applied only to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applied only to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a limitation or restriction on the application of something. Examples could include: 1. The new safety regulations will be applied only to employees working in hazardous environments. 2. This discount code is valid only for purchases made through our website. 3. The dress code policy applies only to employees in customer-facing roles. 4. The company's diversity training program is exclusively applied to senior management. 5. The warranty terms are applicable only to products purchased from authorized retailers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He applied only to Pratt.

The New York Times

Fourteen of those applied only to Juilliard.

The New York Times

The reforms, however, applied only to Southern California.

The New Yorker

But Kennedy's directive applied only to the NATO arsenal.

The New Yorker

The court order applied only to the police.

The New York Times

For some reason, that criterion applied only to men".

The New York Times - Books

The law expands one that applied only to diesel vehicles.

The New York Times

Half of the applicants over 34 applied only to Simmons.

The New York Times

The ATP said the ban applied only to its events.

The New York Times - Sports

But the House bill applied only to Russia.

The New York Times

But this applied only to already signed leases.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "applied only to" to clearly define the scope or limitations of a rule, regulation, or concept. This ensures clarity and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "applied only to" when the subject in question has wider applications. Ensure the restriction is genuine, or you risk misrepresenting the scope of its utility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applied only to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating a restriction or limitation on the application of something. It specifies the conditions or entities to which something is exclusively relevant. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "applied only to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify limitations and boundaries. Ludwig's analysis, confirmed by Ludwig AI, shows that it is grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in news and scientific contexts. To ensure clarity in writing, use "applied only to" when you need to explicitly define the scope of a rule or concept. Alternatives such as "limited to" or "restricted to" can be used to introduce variety in your writing while maintaining the intended meaning. However, avoid using it if the concept has a much wider scope to prevent misrepresenting its applicability. Overall, "applied only to" is a valuable tool for precise communication across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusively applied to

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the application.

applicable solely to

Reorders the original phrase while maintaining the same core meaning.

solely applicable to

Highlights that the application is limited to a single instance.

restricted to

Focuses on the limitation or constraint of the application.

limited to

Indicates that the application does not extend beyond a specific scope.

exclusively for

Highlights purpose of application.

specifically designated for

Emphasizes a deliberate designation for a particular purpose.

uniquely assigned to

Highlights exclusive assignment.

uniquely used for

Indicates exclusive use case.

expressly intended for

Focuses on the intended purpose of the application.

FAQs

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

Use "applied only to" to specify the limited scope or conditions under which something is relevant or effective. For instance, "This discount "applied only to" online purchases" indicates a specific restriction.

What are some alternatives to "applied only to"?

You can use phrases like "restricted to", "limited to", or "solely applicable to" as alternatives to "applied only to", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "applies only to" instead of "applied only to"?

Yes, both are correct, but the choice depends on the tense you need. "Applies only to" is present tense, while "applied only to" is past tense. For example, "This rule applies only to new employees" (present) versus "This rule "applied only to" employees hired before 2020" (past).

What is the difference between "applied only to" and "applied specifically to"?

"Applied only to" indicates a strict limitation, while "applied specifically to" suggests that something was intentionally designed or used for a particular purpose, though it might have other potential uses as well. The latter implies a deliberate focus rather than an exclusive restriction.