apply to that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apply to that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific situation, context, or subject to which something is relevant or applicable. Example: "The rules we discussed earlier do not apply to that particular case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The legislation was not intended to apply to that.

The New York Times

When you are going back over a number of years and saying this is the extra amount of money that would have been due from Britain then automatically the rebate must apply to that.

The Guardian

Once Office 2010 rolls around the deal will apply to that.

TechCrunch

Our view is it's our job to provide the technology and the content providers can tell us what kind of restrictions and policies they want to apply to that.

Forbes

The settings will apply to that song only.

The New York Times

Is there anything from your Mead festival experience that you can apply to that project?

The New York Times

Although his book was completed before the recent war in Iraq, the same warning might apply to that conflict.

The New York Times - Books

"We should want the executive to ask what rules apply to that conflict before they enact policy, not after".

The New York Times

They were applying European techniques to recording, to making music, that don't apply to that system at all.

The Guardian - Music

I think the words I would apply to the creative arts - integrity, vision, tenderness, warmth, compassion, surprise, shock, perhaps even violence - can all apply to that area".

The Guardian

"Illicit" can apply to that which is "illegitimate" – meaning not sanctioned by law or custom; or it can be used simply as an alternative for illegal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "apply to that", ensure the "that" is clearly defined and refers to a specific, previously mentioned subject or situation to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "apply to that" when the referent of "that" is unclear or ambiguous. Always make sure the context makes it immediately obvious what "that" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apply to that" functions as a verb phrase with a preposition, indicating that a rule, principle, or concept is relevant or has an effect on a specific subject. As Ludwig AI says, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "apply to that" is used to indicate that something is relevant or applicable to a specific subject or situation. While Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable, it is relatively rare in occurrence. Its primary function is to establish a connection between a general principle and a particular case, and its formality level is neutral, rendering it suitable for use in News & Media and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, be sure that "that" refers clearly to something previously mentioned to avoid any ambiguity. Alternatives include "pertain to that" and "be applicable to that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be applicable to that

Changes the verb to the passive voice and uses "applicable" instead of "apply", emphasizing the suitability rather than the action.

be relevant to that

Focuses on the relevance or importance of something in relation to the subject.

pertain to that

Emphasizes a direct relevance or connection to the specific subject.

relate to that

Uses a more general term, "relate", to indicate a connection or association.

have bearing on that

Highlights the influence or impact something has on the subject.

hold true for that

Suggests that a statement or principle remains valid or applicable in that specific case.

be connected to that

Implies a link or association between two things, focusing on their relationship.

be tied to that

Suggests a strong and direct connection or dependency.

extend to that

Indicates that the scope or reach of something includes the subject.

fit that context

Emphasizes how well something suits or is appropriate for a specific situation.

FAQs

What does "apply to that" mean?

The phrase "apply to that" means something is relevant, pertinent, or has an effect on a specific thing, situation, or subject that has already been mentioned or is understood in the context.

What are some synonyms for "apply to that"?

Alternatives to "apply to that" include "pertain to that", "relate to that", "be applicable to that", or "be relevant to that".

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

You can use "apply to that" to indicate that a rule, principle, or characteristic is valid or effective for a particular case. For example, "The discount only applies to that specific product line".

Is it correct to say "applies for that" instead of "apply to that"?

No, "applies for that" is generally incorrect. The correct phrasing is "apply to that", indicating something is relevant or has an effect on something else. "Applies for" typically relates to applying in order to receive something, which has a different meaning.