Consistent or Consistant – Which Spelling Is Correct?

Which is the correct spelling: “Consistent” or “Consistant”?

Both words seem similar, both in spelling and pronunciation. So, we want to know which one is correct, and which we should avoid. We also want to know what’s the correct meaning of the word and the appropriate way to use it.

Consistent or Consistant – Which Spelling Is Correct?

“Consistent” is the correct spelling for the word that describes things and people that always happen in a similar (and usually positive) way. “Consistant” is a common misspelling for this word. As with any incorrect form, “Consistant” shouldn’t be used. “Consistent” is the correct form to use, including its variations.

Take a look at the examples below:

• Christina is consistent with her workouts.
• Christina is consistant with her workouts. (incorrect)

There’s not much way around it when we’re comparing a correct word with an incorrect one. At the end of the day, we have to adopt the correct form and incorporate it into our vocabulary. Simultaneously, we have to avoid the incorrect form and not use it at all.

This is the case with “Consistent” and “Consistant”. “Consistent” is always correct, and that’s the word you should use. On the other hand, “Consistant” is always incorrect and should never be used.

Keep that in mind, when choosing between one form and the other.

Consistent

“Consistent” is the correct spelling form for the word that describes things and people that do the same thing or happen in a similar way. “Consistent” usually carries a positive tone and expresses a good thing, but that’s not a rule.

This is how The Cambridge Dictionary defines “Consistent”: “in agreement with other facts or with typical or previous behavior, or having the same principles as something else”. This is an intricate definition, but a helpful one, too.

Let’s go over some examples:

1. Mahmoud has been drawing consistently for years.
2. Manuella’s seen consistent improvement in her grades since she began studying.
3. Gabriel’s very smart, but he’s not consistent with his work.
4. The tank should remain at a consistent temperature.
5. Bea’s been consistent in her efforts, and we should give credit for it.
6. Sales increases have been consistent, and the team will be rewarded for it.

To call someone “Consistent” is mostly a compliment and indicates that they behave in a way that’s constant and reliable. If you need to refer to a bad trait as “Consistent”, you need to make adjustments to make yourself clear.

For example, you can say someone “fails consistently” or that they “consistently mess up”. But the word would need to be accompanied by others that would clarify what you’re trying to convey.

Consistant

“Consistant” is a common misspelling for the word “Consistent”. As it’s always recommended with any incorrect forms, “Consistant” shouldn’t be used.

But is “Consistant” a word? According to The Cambridge Dictionary, “Consistant” isn’t a word in the English language, which is more reason to never use it.

Let’s take a look at some examples that include the incorrect word “Consistant”, followed by a corrected version of the same sentence.

1. The car was moving at a consistant speed. (incorrect)
2. The car was moving at a consistent speed.

3. Gianna’s views always stay consistant. (incorrect)
4. Gianna’s views always stay consistent.

5. Phillip wasn’t consistant in his efforts to fix their friendship. (incorrect)
6. Phillip wasn’t consistent in his efforts to fix their friendship.

Which Is Used the Most?

When we compare correct and incorrect words, it’s easy to have an idea of what a graph would show. Still, we’re curious. Which one of those forms is used more often, “Consistent” or “Consistant”?

Let’s find out by looking at the graph from Google Ngram Viewer below.

As we expected, the correct form “Consistent” is the most used one, appearing at the top of the graph. “Consistant”, which is incorrect, appears at the bottom of the graph, indicating it’s rarely used.

Final Thoughts

“Consistent” is the correct spelling for the word that is used to describe things (and people) that always happen or behave in a similar way, with little to no change. “Consistant” is a common misspelling for this word, which (as with any incorrect form) should be avoided.