can be applied to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be applied to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the applicability of something to a situation or context. For example, "The techniques used in the study can be applied to other research projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

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

The same concept can be applied to dog runs.

The New York Times

The same technique can be applied to decoding images.

The New Yorker

"After that, it can be applied to anything".

The New York Times

The same argument can be applied to online education.

The New Yorker

The same principle can be applied to the players.

The Guardian - Sport

This can be applied to polymer solutions.

Polymer

These results can be applied to polygons.

Journal of Functional Analysis

These techniques can be applied to each.

Sketching User Experiences Getting the design right and the right design

Again, those principles can be applied to chip design.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be applied to", ensure that the subject to which something is being applied is clearly stated 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 "can be applied to" in overly broad or vague contexts without providing specific examples or explanations. Instead of saying 'This concept can be applied to many things', be specific: 'This concept can be applied to marketing strategies, product development, and customer service initiatives'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be applied to" functions as a modal verb phrase that indicates possibility or suitability. It suggests that a particular method, principle, or concept is capable of being used or implemented in a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

9%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be applied to" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate the applicability of a concept or technique. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is widely employed across various contexts, including science, news media, and academia. Its neutral to professional register makes it suitable for diverse written communications. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and specificity to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "is applicable to" or "is relevant to" can provide subtle nuances in meaning. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use this phrase to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is applicable to

Focuses on the inherent suitability of something for a specific purpose.

is relevant to

Highlights the pertinence or connection of something to a particular subject.

is suitable for

Emphasizes the appropriateness of something for a given situation.

can be used for

Highlights utility of a particular thing.

can be adapted for

Suggests that something needs modification to fit a new context.

is adaptable to

Focuses on the flexibility and modifiability of something.

is transferable to

Highlights the ability to move or copy something from one context to another.

is extendable to

Indicates that something can be broadened or expanded to include something else.

can translate to

Suggests something can be converted or transformed into a new form.

is germane to

Highlights that something is strictly connected to a subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "can be applied to" to show that a principle, method, or technique is relevant and useful in a specific situation. For example, "The same principle "can be applied to" project management".

What are some alternatives to "can be applied to"?

Alternatives include "is applicable to", "is relevant to", or "is suitable for". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each alternative highlights slightly different aspects of applicability.

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

"Can be applied to" is a passive construction, indicating that something is being acted upon. "Can apply to" is active, suggesting that something is doing the applying. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

How does the formality of "can be applied to" compare to its alternatives?

"Can be applied to" is generally considered neutral in formality. Alternatives like "is applicable to" may be slightly more formal, while phrases like "can use for" are more informal.