applies only for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applies only for" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression would be "applies only to." Example: "This rule applies only to employees who work full-time."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

This is solved analytically, after simplification, by a transformation of variables to a form that applies only for short distances on either side of the drop surface.

Chemical Engineering Science

Furthermore, the relevant reference applies only for Morocco and it cites as its source an earlier paper that the PBL says no one, including the IPCC authors, now seems able to find.Other criticisms turn on a tendency to generalise.

The Economist

if the end user of mobile telecommunications services is not the contracting party, the end user of the mobile telecommunications service, but this clause applies only for the purpose of determining the place of primary use.

Cornell University

A two-dimensional refractive index profile of the few-mode fiber was reconstructed directly from measured guided mode intensity distribution and its spatial partial derivatives with a modified end-fire coupling method using a differential inverse calculation algorithm, which applies only for single-mode guiding.

Optics Communications

(4) The AECD applies only for engines that will be installed in emergency vehicles, and the need is justified in terms of preventing the engine from losing speed, torque, or power due abnormal conditions of the emission control system, or in terms of preventing such abnormal conditions from occurring, during operation related to emergency response.

Cornell University

If the service on active duty of an officer described in subsection (b) is terminated before the end of the period for which a payment is made to the officer under subsection (a), the officer is entitled to special pay under section 302, 302a, 302b, 302e, or 303 of title 37, United States Code (whichever applies), only for the portion of that period that the officer actually served on active duty.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Or they apply only for Social Security disability or welfare.

The New York Times

Students can apply only for the courses listed.

Columbia University

So the companies then applied only for asthma in adults and adolescents.

The New York Times

Cheap debt transfer rates normally apply only for a certain period of time.

The Guardian - Money

For those households, the $9.99 monthly price will apply only for a two-year period.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "applies only to" instead of "applies only for". Using the correct preposition ensures clarity and credibility in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "for" after "applies" when indicating the scope of application. "Applies to" is the standard and grammatically correct construction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applies only for" functions as a limiting modifier, aiming to specify the conditions or scope to which a particular rule, regulation, or statement is relevant. However, according to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

Academia

28%

News & Media

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "applies only for" is used to limit the scope or condition of something, but it's grammatically incorrect; according to Ludwig AI, the correct version is "applies only to". While examples of its usage appear in various sources, including scientific and academic texts, it's crucial to use the correct preposition ("to") for clarity and credibility. Alternatives like "is applicable only to" or "is restricted to" can also enhance precision in writing. Always prioritize "applies only to" to maintain grammatical accuracy and professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

applies solely to

Replaces "only for" with "solely to", emphasizing exclusivity and direct application.

is exclusively for

Changes the verb to "is" and uses "exclusively for" to highlight the restricted nature of the application.

is applicable only to

Replaces "applies" with "is applicable", adding a level of formality while retaining the restrictive "only to".

pertains only to

Uses "pertains" instead of "applies", suggesting a relevance or connection that is limited to the specified subject.

is restricted to

Emphasizes the limitation with "restricted to", indicating a boundary or constraint on what is covered.

is limited to

Similar to "is restricted to", but with a slightly less forceful connotation of limitation.

is valid only for

Focuses on the period or condition for which something is true or effective, using "valid" to indicate legitimacy within those confines.

only applies to

Inverts the original structure to emphasize the exclusiveness of the application target.

specifically applies to

Adds emphasis on the specificity of the application, making it clear that it's intentionally directed.

is uniquely for

Highlights that something is designed or intended for a particular purpose or recipient, setting it apart from general use.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "applies only" in a sentence?

The correct phrase is "applies only to", not "applies only for". For example, "This rule "applies only to" full-time employees."

What can I say instead of "applies only for"?

You can use alternatives such as "applies solely to", "is applicable only to", or "is restricted to".

Which is correct, "applies only for" or "applies only to"?

"Applies only to" is the grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase. "Applies only for" is generally considered incorrect.

In what contexts would I use "is valid only for"?

You can use "is valid only for" when specifying a condition or duration for which something is true or legitimate. For example, "This ticket is valid only for the specified date."