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Preposition after adjective

Incompatible with

The adjective incompatible is normally followed by with to describe things that cannot work together or do not match.

Quick answer

Which preposition follows incompatible?

The standard pattern is incompatible with. Other prepositions such as for, in, or to usually introduce separate ideas in the sentence rather than forming fixed combinations with incompatible.

This software is incompatible with older systems.
Her schedule is incompatible with mine.
The medication is incompatible with alcohol.

Choose the pattern by meaning

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

1
incompatible with + noun

Showing things cannot work together

Use incompatible with for systems, ideas, substances, or people that do not match.

The update is incompatible with previous versions.
2
incompatible with + activity or goal

Describing conflict with a purpose

This pattern can describe actions or values that conflict with goals or principles.

Such behaviour is incompatible with professional standards.
3
incompatible in + context

Using in as a context phrase

In may follow incompatible when it introduces a separate context, not a fixed adjective pattern.

The colours appeared incompatible in that setting.

See the difference in context

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

Construction
Example
Meaning
incompatible with
These two chemicals are incompatible with each other.
Standard pattern meaning unable to exist or work together.
incompatible for
The timetable is incompatible for evening workers.
For introduces the affected group or purpose, not a fixed adjective pattern.
incompatible in
Their styles seemed incompatible in practice.
In introduces a context or situation.
incompatible to
This battery is incompatible to the device.
This combination is generally nonstandard. Use incompatible with instead.

Common mistakes

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

Using to instead of with

Incompatible normally takes with in standard English.

✕ The printer is incompatible to my computer. ✓ The printer is incompatible with my computer.

Omitting with

The adjective usually needs with before the second item.

✕ These files are incompatible older software. ✓ These files are incompatible with older software.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. This app is incompatible ___ my phone.
2. Choose the correct sentence.
3. Their opinions seemed incompatible ___ that situation.

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Frequently asked questions

What does incompatible with mean?

It means unable to exist, work, or fit together successfully.

Can incompatible be used for people?

Yes. You can describe personalities, schedules, or goals as incompatible with each other.

Is incompatible to correct?

No. Standard English uses incompatible with.

ideal-for-in-as-at, from "identical to" or "identical with"? identifiable by, as, with, in or to? "idle for" or "idle in"? ignorant of, about, to, in or on? "illegal in" or "illegal for"? illustrative of, in, rather or for? ill with, in, for, at or of? "immune to" or "immune from"? "impatient with" or "impatient for"? "imperative for" or "imperative to"? impervious to, from or in?

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