to be compatible

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be compatible" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are talking about two or more things being able to work together, agree, or get along with each other. Example sentence: The two systems need to be compatible in order to work properly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You have to be compatible.

The Guardian

Dance music has proved to be compatible with nearly anyone.

The New Yorker

We don't always need to give up national practices, but we need to be compatible".

The Guardian

And he, if nobody else, believed the goals to be compatible.

The New York Times - Arts

Most major holiday meals feature some kind of meat, and the bread needs to be compatible.

The New York Times

This is not seen to be compatible with a process of reconciliation.

The Guardian

Microsoft now says it plans for Passport to be compatible with authentication software from other suppliers.

The New York Times

If it reaches the market, the format is supposed to be compatible with Wi-Fi.

The New York Times

The idea is to find somebody close enough to you on the spectrum to be compatible".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Any right to be forgotten has to be compatible with a right to know the truth".

The New Yorker

"They want their investments to be compatible with their climate goals," says Avalos.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing technical specifications, ensure you clearly define what aspects need "to be compatible". For example, specify if it's hardware, software, or data formats.

Common error

Avoid making vague claims about compatibility without specifying the scope. Instead of saying "The product is compatible," specify "The product is compatible with Windows 10 and macOS Mojave or later."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be compatible" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a predicate complement. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the state of two or more things being able to coexist or work together effectively. It's frequently used to indicate suitability and harmonious functionality, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be compatible" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to describe the harmonious coexistence or effective interaction between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in science, news, and technical contexts. When writing, ensure that you specify the scope of compatibility to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "to align with", "to harmonize with", and "to be suitable for", depending on the intended nuance. By understanding these nuances, you can use the phrase effectively in various professional and technical settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be well-matched with

Emphasizes a strong and favorable pairing, often in the context of relationships or partnerships.

to align with

Focuses on agreement and arrangement, emphasizing positioning or orientation.

to be in sync with

Implies a rhythmic or coordinated agreement, suggesting timing and synchronization.

to be suitable for

Indicates appropriateness for a specific purpose or situation, focusing on fitness or qualification.

to mesh well with

Suggests a smooth and integrated combination, often in the context of systems or processes.

to harmonize with

Emphasizes a pleasing combination or agreement, often in a more aesthetic or abstract sense.

to be congruous with

Highlights agreement or harmony; it's a more formal alternative to "to be compatible".

to be consistent with

Highlights a lack of contradiction and a state of logical agreement.

to correspond with

Focuses on a direct relationship or parallel between two things.

to be in accordance with

Highlights conformity and adherence to rules, standards, or principles.

FAQs

How can I use "to be compatible" in a sentence?

You can use "to be compatible" to describe how well two or more things work together. For example, "The software needs "to be compatible" with the operating system".

What's the difference between "to be compatible" and "to be congruent"?

"To be compatible" generally means things can coexist and work together, while "to be congruent" implies a closer, more exact match or agreement. "To be congruent" suggests more than just working together; it means being in complete harmony.

What can I say instead of "to be compatible"?

Alternatives include "to align with", "to harmonize with", or "to be suitable for depending on the context".

Is it correct to say "to be compatible with each other"?

While understandable, saying "to be compatible with each other" can be redundant, as compatibility inherently implies a relationship. It's often more concise to say "to be compatible" without the "each other".