apply the same formula

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply the same formula" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing mathematical calculations, problem-solving, or any situation where a consistent method is being used across different scenarios. Example: "To find the area of different rectangles, you can apply the same formula for area calculation: length times width."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Saint Laurent and Gucci are owned by Kering, which is understandably keen to apply the same formula to Balenciaga.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's the essence of the sea," a server whispered one evening, describing a sea-urchin foam, but one could apply the same formula elsewhere.

The New Yorker

The company now plans to apply the same formula to turn around its mass-market brands, such as Chevrolet and Pontiac.

The Economist

Uganda, where it rains throughout the year, could not be more different from South Africa in terms of malaria, and it is a mistake to apply the same formula here.

The New York Times

It is Mr. Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, who has been the most aggressive in the state as of late, seeking to apply the same formula he used in Iowa and New Hampshire, where he trailed early on but built leads in large part through a flood of early advertising.

The New York Times

It has already seen quite a bit of success with the Visual Studio Community edition, and it makes sense to apply the same formula to Xamarin.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In addition, it was possible to apply the same formulae whatever the cracking process, if the total number of cracks was divided by 4, like for the first cracking process.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Aestheticians shortly before 1800 had applied the same formula to musical character.

The Guardian - Books

Apple has cut through the buzzing confusion of its industry by applying the same formula to a succession of iProducts.

The Economist

Applying the same formula, which was made available Thursday by the European Commission, the United States would contribute about €3 billion to €12 billion annually by 2020.

The New York Times

He applied the same formula of high levels of customer service that also turned Toronto-Dominion into the leader in its home market.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "apply the same formula", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the 'formula' refers to. This avoids ambiguity and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "apply the same formula" guarantees identical results in all situations. Contextual factors often influence outcomes, even with consistent methods.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply the same formula" functions as a directive or suggestion, indicating the action of using a previously successful method in a new context. It often appears in explanations and recommendations, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "apply the same formula" suggests using a proven method in a new situation and is considered grammatically correct. Although Ludwig's examples show an 'Uncommon' frequency, its versatility across News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedia sources indicates broad applicability. When writing, ensure clarity in defining the 'formula' to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "use the same approach" or "follow the same method" offer similar meanings, but the best choice depends on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow the same method

Focuses on adherence to a defined procedure.

use the same approach

Focuses on the method used, rather than the specific formula or method.

employ the same technique

Highlights a specific skill or way of doing something.

adopt the same strategy

Emphasizes a deliberate plan being replicated.

replicate the same process

Highlights repeating a series of actions.

duplicate the formula

Emphasizes an exact copy of the original successful method.

mirror the methodology

Implies reflecting or imitating a structured system.

apply the same principle

Focuses on the underlying rule or concept.

transfer the formula

Highlights the movement and application of the formula from one context to another.

extend the same formula

Suggests taking the formula and making it applicable to new situations.

FAQs

How can I use "apply the same formula" in a sentence?

You can use "apply the same formula" when you want to express that a method or approach that worked in one situation can be used in another similar situation. For example: "To solve this new problem, we can "apply the same formula" we used last time".

What does "apply the same formula" mean?

"Apply the same formula" means to use the same method or approach that was previously successful in a different but comparable situation.

Are there any alternatives to "apply the same formula"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "use the same approach", "adopt the same strategy", or "follow the same method", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to "apply the same formula"?

It is appropriate to "apply the same formula" when you believe that the underlying principles or conditions are similar enough to warrant using the same method, with a reasonable expectation of a similar outcome. However, it is important to consider if the situation is truly identical or if adjustments need to be made.