are applied to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are applied to" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe when something is relevant or connected to a particular situation. For example, "The same rules of mathematics are applied to the stock market."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Comprehensive architectural guidelines are applied to all its buildings.

The Economist

Those savings instead are applied to deficit reduction.

The New York Times

Clear lacquers are applied to preserve the polish.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Field corrections are applied to the original manuscripts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Therapeutic chemicals are applied to combat an infection in progress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Manifestations of her work are applied to academic research, education, government, and industry interactions.

The Guardian

But in this small, transparent social democracy, the rules of the road are applied to everyone.

The New York Times

When quantum rules are applied to the domain of creatures and things, the result is nonsense.

The New York Times

When the values of the classical world are applied to it, it is superficial and absurd.

The Guardian - Books

Their conclusions are applied to everything from child-custody disputes to parole reviews.

The New York Times - Magazine

A machine spits out the panels -- adhesive-backed film -- that are applied to the vehicle.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the subject receiving the application is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "rules are applied to", specify "rules are applied to all employees".

Common error

Overuse of "are applied to" can lead to passive voice, making your writing less direct. Consider rewriting sentences to use active voice, such as changing "the methods are applied to the data" to "researchers applied the methods to the data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are applied to" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject receives a specific action. This usage is confirmed by Ludwig AI and can be observed in examples where rules, methods, or principles are applied to various situations or objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are applied to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb phrase that indicates the implementation or utilization of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys that rules, methods, or principles are applied to various situations. While versatile, it's important to be mindful of the potential for passive voice and consider active alternatives for more direct writing. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, mastering its use ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are utilized for

Focuses on the purpose or function for which something is used, emphasizing utility.

are employed in

Highlights the context or field where something is used, suggesting active engagement.

are implemented within

Emphasizes the system or framework where something is put into effect, conveying structure.

are subjected to

Indicates that something undergoes a process or treatment, often with a sense of obligation.

are connected with

Highlights a relationship or association, suggesting a link or correspondence.

are relevant to

Stresses the pertinence or applicability of something in a particular situation, focusing on suitability.

are attributed to

Indicates that something is regarded as the cause or source of a phenomenon, focusing on origin.

are assigned to

Highlights the allocation or designation of something for a specific purpose, emphasizing distribution.

are directed towards

Emphasizes the target or goal of an action or effort, suggesting focus.

are administered on

Suggests the formal application or dispensation of something, often involving a process.

FAQs

How do I use "are applied to" in a sentence?

Use "are applied to" to indicate that certain principles, rules, methods, or concepts are used or implemented in a specific context. For example, "These guidelines "are applied to" all projects". Avoid overuse to prevent passive voice.

What's a good substitute for "are applied to"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "are used for", "are employed in", or "are implemented within". Each alternative subtly shifts the meaning, so choose the one that best fits your intended message.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "are applied to"?

While "are applied to" is grammatically correct, it often results in passive voice. Using the active voice can make your writing more direct and engaging. Consider rephrasing as "The team applied the methods to...".

How does the context influence the choice of "are applied to"?

The context determines the most appropriate phrasing. In formal or scientific writing, ""are applied to"" may be suitable for objectivity. However, in less formal contexts, more active and direct alternatives might be preferable.