applies solely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applies solely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is relevant or applicable only to a specific situation or context. Example: "This policy applies solely to employees who work remotely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But, as a practical matter, this rule generally applies solely to élite lead runners.

The New Yorker

First, assume the discount applies solely to the low-margin good.

The Economist

The motion, which promises to be just one step in a long court battle, seeks clarification of whether the injunction applies solely to the six plaintiffs, each identified only as John Doe.

The New York Times

They want the new rules to apply only to new arrivals in Britain, an idea to which Cameron is resistant, and they want the new regime ringfenced so that it applies solely to Britain.

The Guardian

In Japan, the term "homeless" applies solely to people who are forced to sleep on the street.

City, Culture and Society

The Other source region applies solely to systemic activity (i.e., activity that is present in the blood and subject to distribution throughout body tissues).

EJNMMI Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

These criteria have hitherto been applied solely to things.

The Guardian - Opinion

This doesn't apply solely to Liverpool but to England as a whole.

The Guardian - Film

Yet so far the law has been applied solely to Mr Yanukovich's opponents.

The Economist

The game is all about timing but this does not apply solely to an exquisite, effortless cover drive.

The Guardian - Sport

Traditionally, patents have applied solely to inventions, granted as a reward for ingenuity and to encourage innovation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "applies solely" to clearly define the scope of a rule, regulation, or concept. This helps avoid misinterpretations and ensures that it is not generalized beyond its intended boundaries.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something "applies solely" in one situation, it can be extended to others. Always verify that the conditions are identical before applying the same principle or rule.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applies solely" functions as a delimiting modifier, specifying the restricted scope or relevance of a particular action, rule, or condition. It clarifies that something is exclusively applicable to a certain context, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "applies solely" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to specify that something is exclusively relevant to a particular situation or context. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is to limit the scope of a statement, preventing overgeneralization. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and business contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register. Alternatives like "exclusively applies" or "is only applicable" can be used to convey a similar meaning. When using this phrase, ensure that the scope is well-defined to avoid confusion. Ludwig's examples provide a solid foundation for understanding its application in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusively applies

Reverses the word order while keeping the meaning of exclusive application intact.

is exclusively applicable

Changes the verb form and uses 'applicable' instead of 'applies', maintaining exclusivity.

is only applicable

Uses 'only' to emphasize the restricted application.

uniquely applies

Highlights the uniqueness of the application.

solely concerns

Shifts focus to the subject that is exclusively affected.

exclusively pertains to

Uses 'pertains to' to indicate relevance, with 'exclusively' showing restriction.

is restricted to

Focuses on the limitation of application.

is limited to

Similar to 'restricted to', indicating a defined boundary.

specifically applies

Highlights the specificity of the application.

is uniquely relevant

Emphasizes that the relevance is exclusive to a particular case.

FAQs

What does "applies solely" mean?

The phrase "applies solely" means that something is exclusively relevant or applicable to a specific situation, group, or context, and not to others. It indicates a strict limitation of scope.

How can I use "applies solely" in a sentence?

You can use "applies solely" to clarify that a rule, condition, or statement is only valid in a particular instance. For example, "This discount "applies solely" to online purchases."

What are some alternatives to "applies solely"?

Some alternatives include "exclusively applies", "is only applicable", or "uniquely applies", which all convey the idea of exclusive application.

Is it redundant to say "only applies solely"?

Yes, saying "only applies solely" is redundant because both "only" and "solely" convey the same meaning of exclusivity. It's better to use either "only applies" or "applies solely" for clarity.