patently inconsistent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patently inconsistent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is clearly or obviously contradictory or lacking in coherence. Example: "The witness's testimony was patently inconsistent with the evidence presented in court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Your demands to hasten foreclosures and to reduce loan modifications are patently inconsistent with that stated aim," the letter said.

The New York Times

County prosecutors had earlier declined to file charges against the deputy marshal, saying they had insufficient evidence despite security camera footage they concluded was "patently inconsistent" with Itkowitz's account of the shooting.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In a letter to OFAC on 3 March, Berman called the agency's September ruling "patently absurd" and inconsistent with a 1988 law that exempts information from economic embargoes.

Science Magazine

"Fox believes that the FCC's decision in this case was arbitrary and capricious, inconsistent with precedent and patently unconstitutional," Scott Grogin, the company's senior vice president of corporate communications said in a statement.

The New York Times

Patently untrue.

The Guardian - Sport

Argentina patently.

The Guardian - Sport

Patently, that's progress.

The Economist

"That's patently obvious.

The New York Times

This is patently untrue.

The New Yorker

This was patently absurd.

The New York Times

This is patently wrong.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "patently inconsistent" to emphasize a clear and undeniable contradiction, especially when highlighting hypocrisy or flawed reasoning.

Common error

Avoid using "patently inconsistent" in casual conversation; it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "obviously inconsistent" or "clearly doesn't add up".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patently inconsistent" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe something that is openly and obviously contradictory. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and used to denote a readily apparent inconsistency.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "patently inconsistent" is a grammatically correct and effective way to describe something that is openly and obviously contradictory. Ludwig confirms its proper usage, noting its appearance in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. While not overly common, it adds a tone of formality and precision to your writing, making it best suited for neutral to formal contexts like news articles and professional communications. If you're aiming for something simpler, consider alternatives like "obviously contradictory" or "clearly inconsistent". The data shows usage predominantly in "News & Media" contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obviously contradictory

Focuses on the clear contradiction rather than the subtle inconsistency.

clearly irreconcilable

Emphasizes the inability to bring two things into agreement.

blatantly contradictory

Highlights a more offensive or shocking level of contradiction.

manifestly incompatible

Stresses the evident unsuitability of two things together.

plainly incongruous

Focuses on the lack of harmony or agreement.

evidently paradoxical

Highlights the self-contradictory nature of the situation.

transparently conflicting

Emphasizes the open and obvious conflict between two things.

distinctly divergent

Stresses the marked difference in direction or opinion.

noticeably discrepant

Emphasizes the easily observed difference or disagreement.

markedly dissimilar

Highlights the significant lack of resemblance or agreement.

FAQs

What does "patently inconsistent" mean?

The phrase "patently inconsistent" means obviously contradictory or lacking coherence. It suggests the inconsistency is readily apparent and undeniable.

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

You might say, "His claims of fiscal responsibility are "patently inconsistent" with his history of lavish spending."

What's a simpler way to say "patently inconsistent"?

Alternatives include "obviously inconsistent", "clearly contradictory", or "plainly incongruous".

Is "patently inconsistent" formal or informal?

"Patently inconsistent" leans towards the formal side. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "obviously" or "clearly" may be more appropriate.