apply it to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply it to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of using a concept, method, or rule in a specific context or situation. Example: "You can apply it to your daily routine to improve productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You apply it to what you've done".

The New York Times

And to apply it to everyone".

The Guardian

You could even apply it to reviews.

The Guardian - Books

You could also apply it to Trump.

The Guardian - Books

and apply it to each time frame.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Arruda: Let's apply it to the workplace.

Forbes

Could you apply it to another?

Forbes

Of course, I wouldn't apply it to everyone.

BBC

Later indices attempted to apply it to human physiology.

BBC

"Mathematics becomes very odd when you apply it to people.

BBC

Now, let's apply it to your life.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "apply it to" to show how a general rule, theory, or concept can be used in a specific situation, making your explanations more concrete and understandable.

Common error

Avoid using "apply it to" when a direct action verb is more appropriate. For example, instead of "apply the paint to the wall", use "paint the wall". This makes your writing more concise and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply it to" functions as a transitive verb phrase, requiring both a direct object ("it") and a prepositional phrase ("to + noun/pronoun") to complete its meaning. Ludwig AI affirms its widespread use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

26%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "apply it to" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe the process of utilizing a concept, method, or rule in a specific scenario. Ludwig AI, confirms that "apply it to" is correct and widely used in writing and speech. As seen in the examples, it finds frequent application in diverse fields like science, news, media, and general how-to guides. While alternatives like "use it for" or "implement it in" exist, understanding the nuances of "apply it to" will enhance clarity and precision in your communication. Remember to avoid overusing this phrase when a direct verb would be more concise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implement it for

Replaces "to" with "for", slightly shifting the focus to the purpose rather than the target.

use it on

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the act of using something directly on a target.

utilize it in

Replaces "apply" with "utilize" and "to" with "in", making the phrase sound more formal.

adapt it for

Emphasizes modifying something to fit a specific purpose or context.

direct it towards

Highlights the act of pointing or channeling something in a specific direction.

employ it with

Focuses on using something in conjunction with something else.

exercise it on

Suggests using a skill or right on something.

bring it to bear on

Implies bringing influence or pressure to a situation.

transfer it onto

Focuses on moving or copying something onto another surface or area.

map it onto

Implies creating a correspondence or relationship between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "apply it to" in a sentence?

The phrase "apply it to" is used to indicate the action of using a method, concept, or skill in a specific situation or context. For instance, you might say, "apply this rule to your budget planning" or "apply the theory to your research project".

What are some alternatives to "apply it to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "use it for", "implement it in", "adapt it for", or "direct it towards". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "apply it on" instead of "apply it to"?

While "apply it on" might sound similar, "apply it to" is generally the preferred and grammatically correct choice. "Apply it to" suggests a direction or target for the application, while "apply it on" can sometimes imply a more superficial contact.

What's the difference between "apply it to" and "relate it to"?

"Apply it to" means to use something in a practical way in a specific situation. "Relate it to", on the other hand, means to find a connection or similarity between two things. For example, you might "apply a theory to a problem" or "relate a problem to a theory".