It applies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It applies" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when indicating that a rule, concept, or condition is relevant to a particular situation. For example, "The new policy is effective immediately, and it applies to all employees." Alternative expressions include "It is relevant," "It pertains," and "It is applicable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It applies to demeanor".

The New York Times

It applies to people.

The Guardian - Opinion

It applies the rules".

The Guardian - Tech

It applies to us; it applies to courts; it applies to other constitutional authorities".

The New York Times

"It applies equally to everybody".

The New York Times

"It applies to both parties".

The New York Times

It applies particularly in business.

The Guardian

It applies with force to tax systems.

The New York Times

It applies not only to the defendants.

The New York Times

It applies to the EU too.

Independent

It applies only to those over 25.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it applies" to clearly state the relevance of a rule, regulation, or principle to a specific context. Ensure that the subject to which "it" refers is unambiguous to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid assuming universal applicability. Always clarify the specific entities, situations, or conditions to which "it applies" to prevent misinterpretations and ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it applies" functions as a concise statement of relevance or applicability. It asserts that a given rule, principle, or condition is pertinent and operational within a specific context. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this direct application across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it applies" is a versatile and frequently used expression indicating relevance or applicability. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse domains such as news, science, and business. It's crucial to maintain clarity regarding what "it" refers to, and to understand the specific context to ensure proper application. While alternatives like "it is relevant" or "it is applicable" exist, "it applies" remains a direct and effective way to assert the pertinence of a rule or principle. Ludwig's examples show this phrase usage in a clear and accessible way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is relevant

Emphasizes the relevance of something to a specific situation, shifting from application to direct pertinence.

it is applicable

Highlights that something can be applied, focusing on the possibility rather than the act of applying.

it pertains to

Indicates a direct relationship or connection, specifying what something is related to.

it is pertinent

Stresses the importance and direct relevance of something to the matter at hand.

it holds true

Suggests that something is valid or correct in a particular case, focusing on truth rather than application.

it is in effect

Implies that something is operational or has influence, pointing to its active status.

it is in force

Indicates that a law or rule is currently active and must be obeyed.

it avails

Focuses on the usefulness or effectiveness of something in a specific situation, highlighting its benefit.

it bears on

Suggests that something has an influence or effect on a specific issue, highlighting its impact.

it fits the bill

Expresses that something is exactly suitable or right for a particular purpose, highlighting its suitability.

FAQs

How can I use "it applies" in a sentence?

You can use "it applies" to indicate that a rule, concept, or condition is relevant to a particular situation. For example, "The new policy is effective immediately, and "it applies" to all employees".

What's a more formal alternative to "it applies"?

For more formal contexts, you can use phrases like "it is applicable", "it is relevant", or "it pertains to".

How do I ensure clarity when using "it applies"?

To ensure clarity, make sure the antecedent of "it" is clear and unambiguous. The reader should easily understand what "it" refers to in the context. For instance, instead of "The rule applies", specify "The new safety regulation "it applies" to all construction sites".

What is the difference between "it applies" and "it is relevant"?

"It applies" suggests that something is actively being used or enforced, while "it is relevant" simply indicates that something is related to the situation at hand. The former implies action, whereas the latter implies connection.