applying the law

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "applying the law" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing the enforcement or interpretation of legal statutes or regulations. Example: "The judge emphasized the importance of applying the law fairly and consistently in all cases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

All the judges were doing was applying the law.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lesson one: applying the law to the facts.

The Guardian

The justices insist that they are merely applying the law.

The Economist

"The federal government should be applying the law evenly," she said.

The New York Times

DiIulio also disappoints when applying the law to his favored charities.

The New York Times - Books

Judges, applying the law passed by Parliament, are abused and castigated.

The Guardian - Opinion

It makes them feel like their judges understand them and are applying the law fairly.

The Guardian

The state's 58 counties are applying the law in virtually 58 different ways.

The New York Times - Magazine

The government denies that it is applying the law as a weapon against political dissent.

The New York Times

She said she would be more "objective" in applying the law.

The Economist

François Fillon, the centre-right education minister, has promised to be uncompromising in applying the law.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use more descriptive alternatives like "enforcing the law" or "implementing the law" to provide greater context, especially in technical or formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "applying the law" in contexts where the discussion is about creating or changing laws. The phrase specifically refers to the implementation of existing laws, not the legislative process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "applying the law" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun in a sentence. It refers to the action of implementing or using legal statutes in specific contexts. As evidenced by Ludwig, it denotes the practical use of legal principles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "applying the law" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the implementation of legal statutes. Ludwig AI shows that it frequently appears in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it appropriately, focusing on the practical implementation rather than the creation or modification of laws. Consider alternatives like "enforcing the law" or "implementing the law" for greater context. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is well-regarded and usable in a variety of writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enforcing the law

Focuses on the act of ensuring compliance with legal regulations.

implementing the law

Highlights the practical execution and putting the law into effect.

administering the law

Emphasizes the management and oversight of legal processes.

executing the law

Stresses the carrying out of legal judgments and directives.

interpreting the law

Focuses on understanding and explaining the meaning of legal statutes.

upholding the law

Highlights the act of supporting and maintaining the integrity of the legal system.

enacting the law

Refers to the process of creating and establishing a law.

observing the law

Focuses on adhering to and respecting legal requirements.

following the law

Highlights compliance and obedience to legal rules.

practicing the law

Implies engaging in the professional application of legal principles.

FAQs

What does "applying the law" mean?

The phrase "applying the law" refers to the process of interpreting and implementing legal statutes or regulations in specific situations. It involves using existing laws to address particular cases or circumstances.

How can I use "applying the law" in a sentence?

You can use "applying the law" to describe how legal professionals or authorities use existing rules and regulations. For example, "The court is responsible for "applying the law" impartially in all cases." or "The police were "applying the law" when they issued the citation."

What are some alternatives to "applying the law"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "enforcing the law", "implementing the law", or "administering the law". These phrases emphasize different aspects of the legal process.

Is there a difference between "applying the law" and "interpreting the law"?

"Applying the law" focuses on the practical implementation of legal statutes, while "interpreting the law" involves understanding and explaining the meaning of those statutes. Judges often both interpret and apply the law in court cases.