certain things apply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "certain things apply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that specific conditions or rules are relevant in a given context. Example: "In this situation, certain things apply that we need to consider before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But in a nutshell, if you're looking for an annual impact figure, you can only really look at certain things, apply a widely-respected multiplier effect and then everything else is illustrative.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Citing the psychologist Jeremy Dean, he says that the usual statistic of 21 days to form a new habit only applies to certain things.

Independent

There are certain things you can do before applying fake take to ensure that it fades evenly, without leaving patchiness or streaks.

WikiHow

There are certain things that God highlights for him that he applies to his training.

The New York Times - Sports

For certain, things will change.

Independent

We disagree on certain things.

Independent

Certain things hadn't changed.

The New York Times - Arts

"Certain things are appropriate, and certain things aren't".

The New York Times

"Certain things just happen".

The New York Times - Style

But certain things he did know.

The New Yorker

"We cannot afford certain things," he continued.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "certain things apply", ensure that the specific conditions or rules being referred to are either clearly stated or easily understood from the context. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in communication.

Common error

Avoid using "certain things apply" without providing any context or clarification on what those 'certain things' are. This can leave the reader confused and unsure of what conditions they need to be aware of.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "certain things apply" functions as a statement indicating that specific conditions, rules, or regulations are relevant in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, often seen when explaining conditions or limitations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

28%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "certain things apply" is used to signal that specific conditions, rules, or regulations are relevant in a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts, ranging from news articles to encyclopedias. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "specific conditions are relevant" or "particular rules are applicable" can enhance clarity. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, the phrase serves to alert the reader to the presence of specific guidelines or restrictions. By ensuring clear context and considering alternative phrasing, you can effectively communicate the presence of specific requirements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specific conditions are relevant

Focuses on the conditions rather than the action of applying.

particular rules are applicable

Emphasizes the rules and their applicability in a given situation.

some stipulations are in effect

Highlights the stipulations or requirements that are currently active.

certain provisions are relevant

Focuses on specific provisions or clauses that are pertinent.

specific requirements are in place

Emphasizes that specific requirements are established and must be followed.

some conditions must be met

Highlights the necessity of fulfilling certain conditions.

certain criteria are relevant

Stresses the importance of specific criteria in the context.

some aspects are conditional

Highlights the conditional nature of certain aspects.

certain factors are pertinent

Emphasizes that specific factors are relevant and should be considered.

some considerations are necessary

Focuses on the necessary considerations within a given context.

FAQs

What does "certain things apply" mean?

The phrase "certain things apply" indicates that specific conditions, rules, or regulations are relevant and must be considered in a particular situation. It suggests that not everything is straightforward and that there are specific requirements that need to be met or followed.

How can I use "certain things apply" in a sentence?

You can use "certain things apply" to indicate that specific rules or conditions are relevant. For example, "When applying for this grant, "specific eligibility criteria apply"" or "In this situation, "certain restrictions apply" to the use of funds".

What are some alternatives to "certain things apply"?

Some alternatives to "certain things apply" include "specific conditions are relevant", "particular rules are applicable", or "some stipulations are in effect". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "certain things apply"?

It's appropriate to use "certain things apply" when you want to indicate that specific conditions or rules are in effect without necessarily detailing all of them immediately. This is useful when the details are lengthy or can be found elsewhere, but it's important to provide context so the reader knows what to look for.