be applied to

USAGE SUMMARY

"be applied to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that can be utilized or used in a specific situation. For example, "These new rules must be applied to all students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meanings can be applied to it.

The New York Times - Arts

Similar math can be applied to tennis.

The New York Times - Sports

A variant could be applied to development.

The Economist

How could it be applied to criminals?

The New York Times

That principle should be applied to Trump.

The Washington Post

The same criteria should be applied to him that would be applied to anyone else".

The New York Times

The same concept can be applied to dog runs.

The New York Times

What rules should be applied to Microsoft in this competition?

The New York Times

Tax credits cannot be applied to personal income taxes.

The New York Times

Special immigration status can also be applied to their spouses.

The Guardian - Opinion

Might this principle be applied to certain New York restaurants?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be applied to", ensure the subject receiving the application is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'This can be applied', specify 'This method can be applied to data analysis'.

Common error

Avoid using "be applied to" with excessively abstract nouns that lack a clear, practical connection. For instance, instead of saying 'This can be applied to happiness', opt for a more concrete application: 'This technique can be applied to improve mental well-being'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be applied to" functions as a passive construction indicating that a particular method, rule, or principle is capable of being used or implemented in a specific context. Ludwig shows its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be applied to" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction that indicates the potential or suitability of something for use in a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various domains. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, suggesting a neutral register. When using "be applied to", clarity is key, particularly in defining the subject that receives the application. Avoid pairing it with overly abstract nouns to maintain a concrete and practical connection. Consider alternatives like "be utilized for" or "be implemented in" to fine-tune your message. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "be applied to" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be utilized for

Focuses on the practical use or purpose of something.

be used in

Emphasizes the employment of something within a specific context.

be implemented in

Highlights the act of putting something into effect within a system or process.

be relevant to

Indicates a direct connection or pertinence to a particular subject or situation.

be adapted for

Suggests modification or alteration to suit a specific purpose or requirement.

be suitable for

Implies a degree of appropriateness.

be attributed to

Focuses on assigning a quality or characteristic to something.

be connected with

Highlights relationship between items.

be mapped onto

Emphasizes the correspondence between different concepts or structures.

be assigned to

Highlights the act of designating something for a specific purpose or recipient.

FAQs

How to use "be applied to" in a sentence?

The phrase "be applied to" is used to indicate that a method, rule, or principle can be used or is relevant in a particular situation. For example, 'This rule should "be applied to" all students'.

What can I say instead of "be applied to"?

You can use alternatives like "be utilized for", "be used in", or "be implemented in" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "be applied to" or "be apply to"?

"Be applied to" is the correct form. "Be apply to" is grammatically incorrect because "applied" is the past participle form of the verb "apply" and is needed after the auxiliary verb "be" to form the passive voice.

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

"Be applied to" suggests a direct action of using a method or principle, while "be relevant to" indicates a connection or pertinence without necessarily implying direct use. The phrase ""be applied to"" is more active in its suggestion of utilization.