be applicable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be applicable to" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means that something is relevant or suitable for a particular situation or purpose. Example: The company's new policies will be applicable to all employees, regardless of their position or tenure.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This could be applicable to other areas and application domains.

BMC Ecology

It may also be applicable to Galileo.

The Economist

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

The New York Times

Be applicable to all focus areas.

Yale University

Build up prototypes that will be applicable to the organization.

Harvard Business Review

How might the museum's remedy be applicable to that issue?

The New York Times

It might be applicable to many different types of cancer.

The New York Times - Health

may be applicable to both the Department and commercial entities.

Cornell University

Our analysis framework may be applicable to other problems.

Stanford University

The new technology will be applicable to computer logic as well as memory, he added.

The New York Times

"They figure that might be applicable to computers," Mr. Buderi said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be applicable to", ensure the subject to which something applies is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "This is applicable", specify "This method is applicable to small businesses".

Common error

Avoid using "be applicable to" in overly broad statements that lack specificity. Instead of saying "This theory is applicable to everything", provide concrete examples or specific areas where the theory holds true.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be applicable to" functions as a linking verb phrase + adjective indicating a relationship between a subject and its suitability or relevance. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it often connects a theory, method, or rule to a specific context or situation where it can be effectively applied.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be applicable to" is a commonly used phrase that signifies the relevance or suitability of something to a particular situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted in formal writing. The phrase finds its strongest presence in scientific and academic contexts, but also appears frequently in news media. For clear and effective communication, ensure that the subject is clearly defined to avoid vagueness. Consider using synonyms like ""be relevant to"" or ""be suitable for"" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be relevant to

Focuses on the pertinence or connection to a specific subject or situation.

be pertinent to

Emphasizes a direct and significant relationship to the matter at hand.

be suitable for

Highlights the appropriateness or fitness for a particular purpose.

be appropriate for

Indicates that something is fitting and proper for a specific context.

be fitting for

Suggests that something aligns well or is in harmony with the situation.

be germane to

Implies a close and logical connection, often in a formal setting.

be adaptable to

Focuses on the capacity to be modified to suit different conditions.

be transferable to

Highlights the ability to be moved or applied from one situation to another.

be usable for

Emphasizes the practicality and ability to be used for a specific task.

be valid for

Indicates that something is officially recognized or accepted for a particular purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "be applicable to" to indicate that something is relevant or suitable for a particular situation. For example: "These rules will "be applicable to" all employees."

What are some alternatives to "be applicable to"?

Alternatives to "be applicable to" include "be relevant to", "be suitable for", or "be appropriate for" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "applicable for" or "applicable to"?

"Applicable to" is the correct and more common form. "Applicable for" is less frequently used and may sound awkward to native English speakers. Therefore always prefer ""be applicable to"".

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

While both phrases suggest a connection, "be applicable to" implies a more practical or functional connection, whereas ""be relevant to"" simply means that something is related or pertinent to the subject.