Consistent: agreement and steady behaviour

The idea

Use consistent with to name what something agrees with, and consistent before a noun for a steady pattern.

Examples

• The two witnesses gave consistent accounts of the meeting.
• Maya has been consistent in helping her neighbors every week.
• The test results are consistent with the earlier measurements.
• Our coach gives consistent feedback throughout the season.
• The explanation is not consistent with the evidence.
• A consistent temperature helps the dough rise evenly.

Watch out

Agreement does not prove a claim is true; it only means it fits the information being compared.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the word that shows agreement. The report agrees with the figures; it is ___ with them. (consistent / random)

   Show answer or example answer

   consistent

   Consistent fits because the report agrees with the figures.

2. Decide whether the behaviour is consistent. A musician practises regularly for months. Is that consistent behaviour? (yes / no)

   Show answer or example answer

   yes

   Yes: practising regularly over months shows a steady pattern.

3. Decide whether the claims agree with the records. The claims contradict the records. Are they consistent with the records? (yes / no)

   Show answer or example answer

   no

   No: a contradiction means the claims do not agree with the records.

Use it today

Describe a consistent habit or two pieces of information that agree.