cannot apply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot apply" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a certain rule, condition, or situation does not pertain to a specific case or individual. Example: "Due to the unique circumstances of this case, the standard regulations cannot apply."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Families cannot apply for admission.

The New York Times

Clearly Noether's theorem cannot apply.

MIT Technology Review

It's not now because they cannot apply.

The Guardian

Composers cannot apply for the Ives Living.

The New York Times - Arts

Our result cannot apply to On,n<∞.

Journal of Functional Analysis

Students cannot apply directly for these fellowships.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

64 Accordingly, Directive 2004/48 cannot apply.

Harvard University

Singles cannot apply for public housing until they turn 35.

The Guardian

You cannot apply that in a more cyclical, dynamic conflict.

The Guardian

Those who have already attended the review twice cannot apply.

The New York Times

As a DED holder, he cannot apply for financial aid.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, explicitly state the reason why a rule or method "cannot apply". This is especially important in technical or legal writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something "cannot apply" in one situation, it is universally inapplicable. Always consider the context and whether modified approaches might be suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot apply" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the lack of possibility or permissibility for something to be used or enforced. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot apply" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that a rule, principle, or method is not valid or suitable in a particular situation. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Found frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, "cannot apply" serves to inform the reader of inapplicability. Alternatives like "does not apply" or "is not applicable" can be used, depending on the desired level of formality. Effective use involves clearly stating the context and reasons for inapplicability. Common errors include assuming universal inapplicability and failing to provide sufficient context. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not applicable

Formal replacement referring to something that is not relevant or suitable.

does not qualify

Focuses on failing to meet specific requirements or conditions.

is ineligible

Highlights a lack of eligibility based on established rules or criteria.

is not permitted

Emphasizes a prohibition or lack of authorization.

is not allowed

Similar to "is not permitted" but may imply a less formal restriction.

is precluded

Suggests that something is prevented or made impossible.

is out of the question

Indicates an impossibility or something that is not worth considering.

is beyond the scope

Refers to something that is outside the range or limits of a particular context.

is excluded

Focuses on the state of being left out or not included.

is restricted

Highlights limitations or constraints on something.

FAQs

How to use "cannot apply" in a sentence?

Use "cannot apply" to express that a rule, principle, or method is not suitable or valid in a particular situation. For example, "The standard regulations "cannot apply" due to the unique circumstances of this case."

What can I say instead of "cannot apply"?

You can use alternatives like "does not apply", "is not applicable", or "is ineligible" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "cannot apply" or "does not apply"?

Both "cannot apply" and "does not apply" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. "Cannot apply" implies a stronger sense of impossibility or prohibition, while "does not apply" is generally more neutral.

What's the difference between "cannot apply" and "is not relevant"?

"Cannot apply" suggests that something is not valid or suitable for a particular situation, whereas "is not relevant" implies that something is unrelated or unimportant in a given context. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing inapplicability or irrelevance.