Be applicable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be applicable" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing whether something is relevant or suitable in a particular context. For example, "The new regulations will be applicable to all businesses." Alternative expressions include "be relevant" and "be pertinent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This could be applicable to other areas and application domains.

BMC Ecology

"It could be applicable anywhere".

The New Yorker

It may also be applicable to Galileo.

The Economist

Such information, scientists believe, may be applicable to human diseases.

The New York Times

STEWART: And anything else that might be applicable?

The New Yorker

Those charges turned out not to be applicable in Alabama.

The New York Times - Books

Two city rules could be applicable, experts said.

The New York Times

In addition, there are, of course, other legal restrictions -- for example, the Convention Against Torture -- that would be applicable, Army regulations that would be applicable.

The New York Times

It might be applicable to many different types of cancer.

The New York Times - Health

"We are doing technology that would be applicable," he said.

The New York Times

New York City taxes may be applicable for certain events.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be applicable", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject is applicable to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity. For example, instead of saying 'This rule may be applicable', specify 'This rule may be applicable to cases involving fraud'.

Common error

Avoid using "be applicable" in overly broad or vague statements. Saying something 'could be applicable everywhere' dilutes the phrase's impact. Instead, focus on specific scenarios where it demonstrably applies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be applicable" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective. It indicates a state of potential relevance or suitability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is correct and common. The phrase links a subject to the quality of being 'applicable'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be applicable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates the potential relevance or suitability of something in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains, particularly in science and news media. While generally neutral in register, it often appears in more formal writing. To maximize clarity, specify what the subject is applicable to, and avoid overly broad statements. Alternatives like "be relevant" or "apply to" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be relevant

Focuses more on direct connection or importance to the matter at hand; emphasizes pertinence.

Be appropriate

Highlights suitability or correctness within a given context or situation.

Be pertinent

Emphasizes the direct relevance and significance of something to a specific subject or issue.

Be suitable

Implies that something is right or fitting for a specific purpose or condition.

Be fitting

Similar to 'suitable', but often suggests a natural or harmonious match.

Be germane

Stresses the close and logical connection of something to the matter being considered.

Apply to

Focuses on the action of something having an effect or relevance on a specific subject.

Hold true

Indicates that something remains valid or accurate in a particular situation.

Be valid

Emphasizes the correctness or legitimacy of something in a specific context.

Be in effect

Highlights that a rule or law is currently operative and relevant.

FAQs

How can I use "be applicable" in a sentence?

Use "be applicable" to indicate that something is relevant or suitable in a particular context. For instance, "These guidelines will "be applicable" to all new projects".

What are some alternatives to "be applicable"?

You can use alternatives like "be relevant", "be appropriate", or "apply to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "be applicable" or "is applicable"?

"Be applicable" is typically used in conditional or future contexts, while "is applicable" states a current fact. For example, "This rule will "be applicable" next year," versus "This rule "is applicable" now".

What's the difference between "be applicable" and "be applied"?

"Be applicable" means something is capable of being applied, while "be applied" means it is actually being used. "These principles will "be applicable" in the future," versus "These principles will "be applied" to this project".