applied to the surface

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applied to the surface" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a substance or treatment is being put onto a surface for a specific purpose, such as coating, painting, or treatment. Example: "The paint must be evenly applied to the surface to ensure a smooth finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An even closer look with a microscope and ultraviolet light reveals other blemishes and a slightly cloudy spray that had been applied to the surface.

The New York Times - Arts

Flavor is pulled from within far more often than it is applied to the surface by, say, spices and herbs.

The New York Times - Food

But this rich language seems thickly applied to the surface of things by the poet's fancy, rather than emerging from the things themselves -- Pinsky's epithets are proposals, not evocations.

The New York Times - Books

When a charge is applied to the surface of the sheet, the beads rotate (to reveal the relevant colour) and move to the top of the cavity.

The Economist

All-white vases, decorated with naturalistic flowers molded and applied to the surface in high relief, are typical, as are "openwork" plates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This rubbing may be felt by the affected person or heard through a stethoscope applied to the surface of the chest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These mixes were applied to the surface course.

Construction and Building Materials

The drops applied to the surface are digitally imaged by a camera.

Applied Adhesion Science

A load of 200 g was applied to the surface of the specimens for 10 s.

Progress in Orthodontics

In this work, Al layers were applied to the surface of SiC to improve its conductance.

Nanoscale Research Letters

A 10 μL droplet of ultra-pure water was applied to the surface to be evaluated.

ROBOMECH Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process, specify the method by which something is "applied to the surface", for example, "sprayed", "brushed", or "rolled".

Common error

Be specific about what is being "applied to the surface". Clearly state the substance or treatment to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applied to the surface" typically functions as a verb phrase complement, often modifying a noun or pronoun to describe an action performed on an object's exterior. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely recognized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

62%

News & Media

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "applied to the surface" is a versatile expression used to describe the act of placing or administering something onto the exterior of an object. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across various domains. It is most frequently encountered in scientific contexts, followed by news and media, and Wikipedia, highlighting its descriptive function in detailing processes and treatments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

placed on the surface

Focuses on the act of putting something on the surface, emphasizing location.

added to the surface

Highlights the action of supplementing the surface with something.

spread over the surface

Emphasizes the distribution of something across the surface.

coated on the surface

Indicates a layer covering the surface.

deposited on the surface

Implies a layering process on the surface.

laid on the surface

Focuses on the action of carefully placing something on the surface.

affixed to the surface

Implies a secure attachment to the surface.

mounted on the surface

Suggests a more permanent attachment to the surface.

fixed on the surface

Highlights the act of securing something to the surface.

overlaying the surface

Emphasizes the act of covering the surface with a layer.

FAQs

How can I use "applied to the surface" in a sentence?

You can use "applied to the surface" to describe how a substance or force is placed onto something, for example: "The coating was evenly applied to the surface".

What are some alternatives to "applied to the surface"?

Alternatives include "placed on the surface", "added to the surface", or "coated on the surface", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify how something is "applied to the surface"?

While not always necessary, specifying the method (e.g., sprayed, brushed, layered) can provide clarity and detail in technical or descriptive writing.

What is the difference between "applied to the surface" and "affixed to the surface"?

"Applied to the surface" generally means placing something onto a surface, while "affixed to the surface" implies that something is securely attached or fastened.