apply only to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply only to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying that something is relevant or applicable exclusively to a particular subject or situation. Example: "The new regulations apply only to businesses with more than 50 employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sharia law will apply only to Muslims.

The Economist

This does not apply only to soldiering.

The New York Times - Books

The findings apply only to resistant hypertension.

The New York Times - Health

These cuts apply only to "unprotected" spending.

The Guardian

Nor does this apply only to Republicans.

The Guardian - Opinion

This does not apply only to Latin America.

The Economist

You may apply only to MIT.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It would apply only to existing mortgages, not future loans.

The New York Times

US Treasury sanctions apply only to US citizens and businesses.

The Guardian

Those guidelines apply only to subpoenas from the Justice Department.

The New York Times

Would a longer term apply only to the mayor?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "apply only to", ensure the subject and the object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about what is being applied and to whom or what it applies.

Common error

Avoid using "apply only to" when the application is broader than stated. Ensure that it truly is limited to the specific instance mentioned.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply only to" functions as a restrictive modifier. It clarifies and limits the scope of something, indicating that it is relevant or applicable in specific cases. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

22%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apply only to" is a grammatically sound phrase used to limit the applicability of something to specific instances. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its widespread use across various domains, including news, academia, and science. To ensure clarity, always explicitly define what is being applied and to which subjects or situations. By understanding its restrictive nature and using it precisely, you can enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusively apply to

Emphasizes the exclusive nature of the application.

solely apply to

Highlights that something applies to one thing and nothing else.

exclusively relevant to

Focuses on relevance and exclusivity.

specifically apply to

Emphasizes the specific nature of the application.

uniquely applicable to

Highlights that the applicability is unique.

is restricted to

Indicates a limitation to a specific scope.

is limited to

Indicates a restriction to a certain set of items or conditions.

exclusively for

Similar meaning, however this is an incomplete phrase, needs to be followed by a noun or pronoun.

solely for

Similar meaning, however this is an incomplete phrase, needs to be followed by a noun or pronoun.

pertains only to

Uses 'pertains' to indicate relevance, adding a slightly more formal tone.

FAQs

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

Use "apply only to" to specify that a rule, law, or guideline is relevant or applicable exclusively to a particular subject or situation. For example, "These regulations "apply only to" businesses with more than 50 employees".

What can I say instead of "apply only to"?

You can use alternatives like "solely apply to", "exclusively apply to", or "specifically apply to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "applies only to" instead of "apply only to"?

Yes, "applies only to" is correct when the subject is singular, while ""apply only to"" is correct when the subject is plural. For example, "This rule applies only to new hires," versus "These rules "apply only to" current employees."

What's the difference between "apply only to" and "applicable only to"?

"Apply only to" is a verb phrase indicating an action or relevance being limited. "Applicable only to" is an adjective phrase describing something's suitability or relevance being limited. For instance, "The discount applies only to students," versus "The discount is applicable only to students."