apply against

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply against" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is submitting an application or request in opposition to something or in a competitive situation. Example: "I decided to apply against the proposed changes to the policy during the public hearing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But it will be hard to apply against small farmers.

The Economist

He is very proud of Heller. he wants it to apply against the states.

The New Yorker

Plate discipline is harder for hitters to apply against pitchers who consistently pound the strike zone.

The New York Times - Sports

Does the right to bear arms apply against city and state governments as well?

The New York Times

Certain regional pressures may also apply against states wishing to reform, as the US political science professor As'ad AbuKhalil noted.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the fact is that there are few sanctions left to apply against the most unpredictable country in Asia.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It is mainly applied against drug addicts.

The Economist

"No force will be applied against peaceful protesters.

The Guardian

Of that amount, it carried forward $166 million to be applied against its future taxable income.

The New York Times

Countries are too scared that sanctions might also be applied against them one day.

The Guardian - Opinion

A new case would challenge the law "as applied" against Wisconsin Right to Life.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "apply against", ensure the context clearly indicates an attempt to counteract, challenge, or utilize something in opposition to something else. For example, "The new findings apply against previous assumptions."

Common error

A common mistake is using "apply against" when you simply mean to "apply to". Ensure you're conveying opposition or contrast, not just mere relevance or connection. For example, avoid "This rule applies against all employees" when you mean "This rule applies to all employees".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply against" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action intended to counteract or challenge something. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable. The examples show it used in contexts ranging from legal arguments to athletic strategy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "apply against" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that signifies the act of using something to counteract or challenge another. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable in various writing contexts. While not overly common, it appears most frequently in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business domains, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian using it. When using "apply against", be sure that your sentence clearly expresses the intended sense of opposition or challenge, and don't mistake it with "apply to". Alternatives like "lodge an appeal against" or "be used in defense against" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lodge an appeal against

This alternative highlights the act of formally contesting or challenging something.

be used in defense against

This conveys the idea of employing something as a protective measure.

file a grievance against

This suggests a formal complaint is being made due to perceived unfair treatment.

be implemented to counter

Focuses on putting something into practice to resist or neutralize a specific threat or problem.

bring action against

This phrase implies initiating legal proceedings or taking formal steps against someone or something.

act in contradiction of

Indicates a direct conflict or clash with established principles or guidelines.

work in opposition to

This suggests active resistance or working to counteract something.

operate in defiance of

Suggests a deliberate act of non-compliance or resistance against a certain authority or regulation.

be relevant to

This expresses a connection or pertinence, but without the sense of opposition.

have bearing on

This suggests an influence or impact on a particular situation or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "apply against" in a sentence?

Use "apply against" to indicate that something is being used in opposition to or in order to counteract something else. For instance, "New evidence can "apply against" existing theories."

What's an alternative to "apply against" that doesn't imply opposition?

If you want to express relevance or applicability without the sense of opposition, use phrases like "apply to" or "be relevant to".

When is it appropriate to use "apply against" versus "enforce against"?

"Apply against" suggests using something (like an argument or rule) to counter something else. "Enforce against" implies implementing a rule or law to ensure compliance, often with penalties.

Is "apply against" considered formal or informal language?

The phrase "apply against" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in professional, news, and academic settings.