference between two things that should be the same.

patent contradiction

Highlights an open and easily perceived opposition between two statements or facts.

evident disparity

Draws attention to a marked difference that is easily noticeable.

manifest incongruity

Emphasizes the lack of harmony or compatibility that is plain to see.

undeniable contradiction

Stresses that the contradiction is impossible to deny or refute.

noticeable incongruence

Indicates that the lack of agreement is readily apparent.

palpable mismatch

Highlights a readily perceptible lack of alignment or agreement.

flagrant contradiction

Highlights a blatant and conspicuous contradiction.

FAQs

How can I use "obvious inconsistency" in a sentence?

Use "obvious inconsistency" to point out a clear and easily noticeable contradiction or discrepancy. For example, "The data revealed an obvious inconsistency in the company's financial reports."

What are some alternatives to "obvious inconsistency"?

You can use alternatives like "striking inconsistency", "apparent inconsistency", or "clear discrepancy" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "obvious inconsistency" and "minor discrepancy"?

"Obvious inconsistency" implies a clear and easily noticeable contradiction, while "minor discrepancy" refers to a small and less significant difference. The choice depends on the magnitude of the difference you are describing.

Is it redundant to say "very obvious inconsistency"?

While not grammatically incorrect, saying "very obvious inconsistency" can be redundant. The term "obvious" already implies a high degree of clarity, so adding "very" may not add significant meaning. Consider using a stronger synonym for "inconsistency" instead.