Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

competent to apply

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "competent to apply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's qualifications or ability to use a particular skill or knowledge in a practical context. Example: "She is competent to apply the theories learned in class to real-world situations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The state court in which the personal-injury suit was lodged is competent to apply federal law, to the extent it is relevant, and would seem best positioned to determine the lawyer's part in obtaining, and his or her fair share in, the tort recovery.

552, 86 L.Ed. 796, provides an ascertainable standard for adjudicating the validity of some foreign acts, and courts are competent to apply this body of law, notwithstanding that there may be some cases where comity dictates giving effect to the foreign act because it is not clearly condemned under generally accepted principles of international law.

American Dental Education Association reported that; dental graduates must be competent to apply ethical and legal standards in the provision of dental care [ 3].

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Training programs must ensure residents are competent to practice independently.

Recently, under the guidance and direction of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), the two laboratories have formed a collaboration, the common goal of which is to apply simple, competent, and hybrid GA techniques to challenging antenna problems.

Cournot was the first economist who, with competent knowledge of both subjects, endeavoured to apply mathematics to the treatment of economics.

Although bare skin allows the therapist to apply oils, a competent therapist should be able to give a good massage through clothes.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

FAO continued to apply its procedures for the selection of competent and independent experts to participate in two Expert Consultations, including those organized jointly with WHO.

Formal & Business

FAO

Since the behavior of weak rock mass has not been fully understood, it is a common practice to apply existing empirical approaches, which are developed for competent rock masses influenced by joints, to determine their mechanical properties.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first prospective study with sibling oocytes to apply both time-lapse monitoring and array CGH testing to select competent blastocysts for transfer in patients undergoing preimplantation genetic screening.

The new Regulation is to apply from 21 January 2021 to allow member states time to appoint competent authorities and importers to become familiar with their obligations.

Formal & Business

European Parliament
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "competent to apply", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific skill, knowledge, or method being applied. This adds clarity and strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "competent to apply" without specifying what is being applied. This can make the statement vague and less meaningful. Always provide context to clarify the application.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

4.3/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "competent to apply" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive, describing the capacity or ability to effectively use or implement a particular skill, knowledge, or method. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

30%

Science

30%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "competent to apply" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone's capability to effectively utilize skills or knowledge. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears across diverse contexts such as academia, science, and news. To maximize clarity, always specify what is being applied. Alternatives like "qualified to utilize" or "capable of implementing" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

FAQs

What does "competent to apply" mean?

The phrase "competent to apply" signifies having the necessary skills, knowledge, and ability to effectively use or implement something, such as a method, theory, or technique.

How can I use "competent to apply" in a sentence?

You can use "competent to apply" to describe someone's ability to use their skills effectively. For example, "The state court is "competent to apply" federal law."

What are some alternatives to "competent to apply"?

Alternatives include "qualified to utilize", "capable of implementing", or "proficient in using", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "competent to apply" or "competent at applying"?

Both "competent to apply" and "competent at applying" are grammatically correct, but "competent to apply" is followed by the base form of the verb, whereas "competent at applying" is followed by a gerund. The choice depends on the desired flow and emphasis.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

4.3/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: