they are compatible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they are compatible" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: They have been married for 10 years and still, they are compatible.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Two reads are equivalent for IsoEM if they are compatible with the same set of isoforms and their compatibility weights to the isoforms are proportional.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Couples check to see if they are compatible.

The New York Times

Tweezerman demonstrates that they are compatible, he contends.

The New York Times

"The two styles may be very different but they are compatible.

The New York Times

Just a third believe they are compatible with the "British way of life".

The Guardian - Opinion

Remember, these are generally low voltage bulbs so you will need to ensure that they are compatible with your system.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The women find they are compatible enough to want to spend a summer together in their old haunt of Eastwick.

The Guardian - Books

Like other recent phones on the G.S.M. network, they are compatible with the Internet service known as Global Packet Radio Service, or G.P.R.S.

The New York Times - Tech

"We are looking at bonus pool figures and whether they are compatible with the levels of capital we need to see in UK banks," he said.

The Guardian - Business

You should check with the manufacturers of any third-party hardware and software to find out if they are compatible with the Mac OS X.

The New York Times - Tech

Only two 2002 model cars, both Cadillacs, have sound systems compatible with satellite radio, and they are compatible only with XM.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing technical specifications, use "they are compatible" to clearly indicate interoperability or functional alignment between systems or components.

Common error

Avoid using "they are compatible" when describing abstract ideas or emotions. Instead, opt for words like "consistent", "aligned", or "harmonious" to better convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are compatible" primarily functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the state of two or more entities being able to coexist or function together effectively. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they are compatible" is a versatile expression used to indicate that two or more things can coexist or function well together. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains. It is particularly frequent in science, news and media, as well as formal business contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to use more nuanced language like "consistent", "aligned", or "harmonious" when describing abstract concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are well-matched

Highlights the suitability of two or more entities for each other.

they are in agreement

Replaces 'compatible' with 'in agreement', focusing on consensus or shared understanding.

they are suited to each other

Similar to 'well-matched', but emphasizes the inherent qualities that make them a good fit.

they function well together

Focuses on the effective operation of the entities as a unit.

they are congruent

Uses 'congruent' to indicate alignment or correspondence.

they are consistent with each other

Uses 'consistent' to emphasize a lack of contradiction or logical conflict.

they work well together

Similar to 'function well together', but with a slightly broader scope.

they are attuned to each other

Suggests a deep understanding and sensitivity between the entities.

they harmonize well

Employs 'harmonize' to suggest a pleasing or aesthetically agreeable compatibility.

they get along well

Offers a more informal way to express compatibility, particularly in interpersonal relationships.

FAQs

How can I use "they are compatible" in a sentence?

You can use "they are compatible" to indicate that two or more things can exist or function together without conflict. For example, "These two software programs are compatible with each other."

What is a more formal alternative to "they are compatible"?

More formal alternatives include phrases like "they are congruent" or "they are consistent", depending on the specific context.

When is it inappropriate to use "they are compatible"?

It's generally inappropriate to use "they are compatible" when referring to people's personalities or values, unless you're specifically discussing how well their skills or systems align. In those cases, phrases like "they get along" might be more appropriate.

Is there a difference between "they are compatible" and "they are complementary"?

Yes, "they are compatible" means they can coexist without issues, whereas "they are complementary" means they enhance each other or fill each other's gaps.