apply that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to implementing or putting into practice a specific idea, rule, or concept that has been previously mentioned. Example: "If you understand the theory, you should be able to apply that in your project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You apply that knowledge.

The New York Times - Sports

We don't apply that standard to children".

The New York Times

You can apply that rhetorical device to anything.

The Guardian

Young: I tend to apply that word to myself.

The New York Times

Yet how to apply that therapy deliberately remains unclear.

The New York Times

But can you apply that approach to a fashion line?

The New York Times

It was only natural that we would apply that same logic to Iraq.

The New York Times

I apply that same mentality to politics.

Science Magazine

We apply that idea in our research.

Journal of Cloud Computing

We wanted to apply that spirit to the digital context".

BBC

It's easy to apply that same logic to the workplace.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "apply that", ensure that the 'that' clearly refers to a previously mentioned concept or method to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "apply that" if the context doesn't immediately make it clear what 'that' refers to. Replace 'that' with a more specific noun or phrase to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply that" functions primarily as a verb phrase with a demonstrative pronoun. It calls for the implementation or use of something previously mentioned or understood. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage, as shown in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

21%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "apply that" is a common and grammatically correct way to suggest the implementation of a previously mentioned concept or idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, especially in news and media. To ensure clarity, it's best to use "apply that" when the reference is immediately clear. Consider alternatives like "implement that" or "utilize that" depending on the desired nuance. When writing, avoid ambiguity by ensuring the 'that' clearly points to the intended subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implement that

Focuses more on the execution and putting something into effect.

put that into practice

Directly conveys the idea of taking something from theory to practical application.

utilize that

Emphasizes the practical use of something for a specific purpose.

employ that

Suggests using something as a means to achieve a particular end.

exercise that

Highlights the act of putting a skill, right, or quality into practice.

execute that

Stresses the performance and carrying out of a plan or instruction.

translate that

Implies converting something into a more understandable or usable form.

adapt that

Indicates modifying something to suit a new purpose or condition.

operationalize that

Focuses on making something ready for practical use or implementation, often in a technical context.

bring that to bear

Suggests applying influence or pressure to achieve a specific result.

FAQs

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

Use "apply that" when you want to indicate the implementation of a previously mentioned idea, method, or concept. For example, "If you understand the theory, you should be able to "apply that" in your project".

What are some alternatives to "apply that"?

You can use alternatives like "implement that", "utilize that", or "put that into practice" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "applying that" instead of "apply that"?

Yes, "applying that" is correct, but it changes the grammatical structure. "Apply that" is an imperative or infinitive, while "applying that" is a gerund or present participle. They are used in different grammatical contexts. For example, "Applying that knowledge is crucial" versus "You should "apply that" knowledge".

What is the difference between ""apply that"" and "adapt that"?

"Apply that" means to use something as it is, whereas "adapt that" means to modify it to fit a new situation or purpose. The first emphasizes use, the second emphasizes change.