scattered and inconsistent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scattered and inconsistent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is disorganized or lacks uniformity, such as information, thoughts, or data. Example: "The feedback we received from the survey was scattered and inconsistent, making it difficult to draw any clear conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Editorials took him to task for not even informing Mr. Chirac of the line he intended to take, making France look scattered and inconsistent in foreign policy issues.

The New York Times

The review shows that over that summer, with terror warnings mounting, the government's response was often scattered and inconsistent as the new administration struggled to develop a comprehensive strategy for combating Al Qaeda and other terror organizations.

The New York Times

The evidence that individuals with a low socio-economic position have relationships of lower quality is scattered and inconsistent.

BMC Public Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The magnitude of total change in overall treatment success rate as a result of DOTS expansion is unknown, since reporting on treatment outcomes in non-DOTS programmes is scattered and often inconsistent.

Plosone

People may see you as spontaneous, flexible, and free-spirited; they may also see you as inconsistent, scattered and unreliable.

Forbes

But the aid has been ill coordinated and too scattered, inconsistent and low-calibred to make a decisive impact.

The Economist

They scattered and ran.

The New York Times

People scattered and the flags came down.

The New Yorker

I'm less scattered and distracted.

Huffington Post

Instead, I felt scattered and aimless.

Huffington Post

"Outcomes research on the use and effectiveness of simulation technology in medical education is scattered, inconsistent and varies widely in methodological rigor and substantive focus" [ 12].

BMC Medical Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing data or research findings, use "scattered and inconsistent" to indicate a lack of clear patterns or reliable trends. This adds precision to your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "scattered and inconsistent" in overly casual conversations or writing. While grammatically sound, it can sound overly formal or critical in less formal settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "disorganized" or "unreliable" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scattered and inconsistent" primarily functions as a compound adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of disarray, lack of uniformity, or unreliability. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "scattered and inconsistent" is a versatile compound adjective used to describe a lack of order, coherence, or predictability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While it can be used to criticize or express concern, it adds precision to descriptions of data, behaviors, or plans that lack clear patterns. Related phrases such as "disorganized and erratic" or "fragmented and unreliable" offer nuanced alternatives, while careful attention to context helps ensure appropriate formality. Avoid overuse in casual settings, and leverage its precision to enhance clarity in formal writing. It's important to understand the context of its use, for example, if you are going to use the phrase in scientific publication, make sure that is properly supported by objective observations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disorganized and erratic

Focuses on the lack of organization and unpredictable nature.

uncoordinated and unstable

Highlights the lack of coordination and overall instability.

fragmented and unreliable

Emphasizes the broken nature and lack of dependability.

erratic and unpredictable

Focuses on the irregular and unforeseen nature of something.

sporadic and uneven

Highlights the intermittent nature and lack of uniformity.

haphazard and fluctuating

Emphasizes the randomness and constant changes.

aimless and desultory

Focuses on the lack of direction and half-hearted effort.

random and mutable

Highlights the arbitrary nature and tendency to change.

chaotic and disordered

Emphasizes the state of complete confusion and lack of order.

unmethodical and varying

Focuses on the lack of a systematic approach and constant variations.

FAQs

How can I use "scattered and inconsistent" in a sentence?

You can use "scattered and inconsistent" to describe data, plans, or behavior. For example, "The data from the study was "scattered and inconsistent", making it difficult to draw conclusions."

What are some alternatives to "scattered and inconsistent"?

Some alternatives include "disorganized and erratic", "fragmented and unreliable", or "sporadic and uneven". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "scattered and inconsistent" or "inconsistent and scattered"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "scattered and inconsistent" is slightly more common. The order often depends on the emphasis you want to give. "Scattered" may emphasize distribution, while "inconsistent" highlights a lack of uniformity.

When is it appropriate to use "scattered and inconsistent" in formal writing?

"Scattered and inconsistent" is appropriate in formal writing when you need to precisely describe a lack of pattern, reliability, or uniformity in data, behavior, or processes. It's suitable for academic papers, business reports, and other professional contexts.