are thought to apply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are thought to apply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing theories, beliefs, or assumptions regarding the applicability of certain concepts or rules. Example: "These principles are thought to apply universally across different cultures and societies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The results are thought to apply equally to men.

The New York Times

Values and their associated imperatives are absolute when they are thought to apply to all human beings, at all times irrespective of social or historical conditions.

SEP

While the presence of PW signatures in the ionospheric plasma is without dispute and the same neutral/plasma coupling processes as for the tides (predominantly E-region dynamo modulation, see project 1) are thought to apply to PWs as well, the mechanism through which they enter the E-region is still under debate.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

The kinetochore-connected microtubules, or K-fibers, are thought to apply the poleward forces to the chromosomes and pull chromosomes toward the opposing poles during anaphase [11], [12], [13].

Plosone

While these domains are thought to apply broadly to the practice of medicine, this article seeks to consider clinical excellence in nephrology using this framework.

BMC Nephrology

In patients with brain damage, the same risks are thought to apply; temperatures within the febrile range are widely perceived to increase the risk of a worse patient outcome [ 4- 6].

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The same is thought to apply to Owen Coyle, despite his earlier assertions that he is content at newly promoted Burnley.

The Guardian - Sport

But neither the narrowing nor the expansion should logically be thought to apply to all appearances of the affected word or phrase.

Cornell University

We only included data on influenza A virus transmission in this article because the literature supporting different clinical presentations associated with infections by the aerosol route22,23 only provide data on influenza A. Further work could apply similar approaches to influenza B if the same hypothesis regarding clinical presentation were thought to apply.

Nature

Third, there are concepts applying to or being thought to apply to both macroscopic and submicroscopic particles.

SEP

This is thought to apply especially to relationships between our society and those societies with which we have significant moral disagreements.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are thought to apply" when you want to express a generally held, but not necessarily proven, belief about the applicability of a concept, rule, or principle.

Common error

Avoid using "are thought to apply" when you're stating a fact or a definitively proven principle. This phrase introduces uncertainty, so it's inappropriate for established knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are thought to apply" functions as a passive construction, expressing a belief or assumption about the applicability of a concept or rule. As Ludwig AI points out, it introduces uncertainty, suggesting a generally held but not definitively proven idea.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are thought to apply" is a passive construction used to express a generally held belief or assumption about the applicability of something. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct but introduces an element of uncertainty, making it suitable for discussing theories or principles that are not definitively proven. Its usage is most frequent in scientific and news contexts, with a neutral to formal register. Remember to avoid using it when stating established facts. Consider alternatives like "are believed to be applicable" or "are considered to apply" depending on the nuances you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are believed to be applicable

Emphasizes a belief in the applicability rather than a general thought or consideration.

are considered to apply

Focuses on a formal consideration or judgment of applicability.

are deemed applicable

Highlights an official or authoritative decision on applicability.

are understood to apply

Suggests a common understanding or accepted notion of applicability.

are presumed to be in effect

Implies a presumption of being operational or valid.

are expected to be used

Shifts the focus to the expectation of use, rather than inherent applicability.

are supposed to be effective

Indicates an expectation of effectiveness, implying intended applicability.

are intended for use

Focuses on the intended purpose or application.

are designed to be used

Emphasizes the design aspect and its implication for applicability.

are meant to be implemented

Highlights the intention behind the implementation, implying applicability.

FAQs

How can I use "are thought to apply" in a sentence?

Use "are thought to apply" to express a widely held belief or assumption about the applicability of a concept. For example, "These rules "are thought to apply" in all situations".

What are some alternatives to "are thought to apply"?

Alternatives include "are believed to be applicable", "are considered to apply", or "are deemed applicable", depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "are thought to apply"?

It's appropriate when discussing theories, assumptions, or beliefs that are generally held but not definitively proven. It introduces a level of uncertainty or supposition.

What is the difference between "are thought to apply" and "are known to apply"?

"Are thought to apply" indicates a belief or assumption, while "are known to apply" suggests a confirmed fact. Use "are known to apply" when there is concrete evidence.