applied by

USAGE SUMMARY

"applied by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used when talking about a rule or policy that is initiated by a particular person or group. For example: "The new policy was applied by the school board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His highlights must have been applied by angels.

The Guardian - Film

That logic was applied by Scotland's captain, Gavin Hamilton.

The New York Times - Sports

The pressure applied by our guards was the difference".

The New York Times - Sports

Shotcrete, also called (trademark) Gunite, concrete applied by spraying.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The term was apparently first applied by Julius Caesar.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Stadia hairs were first applied by James Watt in 1771.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A similar logic is now being applied by advertisers.

The Economist

Relief decoration can be applied by two different methods.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The question is whether that middle ground will be applied by American courts.

The New York Times

"He wants it to be applied by police departments where it is necessary".

The New York Times

A few colors could then be applied by aquatint, and the rest were hand-painted.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "applied by", ensure the subject applying the action is clearly identified to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "applied by" without specifying who or what is doing the applying. Vague attribution can weaken your statement and leave the reader wondering about the source or authority behind the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applied by" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb in the passive voice. It indicates the agent or instrument that performs the action. Ludwig shows numerous examples from diverse sources, confirming its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "applied by" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate the agent performing an action, particularly in the passive voice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. To ensure clarity, specify the entity applying the action. While alternatives like "implemented by" and "administered by" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. This makes "applied by" a valuable tool for precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implemented by

Focuses on the execution or putting into effect of something, rather than the application of a principle or method.

enforced by

Highlights the act of compelling obedience to a rule or law, shifting the emphasis to authority and compliance.

administered by

Emphasizes the management and supervision of a process or system, rather than the direct application of something.

executed by

Focuses on the performance or carrying out of a task, often in a formal or technical context.

utilized by

Highlights the use or employment of something for a specific purpose, emphasizing efficiency and practicality.

exercised by

Emphasizes the exertion of power, a right, or a quality, changing the focus to the agent's capability.

wielded by

Implies the skillful and strategic use of a tool or influence, adding a layer of control and expertise.

put in place by

Highlights the act of establishing or introducing a system or policy, shifting the focus to creation and establishment.

carried out by

Emphasizes the completion or fulfillment of a task or action, focusing on the process and its execution.

effected by

Focuses on bringing about a result or consequence, shifting the emphasis to the outcome of the action.

FAQs

How is "applied by" used in a sentence?

The phrase "applied by" indicates who or what is performing an action. For example, "The rule was "enforced by" the police" shows who is responsible for enforcing the rule.

What are some alternatives to "applied by"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "implemented by", "administered by", or "executed by" as alternatives to "applied by".

Is it correct to say "was applied by"?

Yes, "was applied by" is grammatically correct. It's the passive voice construction indicating that an action was performed by someone or something. For example: "The paint was "sprayed by" a machine".

What's the difference between "applied by" and "used by"?

"Applied by" emphasizes the action of putting something into effect, while "used by" focuses on the employment of something. For instance, "The method was "applied by" the researchers" suggests they put it into practice, whereas "The tool was "used by" the researchers" means they employed it.