applicable only to

USAGE SUMMARY

"applicable only to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something only applies or pertains to a specific thing or situation. Example: The dress code policy is applicable only to employees who work in the corporate office, not those who work remotely. This means that the dress code policy only applies to employees who physically work in the corporate office, and not to those who work from home or a different location. Another example: The discount is applicable only to purchases made on our website, not in-store. This means that the discount can only be used for online purchases, and cannot be applied to purchases made at a physical store location.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is applicable only to industrialised countries.

The Economist

Ion-exchange strengthening is applicable only to alkali-containing glasses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Microbiological assay is applicable only to the B vitamins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The indirect method is applicable only to linear structures.

Structural Analysis In Theory and Practice

These approaches are well established, but applicable only to glass.

Precision Engineering

The Riemann method of integration was applicable only to continuous and a few discontinuous functions.

Britannica

The genetic test would be applicable only to women similar to those in the 1980's clinical trial.

The New York Times

The anti-mosque group peddles a concept of fairness applicable only to those whom they deem spiritually fit.

The Guardian - Opinion

The American bishops asked that the norms be made "particular law," applicable only to dioceses in the United States.

The New York Times

The conditional quality of novel speech, applicable only to particular characters, enables the novel to be acute without being reductive.

The New Yorker

Section applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1999, see section 3 of Pub.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "applicable only to", ensure the condition or subject it refers to is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the exact group, situation, or context to which it applies.

Common error

Avoid assuming that what's "applicable only to" a specific case can be universally applied. Always verify that the conditions are met before extending the application.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applicable only to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, restricting its applicability. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s a common phrase used to specify conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

Academia

30%

News & Media

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "applicable only to" is a versatile phrase used to precisely define the scope of something, such as a rule, condition, or statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it enjoys widespread use across diverse contexts, especially in science, academia, and news. To maximize clarity, always specify the exact conditions or subjects to which it applies. Remember to avoid overgeneralization by verifying that conditions are met before extending applications. By understanding its function and typical usage, you can effectively employ "applicable only to" to enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pertains solely to

Replaces "applicable" with "pertains" and "only to" with "solely to", emphasizing exclusive relevance.

Applies exclusively to

Substitutes "only to" with "exclusively to", stressing that the application is limited to a specific subject.

Relevant solely for

Uses "relevant" instead of "applicable" and "solely for" instead of "only to", indicating specific relevance.

Restricted in use to

Emphasizes that the use is limited or confined to something specific, changing the phrasing to passive voice.

Specifically designed for

Indicates that something was created with a particular purpose or recipient in mind.

Solely for the use of

Highlights that something is intended for a particular user or purpose, adding emphasis on intended use.

Limited in application to

Expresses a boundary on where something can be used or applied, using more formal language.

Uniquely applicable to

Highlights the special suitability for a specific purpose or context, suggesting distinctiveness.

Exclusively for

Shortened version emphasizing exclusivity.

Intended solely for

Focuses on the intended purpose, implying a designed or planned exclusivity.

FAQs

How can I use "applicable only to" in a sentence?

Use "applicable only to" to specify that a rule, condition, or feature applies to a limited subset of cases. For instance, "This discount code is applicable only to new customers".

What phrases can I use instead of "applicable only to"?

You can use alternatives like "pertains solely to", "applies exclusively to", or "relevant solely for" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "applicable only to" or "applies only to"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "applicable only to" emphasizes the quality of being relevant in specific cases, while "applies only to" focuses on the action of applying in those cases. Choose based on the emphasis you want to convey.

What's the difference between "applicable only to" and "relevant only to"?

"Applicable only to" suggests that something can be used or put into effect in certain cases, while "relevant only to" implies that something is important or pertinent in those cases. The choice depends on whether you're referring to usability or pertinence.