applicable to

USAGE SUMMARY

'applicable to' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'applicable to' to indicate that something is relevant or applicable to a specific situation. For example, "This policy is applicable to all employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Applicable to boys and girls.

The Guardian

This is even more applicable to governing.

The New York Times

It may also be applicable to Galileo.

The Economist

"Something more applicable to humans," she said.

The New York Times

However, it isn't applicable to "Citizen Kane".

The New Yorker

Is that applicable to an English degree?

The Guardian

And it's not only applicable to friends.

The New York Times

The words seem directly applicable to Bond.

The Guardian

Discounts are not applicable to Bespoke or partnership courses.

The Guardian

This is applicable to political crimes as well.

The Guardian

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "applicable to" to clearly indicate the scope or target of a rule, regulation, or concept. For instance, 'These guidelines are "applicable to" all new projects.'

Common error

Avoid using "applicable to" when you mean 'relevant to' in a general sense. Ensure a direct relationship exists between the subject and the context to which it applies. For example, it's incorrect to say 'This information is "applicable to" everyone' if it only benefits a specific group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applicable to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the scope or extent of its application. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts. It connects a subject with the domain to which it applies, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "applicable to" serves to denote the relevance or suitability of something for a specific context or entity. Grammatically sound and widely used, as verified by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific publications, indicating its utility in professional and informative settings. When using "applicable to", ensure a clear connection exists between the subject and the context to avoid ambiguity. Remember that while "applicable to" designates something that can be applied, "apply to" represents the action of applying it. The phrase has several synonyms that could be used instead depending on the context, such as "relevant to", "appropriate for" and "suited to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relevant to

Focuses on the direct pertinence or connection to a subject or situation.

pertinent to

Highlights the direct relevance and importance to the matter at hand.

germane to

Emphasizes a close and logical connection to the topic under consideration.

suited to

Suggests that something is appropriate or well-matched for a particular purpose or situation.

appropriate for

Indicates suitability and rightness for a specific context or purpose.

fitting for

Implies that something is suitable or in harmony with the given situation.

apropos to

Emphasizes the timeliness and relevance of something in relation to a particular event or discussion.

concerning

Focuses on the subject that is currently under consideration or discussion.

regarding

Indicates that something is about or related to a specific subject or matter.

in relation to

Indicates the way in which two or more things are connected.

FAQs

How to use "applicable to" in a sentence?

Use "applicable to" to show that something is relevant or suitable for a particular situation or group. For example, "This rule is "applicable to" all employees."

What can I say instead of "applicable to"?

You can use alternatives like "relevant to", "appropriate for", or "suited to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "applicable to" or "apply to"?

"Applicable to" describes something that can be applied, while "apply to" is an action. For example, a rule is "applicable to" a situation, and you "apply" the rule to the situation.

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

"Applicable to" suggests a direct and practical connection, often in a regulatory or procedural context. "Relevant to" indicates a general connection or pertinence.