there is an inconsistency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is an inconsistency" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where two facts, opinions, or situations are not in agreement or when something is not logical. For example: "There is an inconsistency between the number of hours the employee logged and what their supervisor said they worked."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

She continued: "It's as if there is an inconsistency in who I am, an uncertainty of being alive, that pushed me to exhibit myself".

The Guardian - Opinion

It says the contract with the immigration department is "poorly drafted" and there is an "inconsistency between contract and day-to-day activity".

The Guardian

It was long recognized that there is an inconsistency in the private silent reading of a prayer structure that is intended for choral chanting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We are not saying that there is an inconsistency between the words the person uttered and the way things really are, since we can say that about almost any utterance.

The New Yorker

(Whether the threshold is at 50 or 51 employees is not entirely certain. "There is an inconsistency in the law" that may need fixing, the Congressional Research Service has said).

The New York Times - Health

"Proselytizing in the Schools" (editorial, June 12) suggests that there is an inconsistency between the Supreme Court's decision last year prohibiting school-sanctioned prayer at football games and its decision this week forbidding schools from banning religiously inspired meetings after school.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"There's an inconsistency with how the referee sees it.

The Guardian - Sport

"If there's an inconsistency to be found, they'll know what it is," she said.

The New York Times

But there was an inconsistency in the writing of the 1993 law.

The New York Times

There was an inconsistency and a deep-rooted narcissism in Austin that prevented him from sustaining his undoubted achievements.

The New York Times - Books

"There's an inconsistency and no one really wants to take responsibility for giving advice," said Lindley.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there is an inconsistency", clearly specify what elements are inconsistent and, if possible, the impact or implications of this inconsistency. For instance, "There is an inconsistency in the reporting data, which affects budget allocation."

Common error

Avoid simply stating "there is an inconsistency" without providing context. Always clarify what is inconsistent and where the inconsistency lies to ensure clarity and prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is an inconsistency" functions as an assertion or statement identifying the existence of a discrepancy or lack of alignment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. The examples showcase its role in highlighting contradictions or variances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there is an inconsistency" is a grammatically sound phrase used to point out discrepancies or a lack of alignment between different elements. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. It is most frequently found in scientific and news-related content, signaling the need for further examination or clarification. When using this phrase, it is crucial to specify exactly what is inconsistent to ensure clarity. Related phrases include "there is a contradiction" and "there is a discrepancy", offering alternative ways to express the same idea with varying degrees of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there is a contradiction

Replaces "inconsistency" with "contradiction", suggesting a direct opposition between two things, implying a stronger conflict than a simple inconsistency.

there is a discrepancy

Substitutes "inconsistency" with "discrepancy", highlighting a lack of agreement or alignment, often in numerical or factual data.

an inconsistency exists

Reorders the sentence to emphasize the existence of the inconsistency, rather than the general statement of its presence.

there appears to be an inconsistency

Adds "appears to be" to indicate uncertainty or a tentative observation of the inconsistency.

an inconsistency can be observed

Shifts the focus to the act of observing the inconsistency, rather than its mere existence.

the data reveals an inconsistency

Specifies that the inconsistency is revealed by data, making the statement more concrete and evidence-based.

the figures don't align

Offers a more concise and informal way of expressing the inconsistency, particularly in numerical contexts.

the accounts don't match

Presents a more direct and less formal way of saying that numbers have a difference.

things don't add up

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the sense that something is not logical or consistent.

something seems amiss

Expresses a general sense that something is wrong or out of place, without explicitly identifying an inconsistency.

FAQs

How can I use "there is an inconsistency" in a sentence?

Use "there is an inconsistency" to point out a contradiction, discrepancy, or lack of alignment between two or more things. For example, "There is an inconsistency between the company's stated values and its actual practices."

What's the difference between "there is an inconsistency" and "there is a contradiction"?

"There is an inconsistency" suggests a lack of agreement or alignment, while "there is a contradiction" implies a direct opposition. A contradiction is a stronger form of inconsistency.

What can I say instead of "there is an inconsistency"?

You can use alternatives like "there is a discrepancy", "an inconsistency exists", or "things don't add up" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "there is an inconsistency" or "there is an anomaly"?

"There is an inconsistency" is used when elements don't align as expected. "There is an anomaly" is used when there is a deviation from the norm or something unusual.