apply a stroke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply a stroke" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to art, design, or programming, where a stroke refers to a line or mark made by a tool or brush. Example: "To enhance the image, you can apply a stroke around the edges to make it stand out."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Also apply a stroke style.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

While your big toenail might need a bit more polish, generally you apply a center stroke, then spread it out to the right and left.

WikiHow

After a few brush strokes, apply a leave-in conditioner and style your hair.

WikiHow

Conversely, an active azimuthal component to the working stroke would apply a clockwise torque to the thick filaments which would over wind a right handed helix and if applied to the thin filament unwind a right handed helix.

Plosone

However, concurrent validity can be applied to a stroke scale by comparing it with another measure that purports to measure a similar construct; for example, comparing a novel impairment scale with an established scale.

Clinical interventions in aging

However, it is hard to take broad-stroke misrepresentation and apply a remedy to customers.

Huffington Post

Paint with a roller or use long, even brush strokes to apply an even coat of paint to a large flat surface.

WikiHow

During testing, load was monotonically applied at a stroke-controlled rate of 1.0 mm/min and the formation of the cracks on the sides of the beams were also marked and recorded.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Apply a single stroke of polish down the center of your nail, then do a second and third stroke on either side.

WikiHow

In this study, we focused on the disruption of the blood brain barrier after stroke, and applied a liposomal drug delivery system (DDS) designed to enhance the pharmacological effect of the neuroprotectant and to avoid side effects.

Journal of Controlled Release

When applying a constant number of bar strokes it is found that the mixing performance is independent of the bar velocity.

Powder Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "apply a stroke" in design or art contexts, be specific about the type of stroke (e.g., color, thickness) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "apply a stroke" in medical contexts, as it can be easily confused with the medical term 'stroke'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply a stroke" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase, indicating the action of adding or using a stroke. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "apply a stroke" is grammatically sound and used to describe the addition of a visual element in art, design, and technical contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid phrase, although relatively rare. For alternative phrasing, consider "add a stroke" or "use a stroke". While versatile, avoid using it in medical contexts to prevent confusion. Overall, it's more common in instructional and technical settings than in formal business or social media, given its documented usage in sources like WikiHow and various scientific publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

add a stroke

Replaces "apply" with "add", focusing on the action of including a stroke.

use a stroke

Substitutes "apply" with "use", highlighting the utilization of a stroke.

administer a stroke

Replaces "apply" with "administer", adding a sense of formality or precision.

lay down a stroke

Changes "apply" to "lay down", evoking a sense of careful placement or creation.

create a stroke

Shifts the focus from applying to the act of creating the stroke itself.

draw a stroke

Specifies the act of drawing as the means of applying the stroke.

paint a stroke

Replaces apply with paint, in the specific field of artistry.

implement a stroke

Substitutes "apply" with "implement", focusing on the act of execution.

give a stroke

Replaces apply with give, offering a more informal tone.

make a stroke

Changes "apply" to "make", which is a more generic phrase.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "apply a stroke" in a sentence?

Alternatives include "add a stroke", "use a stroke", or "lay down a stroke", depending on the context. Each "add a stroke" offers a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "apply a stroke"?

Yes, "apply a stroke" is grammatically correct and commonly used in design, art, and programming contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

What does "apply a stroke" mean in graphic design?

In graphic design, "apply a stroke" means to add an outline or border to a shape or text, often to enhance its visibility or aesthetics.

What's the difference between "apply a stroke" and "add a stroke"?

While similar, ""add a stroke"" generally implies a simpler, more direct action, whereas "apply a stroke" might suggest a more considered or technical process.