What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reliable
Example
I always go to him for advice because he's reliable. [reliable: adjective]
Example
The car has been reliable for years, never breaking down unexpectedly. [reliable: adjective]
consistent
Example
She's consistent in her work, always meeting deadlines and producing quality results. [consistent: adjective]
Example
The team's consistent effort throughout the season led to their success. [consistent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reliable and consistent are both commonly used words in everyday language, but reliable is more frequently used in the context of describing objects or people, while consistent is more commonly used to describe behavior or performance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reliable and consistent?
Both reliable and consistent are neutral words that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.