applied that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applied that" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be intended to convey the action of applying something, but it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "I applied that method to solve the problem."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the past varnishes were applied that couldn't be removed.

The New York Times

I applied that day and was hired on the spot.

The New York Times

Balanchine applied that same structure to "Western Symphony".

The New York Times - Arts

She applied that same ingenuity, colleagues say, to building Kraft's brands.

The New York Times

Mr. Markell said the N.C.A.A. had not consistently applied that policy.

The New York Times

I've applied that kind of riff to everything I've ever written, in a way.

The New York Times

It is the layers, meticulously applied, that keep P. D. Q. Bach from disappearing, giggling, into air vents above.

The New York Times - Arts

Birkhoff applied that formula to polygons and artworks as different as vases and poetry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They applied that day, but it was still early in their hunt.

The New York Times

If every application applied, that would be $18 million in incremental revenue to Facebook.

TechCrunch

I applied that very day, no preparation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, replace "applied that" with more precise verbs like "utilized", "implemented", or "employed" to better convey the specific type of application.

Common error

Avoid using "applied that" when a more specific verb would provide greater clarity and precision. Generic use can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applied that" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of using or implementing something. However, according to Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness is questionable, suggesting that more precise alternatives might be more appropriate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "applied that" is frequently encountered across various sources, its grammatical correctness is questionable. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's advisable to opt for more precise alternatives like "utilized that", "implemented that", or "employed that" to enhance clarity and sophistication in writing. The phrase's neutral register and common occurrence in news and media contexts suggest a general familiarity, but the preference for more specific verbs remains a best practice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utilized that

Replaces "applied" with "utilized", providing a more formal and precise alternative.

implemented that

Uses "implemented" instead of "applied", suggesting a more systematic or structured application.

employed that

Substitutes "applied" with "employed", indicating a deliberate and strategic use.

used that

Offers a simpler and more direct alternative to "applied that".

adopted that

Replaces "applied" with "adopted", implying the acceptance and use of a particular method or idea.

put that into practice

Rephrases the concept to focus on the action of putting something into practice.

translated that into action

Changes the phrase to emphasize the conversion of an idea or concept into a concrete action.

brought that to bear

Offers a more idiomatic way to express the application of influence or pressure.

capitalized on that

Replaces "applied" with "capitalized", focusing on leveraging an advantage or opportunity.

built upon that

Changes the phrase to focus on using something as a foundation for further development.

FAQs

What's wrong with using "applied that"?

While commonly used, "applied that" lacks the precision and grammatical correctness of alternatives like "utilized that" or "implemented that". Using a more specific verb enhances clarity.

How can I make my writing sound more professional instead of using "applied that"?

Opt for stronger verbs such as "employed that" or "put that into practice". These alternatives add sophistication and precision to your writing, making it sound more professional.

When is it okay to use "applied that"?

While widely used, it's always better to choose a more precise verb. Consider the context and select a verb that accurately reflects the action. Alternatives like "used that", "adopted that", or "translated that into action" can often provide better clarity.

What's the difference between "applied that" and "utilized that"?

"Utilized that" is a more formal and precise alternative to "applied that". While both convey the idea of using something, "utilized" suggests a more strategic or efficient application. Therefore, instead of saying you "applied that", you can say you "utilized that" for better result.