were inconsistent with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were inconsistent with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something does not align or agree with something else, often in a context of analysis or comparison. Example: "The findings of the study were inconsistent with previous research on the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Mr. Skarzynski's actions were inconsistent with our corporate values".

The New York Times

Such large deflections were inconsistent with the plum-pudding model.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His auditors found that city birth records were inconsistent with information provided by local hospitals.

The New York Times

Altogether, Wertheim says, he tallied eight characteristics that were inconsistent with normal fingerprints.

The New Yorker

Sanctions were inconsistent, with only some formally recorded by the school, she claims.

The Guardian

"Both of these were inconsistent with Fastow's fiduciary responsibilities and anything the board authorized".

The New York Times

One psychiatrist said he had memories of events that were inconsistent with amnesia.

The New York Times

There is nothing to suggest that his actions were inconsistent with that training.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The transactions were inconsistent with our company philosophy," said Steve Letbetter, Reliant's chairman.

The New York Times

In both cases, he said, the agency's rules were inconsistent with the statutory framework established by Congress.

The New York Times

Both of these objectives were inconsistent with Fastow's fiduciary duties to Enron and anything the board authorized.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were inconsistent with", ensure that you clearly specify both elements being compared and the nature of their inconsistency. This will enhance clarity and prevent ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "were inconsistent with" without clearly stating what the compared elements are. For example, instead of saying "The results were inconsistent with the data", specify, "The survey results were inconsistent with the sales data from the previous quarter."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were inconsistent with" functions as a comparative descriptor, indicating a lack of agreement or alignment between two or more entities. As Ludwig shows, it is commonly used to express that certain findings, actions, or data do not correspond or harmonize with established facts, principles, or expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were inconsistent with" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of agreement or alignment between two or more things. Ludwig AI indicates that it is frequently used in both news and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial: clearly specify the elements being compared and the nature of their inconsistency. Consider alternatives like "were at odds with" or "did not align with" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were at odds with

This alternative suggests a direct conflict or opposition.

did not align with

This option indicates a lack of agreement or correspondence.

were in conflict with

This alternative emphasizes a clash or struggle between two things.

were incompatible with

This suggests that the two things cannot coexist or function together harmoniously.

were contradictory to

This alternative indicates a direct opposition or inconsistency.

were not in accordance with

This phrase highlights a deviation from established rules or principles.

deviated from

This alternative suggests straying from an expected path or standard.

diverged from

This option indicates a separation or difference in direction or opinion.

clashed with

This alternative suggests a strong disagreement or opposition.

differed from

This indicates a simple difference or variance.

FAQs

How can I use "were inconsistent with" in a sentence?

You can use "were inconsistent with" to indicate a contradiction or disagreement between two or more things. For example: "His actions "were inconsistent with" company policy" or "The study's findings "were inconsistent with" previous research".

What are some alternatives to "were inconsistent with"?

Some alternatives include "were at odds with", "did not align with", or "were in conflict with" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "were inconsistent with" or "was inconsistent with"?

Use "were inconsistent with" when referring to plural subjects or multiple items, and "was inconsistent with" when referring to singular subjects. For example, "The results were inconsistent with our hypothesis," but "The result was inconsistent with our hypothesis."

What's the difference between "were inconsistent with" and "contradicted"?

"Were inconsistent with" implies a lack of alignment or a disagreement, whereas "contradicted" suggests a direct opposition or statement of the contrary. "The findings "were inconsistent with" the earlier report" suggests a difference, but "The findings contradicted the earlier report" implies a direct conflict.