as they applied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they applied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the manner in which something was implemented or executed in a specific context. Example: "The rules were clear, and as they applied to the situation, everyone understood their responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

We were privy to the queens getting ready, as they applied thick layers of makeup and hair-removal cream.

The Guardian

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy's majority opinion rejected both constitutional arguments, at least as they applied to Mr. Hiibel.

The New York Times

Petitioner testified that he believed its principles, particularly as they applied to the period and country in which written.

Cornell University

An event called Physics 2000, opened only to school groups, was intended to allow students to study laws of physics as they applied to the park's rides.

The New York Times

His Washington executor, Hugh Beins, said Mr. Maggiolo, as a Roman Catholic, was guided by the teachings of the church as they applied to his field.

The New York Times

It should also be noted that not everybody who was successful will have been appointed in the same year as they applied.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Anyone can be considered as long as they apply online.

The New York Times

All first-year students are guaranteed accommodation as long as they apply by the deadline.

The Guardian

We were therefore compelled to follow the N.C.A.A. rules as they apply to the situation".

The New York Times - Sports

3. The article mentions the "Defense of Marriage Acts" as they apply to individual states.

The New York Times

Instead, people are routinely told as soon as they apply for welfare to get jobs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as they applied", ensure the context clearly indicates who 'they' refers to and what was being applied. For instance, clarify whether it refers to rules, methods, or pressure.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by ensuring the pronoun 'they' has a clear and immediate referent. Without proper context, readers may struggle to understand who is applying what, potentially leading to misinterpretations. Rework the sentence to explicitly state who "they" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they applied" serves as a conjunction, connecting a clause that describes an action (applying something) to another clause that explains the context or result of that action. It indicates the manner or circumstances under which something was put into effect, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

27%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as they applied" is a versatile conjunction used to provide context about the implementation of a particular action or strategy. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and sees it used across diverse sources, including news, academic, and scientific domains. While it functions neutrally, ensuring the referent of 'they' is clear will avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "when they implemented it" or "in their utilization of" can be used to emphasize different aspects of the action. Overall, "as they applied" is a reliable and effective way to link actions to their circumstances or outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the course of their application

Highlights the ongoing process of applying something.

the way they executed

Focuses on the method of carrying out a task.

when putting into practice

Emphasizes the practical implementation of something.

when they implemented it

Focuses on the specific time of implementation.

the manner in which they put into effect

Highlights the method used to make something operational.

how they administered

Highlights the management or application of something.

in their utilization of

Emphasizes the act of using something.

in their enactment of

Focuses on the formal implementation of something like a law or rule.

during their employment of

Refers to using something within a specific period.

as they wielded

Implies skillful handling or application.

FAQs

How can I use "as they applied" in a sentence?

Use "as they applied" to describe the way a group implemented a particular set of rules, methods, or strategies. For example, "The team adjusted their approach as they applied the new marketing strategies."

What are some alternatives to "as they applied"?

You can use phrases like "when they implemented it", "in their utilization of", or "how they administered" depending on the specific context. Each alternative slightly shifts the focus, either emphasizing timing, usage, or management.

How does the meaning change if I use "as they applied" versus "as they implemented"?

While similar, "as they applied" focuses on the act of putting something into action, whereas "as they implemented" /s/as+they+implemented specifically refers to the execution or carrying out of a plan or system. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action or the execution itself.

Is "as they applied" formal or informal?

"As they applied" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, appearing in news articles, academic papers, and general writing. Its versatility makes it a reliable choice across different registers.