be applied with a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be applied with a' is not correct in written English.
However, the phrase 'apply with a' is correct, and it can be used to indicate using something with something else, such as "I will apply the adhesive with a brush".

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Asphalt patching compound can be applied with a trowel.

The New York Times - Style

It requires two coats and must be applied with a special roller for textured paint.

The New York Times

Paint texturing compounds may be applied with a brush or roller.

The New York Times

They are meant for the average case, and must be applied with a certain degree of elasticity".

The New Yorker

Mr. DeVito's fascination with trash is almost touching, even though it seems to be applied with a paintbrush.

The New York Times

Since milk paint is a water-based paint, it should not be applied with a natural-bristle brush.

The New York Times

The change cost a bit in retooling -- but, it turns out, the new paint can be applied with a thinner coating.

The New York Times

Forces ranging from a few femtoNewtons to several picoNewtons can be applied with a submillisecond response time.

Biophysical Journal

The fiery items are marked, and we found that rather than miss the flavors these spices impart, a satisfying middle ground could be had by asking that they be applied with a light hand.

The New York Times

Tap the video clip in question on the timeline, then choose Colour Filter to see what's on offer: a wide variety of filters and colour casts are available, which can be applied with a tap.

The Guardian - Tech

But before the driveway is resurfaced, any damage should be repaired first with a pourable liquid crack-filler or with the latex kind, which can be applied with a caulking gun.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While frequently used, consider restructuring your sentence to use the active voice. For example, instead of saying "The cream should be applied with a brush", say "Apply the cream with a brush".

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on passive constructions like "be applied with". Active voice often results in clearer and more concise writing. Ask yourself if you can rephrase it to emphasize the actor, not the action's recipient.

Linguistic Context

The phrase is typically used to describe the method or tool used when applying something. Although Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as grammatically incorrect, its prevalence in various contexts suggests its function is understood despite the error.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "be applied with a" is frequently encountered, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect. Despite its common usage across various domains like science, news, and wikis, opting for active voice constructions offers greater clarity and grammatical correctness. Alternatives like "apply using", "use with", or "administer with" can effectively replace it, ensuring your writing remains precise and professional. To maintain strong writing, actively revise passive sentences to highlight the actor of the action rather than the recipient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be used in combination with

Highlights a combined or synergistic effect.

use with

Emphasizes the co-usage of two items or concepts.

apply alongside

Conveys that something is used in conjunction or at the same time.

apply using

Focuses on the method of application rather than passive voice.

apply through

Focuses on the medium through which something is applied.

employ with

Indicates the active use of something in combination with another.

administer with

Suggests a more formal or medical context of application.

utilize in conjunction with

Formal and highlights the combined use of two elements.

implement using

Highlights the process of implementation with a tool or method.

spread with

Indicates physical application, often of a substance.

FAQs

How can I correctly use 'apply with' in a sentence?

To correctly use 'apply with', ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being applied and what tool or method is being used. For example, 'Apply the paint with a brush' or 'Apply pressure with your hand'.

What is a more grammatically sound alternative to "be applied with a"?

Instead of "be applied with a", you can use active voice constructions such as "apply using", "use with", or "administer with", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "apply with" and "use with"?

While both phrases indicate using something in conjunction with something else, "apply with" typically suggests a more direct, hands-on action, while "use with" can be broader, encompassing various forms of association or combination.

When is it appropriate to use a phrase like "be applied with a"?

While frequently found, phrases like "be applied with a" are grammatically suspect and should be rephrased for clearer communication. Consider using active voice instead.