What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fluctuating
Example
The stock market has been fluctuating for the past few weeks. [fluctuating: verb]
Example
The temperature has been fluctuating between hot and cold all day. [fluctuating: present participle]
inconsistent
Example
His performance has been inconsistent lately. [inconsistent: adjective]
Example
She gave me inconsistent answers to my questions. [inconsistent: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inconsistent is more commonly used than fluctuating in everyday language. Inconsistent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fluctuating is less common and refers to specific situations where there are regular or expected variations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fluctuating and inconsistent?
Both fluctuating and inconsistent can be used in formal and informal contexts, but fluctuating may be more appropriate in technical or scientific writing where precision is required.
