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Preposition after adjective

Compatible with, for, to, in or on?

Compatible is normally followed by with. Other prepositions such as for, to, in, and on usually belong to different sentence structures rather than fixed combinations.

Quick answer

Which preposition follows compatible?

Use compatible with for things that work well together or match each other. Compatible for and compatible to are generally nonstandard in modern English.

This software is compatible with Windows.
Their personalities are compatible with each other.
The device is compatible with older chargers.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
compatible with + thing/system

Working correctly together

Use with for technology, equipment, systems, or formats that can function together.

compatible with Android devices
The printer is compatible with this laptop
2
compatible with + person

Matching personalities or values

Use with for people who suit each other well.

She is compatible with her business partner
Their goals are compatible with ours
3
compatible in + aspect

Similarity in a particular aspect

In can introduce the area or quality being discussed, not the main complement.

The two systems are compatible in design
They are compatible in temperament
4
compatible on + issue

Agreement on a topic

On refers to the topic or issue where agreement exists.

The parties are compatible on trade policy
We are compatible on most financial issues

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
compatible with
The app is compatible with most smartphones.
Standard pattern for things that work or fit together.
compatible for
Compatible for is generally nonstandard.
Usually avoid this combination.
compatible to
Compatible to is generally nonstandard in modern English.
Use compatible with instead.
compatible in
The devices are compatible in format.
In introduces the aspect of compatibility.
compatible on
The teams are compatible on key priorities.
On refers to agreement about a topic.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using compatible to

Modern English normally uses compatible with.

✕ This cable is compatible to the device. ✓ This cable is compatible with the device.

Using compatible for as a fixed pattern

Use suitable for or compatible with depending on the meaning.

✕ The software is compatible for Mac users. ✓ The software is compatible with Mac systems.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. This keyboard is fully ___ the new tablet.
2. The two teams are compatible ___ working style.
3. They are largely compatible ___ environmental policy.

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Frequently asked questions

Is compatible to correct?

In modern standard English, compatible with is the normal form.

Can compatible describe people?

Yes. Compatible with can describe people, personalities, goals, or values.

What does compatible in mean?

It refers to a specific area of similarity, such as compatible in design or compatible in outlook.

calm, in, calm, for, calm, about "candid about" or "candid in"? capable of or in? careful about, with, of, in or on? careless about, with, in, of or on? caribbean in, for, with, to or on? "catastrophic for" or "catastrophic to"? "cautious about" or "cautious in"? celtic in, for, on, at or to? central to, in, for, at or of? "certain of" or "certain about"? "challenging for" or "challenging of"?

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