applied against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applied against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is being utilized or enforced in opposition to something else, often in legal or technical discussions. Example: "The new regulations will be applied against any company that fails to comply with safety standards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is mainly applied against drug addicts.

The Economist

"No force will be applied against peaceful protesters.

The Guardian

Of that amount, it carried forward $166 million to be applied against its future taxable income.

The New York Times

Countries are too scared that sanctions might also be applied against them one day.

The Guardian - Opinion

A new case would challenge the law "as applied" against Wisconsin Right to Life.

The New Yorker

The mime is often applied against the dynamics of the music.

The New York Times - Arts

Strong sanctions (fines and public disclosure) should be applied against failure in either respect.

The Economist

General Smith said, though, that each school "was applied against a set of criteria".

The New York Times

Mr. Antuofermo's lawyer, Robert C. Brown, contended yesterday that the law has been unfairly applied against his client.

The New York Times

Mr. Bauer said the law can be applied against any form of bribery or extortion by an organized group.

The New York Times

Many artists in the gallery get a monthly stipend which is applied against sales of their work.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about rules or sanctions, use "applied against" to clearly indicate the entity or action being targeted by the rule or sanction. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "apply to" when you intend to convey that something is being enforced or used in opposition to something else. "Apply to" suggests relevance or applicability, while "applied against" indicates a directed action or enforcement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applied against" functions as a verb phrase with a preposition, indicating that something (like a rule, force, or sanction) is being actively directed or implemented in opposition to something else. Ludwig provides numerous examples that illustrate this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "applied against" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the direction or enforcement of something towards a specific target. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently encountered in various contexts, including news media, scientific research, and formal business settings. Understanding its appropriate usage, as well as avoiding common errors such as confusing it with "apply to", can significantly enhance clarity and precision in writing. Its function involves describing the implementation of rules, sanctions, or pressure directed at a particular entity or action, emphasizing opposition or enforcement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enforced upon

Changes the verb to "enforced" which emphasizes the imposition aspect, and uses "upon" instead of "against".

implemented against

Replaces "applied" with "implemented", highlighting the execution or carrying out of a measure.

utilized against

Substitutes "applied" with "utilized", focusing on the use of something for a specific purpose in opposition.

directed at

Replaces "applied against" with "directed at", shifting the focus to the target of the action.

levied on

Uses "levied on" to specifically refer to the imposition of taxes, fees, or penalties.

enacted upon

Similar to "enforced upon", but emphasizes the legislative aspect of the action.

brought to bear on

This phrase is more formal and suggests exerting influence or pressure on something.

put into effect against

Replaces "applied" with a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the action of putting something into operation.

executed on

Similar to implemented, but suggests a more forceful or decisive action.

imposed upon

Similar to enforced upon but "imposed" emphasizes the authoritative nature of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "applied against" in a sentence?

Use "applied against" to show something is being directed or enforced towards an entity, like "Sanctions were "applied against" the company for non-compliance".

What are some alternatives to "applied against"?

Consider alternatives such as "enforced upon", "implemented against", or "directed at", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "applied to" instead of "applied against"?

While "applied to" suggests relevance or applicability, ""applied against"" indicates a directed action or enforcement. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the intended meaning.

In what contexts is "applied against" most appropriate?

"Applied against" is particularly appropriate in legal, technical, or formal contexts where a rule, sanction, or force is being directed at a specific target. It conveys a sense of opposition or enforcement.