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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Omit where not applicable
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "Omit where not applicable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in forms or documents to instruct the reader to leave out sections that do not apply to their situation. Example: "Please fill out the form completely, but omit where not applicable to ensure clarity."
✓ Grammatically correct
Academia
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
In subsection (a), references to "water line" and "pipe line" are omitted as not applicable to this chapter.
Academia
In subsection (a)(1), reference to a civil action to enforce an order for the payment of money is omitted as not applicable to this chapter.
Academia
In subsection (a), the words "or of any term or condition of any certificate or permit" are omitted as not applicable to this chapter.
Academia
The checklist contains components of the MOUTh intervention protocol, followed by "yes" (properly perfomed), "no" (not properly performed or incorrectly omitted), or n/a (not applicable).
Science
(b) In situations where sampling is not applicable due to long time production of reservoir.
In situations where sampling is not applicable due to long time production of reservoir.
Where it is not applicable, it is seems flagrantly immoral.
News & Media
There are certain cases where margins are not applicable.
Wiki
*4/8 scales omitted from table as not applicable to analyses; **2/8 scales omitted from table as not applicable to analyses aCorrelations falling outside of the predicted range; bCorrelations consistent with predictions 1. Intercorrelations between CDIP-58 subscales ranged from 0.44 – 0.84, suggesting the subscales measured related but different constructs.
As such, the metrics should be applicable to the entrepreneur's business, with the option of omitting information requested if not applicable.
News & Media
All statements were collated and organised into a set of initial indicators, duplications were omitted and those statements not applicable were removed.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "omit where not applicable" in forms or instructions, ensure the criteria for applicability are clearly defined to avoid confusion. Ambiguity can lead to errors or omissions.
Common error
Avoid using "omit where not applicable" as a blanket instruction without specifying which sections or items it refers to. Always provide clear context to guide the user.
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "Omit where not applicable" serves as an instructional directive. It tells the user to exclude information that is irrelevant or does not apply to their specific situation. As stated by Ludwig, it is a usable phrase in English, and its purpose is to provide clarity.
Frequent in
Science
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Formal & Business
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Less common in
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "Omit where not applicable" is an instructional phrase used to guide users in completing forms or documents by skipping sections that are not relevant to them. Ludwig AI states that it is correct and usable in English. Since no exact examples are found, the frequency of the phrase is reported as missing. In general, it is best practice to give clear context when the phrase is used and always consider the document's formality to provide a simpler alternative when possible. In summary, the phrase is clear and concise, but make sure it is tailored to the appropriate audience.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Omit where inappropriate
Replaces only the word "not applicable" with "inappropriate" keeping the rest of the sentence the same.
Omit if not relevant
Replaces only the word "not applicable" with "not relevant" keeping the rest of the sentence the same.
Leave out if irrelevant
Replaces "omit" with "leave out" and "not applicable" with "irrelevant", simplifying the language.
Exclude where inappropriate
Substitutes "omit" with "exclude" and "not applicable" with "inappropriate", offering a slightly different tone.
Skip if it doesn't apply
Uses a more casual tone with "skip" instead of "omit" and simplifies "not applicable" to "doesn't apply".
Remove if not relevant
Employs "remove" in place of "omit" and "not relevant" instead of "not applicable", maintaining a similar meaning.
Disregard if unsuitable
Replaces "omit" with "disregard" and "not applicable" with "unsuitable", providing a more forceful tone.
Ignore when not pertinent
Substitutes "omit" with "ignore" and "not applicable" with "not pertinent", resulting in a slightly more formal expression.
Do not include where it doesn't fit
Offers a more verbose alternative using "do not include" instead of "omit" and clarifies "not applicable" as "doesn't fit".
Leave blank if not applicable
Uses "leave blank" as an action instead of "omit" to show where to not include information.
FAQs
How do I properly use "omit where not applicable" in a form?
Use "omit where not applicable" to instruct users to skip sections that don't apply to them. Ensure that it is clear which sections are optional based on specific criteria or conditions. For example, if a question asks about dependent children, someone without children should "leave blank if not applicable".
What's a less formal way to say "omit where not applicable"?
For a less formal tone, consider using phrases like "skip if it doesn't apply" or "leave out if irrelevant". These options are more conversational while still conveying the same meaning.
Can I use "N/A" instead of instructing to "omit where not applicable"?
Yes, "N/A" (Not Applicable) can be used as a shorthand in tables or forms. However, explicitly stating "omit where not applicable" in instructions can provide clearer guidance, especially for those unfamiliar with the abbreviation. Ensure consistency in your choice throughout the document.
Is "omit where not applicable" suitable for all types of documents?
While generally suitable, consider your audience and the document's formality. For highly formal or legal documents, it's appropriate. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "skip if not relevant" or "ignore when not pertinent" might be preferable.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested