be applicable only to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be applicable only to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying that something is relevant or suitable exclusively for a particular case or context. Example: "The new regulations will be applicable only to businesses operating within the city limits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The genetic test would be applicable only to women similar to those in the 1980's clinical trial.

The New York Times

If possible, a metric should apply to all digital resources; however, some metrics may be applicable only to a subset.

Nature

Finally, gene therapy may turn out to be applicable only to genetic disorders caused by a single defective gene, and only to some of those, ­Williamson points out.

MIT Technology Review

The Clause was thus intended by the Framers to be applicable only to laws which altered the obligations of contracts by effectively relieving one party of the obligation to perform a contract duty.

Harvard University

This subsection shall be applicable only to parcels of land (including surface and subsurface interests, except with respect to a subsurface interest that has been severed from the surface interest, in which case this subsection shall apply only to the surface interest) which the Secretary has determined, pursuant to paragraph (2)(B), to be parcels of highly fractionated Indian land.

Cornell University

Conversely, a study of lemma epidermal development might be applicable only to the genus Oryza itself.

Rice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

This is applicable only to industrialised countries.

The Economist

This section is applicable only to obligations issued after December 31 , 1991

Cornell University

Ion-exchange strengthening is applicable only to alkali-containing glasses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Microbiological assay is applicable only to the B vitamins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The indirect method is applicable only to linear structures.

Structural Analysis In Theory and Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be applicable only to", ensure that the limitation is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify the exact conditions, groups, or situations to which the statement applies.

Common error

Avoid using "be applicable only to" when the statement has broader implications or exceptions. Overstating the limitation can undermine the credibility of your argument. Ensure you're not excluding scenarios that should be considered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be applicable only to" functions as a restrictive modifier, limiting the scope or relevance of a statement, rule, or concept to a specific subset. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

56%

Academia

23%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be applicable only to" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed construction used to restrict the scope of a statement to a specific context. According to Ludwig AI, it’s correct and usable. Its usage is most prevalent in scientific, academic, and news-related material, as evident from the examples provided. When using this phrase, clarity is key to avoid misinterpretations, and it's important to confirm that the limitations are accurate to maintain credibility. Alternatives like "be relevant solely to" or "exclusively apply to" can be used for similar effect, albeit with subtle nuances. Thus, the usage of "be applicable only to" serves to pinpoint specific scenarios and clearly define the limitations for which a statement or guideline is valid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be relevant solely to

Focuses on relevance rather than applicability, implying a unique connection.

be pertinent exclusively to

Emphasizes the exclusive nature of the relevance or pertinence.

be restricted solely to

Highlights the limitation or constraint to a specific context or subject.

exclusively apply to

Changes the structure to emphasize the act of applying rather than the state of being applicable.

uniquely apply to

Emphasizes the uniqueness of application.

be limited in scope to

Highlights the constraints or boundaries of the applicability.

be specific to

Stresses the specificity of the application, implying a tailored fit.

solely concern

Focuses on the subject matter that is being addressed in a limited scope.

exclusively cater to

Suggests providing or supplying something to a particular case or context and nothing else.

only concern itself with

Indicates that something confines its interest or activity to a limited domain.

FAQs

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

You can use "be applicable only to" to specify a limited scope or condition. For example, "This discount will be applicable only to students" indicates that only students can receive the discount.

What are some alternatives to "be applicable only to"?

Alternatives include "be relevant solely to", "be pertinent exclusively to", or "exclusively apply to". Each option offers a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "be applicable for" instead of "be applicable to"?

While "applicable for" might occasionally be used, "applicable to" is generally considered the more grammatically correct and widely accepted phrasing. The preposition "to" correctly indicates the target or recipient of the applicability.

What is the difference between "be applicable only to" and "be generally applicable to"?

"Be applicable only to" specifies a limited scope, while "be generally applicable to" suggests a broad or common application. The former narrows the focus, whereas the latter widens it. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize specificity or generality.