be applicable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be applicable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is relevant or suitable in a particular context or situation. Example: "The new regulations will be applicable to all businesses operating in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It could be applicable anywhere".

The New Yorker

It may also be applicable to Galileo.

The Economist

Such information, scientists believe, may be applicable to human diseases.

The New York Times

STEWART: And anything else that might be applicable?

The New Yorker

Those charges turned out not to be applicable in Alabama.

The New York Times - Books

Two city rules could be applicable, experts said.

The New York Times

declarations in LET should be applicable.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Graduate student experience may be applicable.

Cornell University

Be applicable to all focus areas.

Yale University

But the results might be applicable across the body.

The Guardian

Build up prototypes that will be applicable to the organization.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be applicable" when you want to emphasize that a rule, principle, or method is relevant and can be used in a particular situation. It's often used in formal or technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "be applicable" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "be relevant" or "work" might be more appropriate in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be applicable" functions as an adjective phrase, indicating that something is capable of being applied or is relevant in a particular situation. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts, emphasizing its role in denoting suitability and relevance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be applicable" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is relevant and suitable for a particular situation. According to Ludwig, its usage is prevalent in formal contexts such as news articles, scientific publications, and academic papers. While it's a versatile phrase, it's best to avoid it in very informal settings, where simpler alternatives like "be relevant" or "work" might be more appropriate. The phrase functions as an adjective phrase, clarifying the scope and relevance of information across a variety of authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be relevant

Focuses on the direct connection and importance to the matter at hand.

be pertinent

Emphasizes the directness and precision of the relevance.

be suitable

Highlights the appropriateness for a specific situation or purpose.

be appropriate

Indicates that something is fitting and proper in a given context.

be fitting

Suggests a natural or logical match to the circumstances.

be germane

Implies a close and significant relationship to the subject.

be apposite

Emphasizes the particular fitness or suitability.

hold true

Suggests that something remains valid or correct in a specific situation.

have bearing on

Highlights the influence or impact on a particular issue or topic.

be connected to

Focuses on establishing a relationship or link with something else.

FAQs

How can I use "be applicable" in a sentence?

Use "be applicable" to indicate that something is relevant or suitable for a specific situation. For example, "These rules will "be applicable" to all employees."

What can I say instead of "be applicable"?

You can use alternatives like "be relevant", "be suitable", or "be appropriate" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "be applicable"?

It is appropriate to use "be applicable" in formal or technical contexts where you need to clearly state that something is relevant and can be applied effectively. Using "be relevant" is generally okay for both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "be applicable" and "be relevant"?

"Be applicable" suggests that something can be practically applied or used, while "be relevant" simply means that something is related to the topic at hand. "Be applicable" often implies a more direct and actionable connection.