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
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
delete where applicable
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"delete where applicable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to let the reader know that certain parts of a form or document can be deleted if they are not applicable to the situation. For example: "Please fill out the following fields in the form below, delete where applicable."
✓ Grammatically correct
Wiki
News & Media
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
Luckily the combination of on-screen instructor and board make most of the workouts enjoyable/doable/tolerable (delete where applicable).
News & Media
See their take on the weekend's games below, have your say and then get back to booking hotels in Brazil/Cancun (delete where applicable) for next summer.
News & Media
Then, for reasons known only to God/natural forces/aliens (delete where applicable), the ice receded more rapidly than ever recorded - galloping is the technical term - pulling back 70 miles in just under 100 years.
News & Media
Visit the sport homepage of any national newspaper's website, Guardian Unlimited included, and you'll find that the pecking order is roughly the same: the Premier League's 'big four' clubs, football not involving the big four, cricket, rugby, Lewis Hamilton, Andy Murray, golf, horse racing, Ricky Hatton/Joe Calzaghe (delete where applicable), and, finally, 'other sport'.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
Clips can be viewed and deleted where applicable.
Wiki
Fill in the online application first (where applicable).
Wiki
Plus sales tax where applicable.
News & Media
Storm windows, where applicable.
Academia
Source - Journal citation where applicable.
Academia
Part-time fees, where applicable, are pro rata.
News & Media
Prices of the newspapers where applicable are noted.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "delete where applicable", ensure that the context is clear and that the reader understands which parts of the document or form are potentially deletable. For instance, use it with sections enclosed in parentheses or clearly marked as optional.
Common error
Avoid using "delete where applicable" without clearly indicating what 'applicable' means in the given context. Ambiguity can lead to confusion and incorrect completion of forms or documents. Instead, provide specific conditions or examples to guide the user.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "delete where applicable" serves as an instructional directive. It guides the user to remove or omit content from a document or form if that content is not relevant to their specific situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.
Frequent in
News & Media
20%
Wiki
20%
Science
20%
Less common in
Academia
20%
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "delete where applicable" is an instructional directive used to guide users in completing documents or forms accurately by removing irrelevant information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. While it appears across various domains, its register is generally neutral to professional. Alternative phrases include "omit if not relevant" and "remove if inapplicable". When using "delete where applicable", ensure that the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Common errors include overusing the phrase without clearly defining what is 'applicable'. This analysis aims to equip writers and readers with a better understanding of the phrase's usage and its place in effective communication.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
omit if not relevant
This alternative provides a direct instruction to omit content if it's not relevant.
remove if inapplicable
This phrase replaces 'delete' with 'remove' and 'applicable' with 'inapplicable', maintaining a similar level of formality.
cancel as necessary
This option replaces 'delete' with 'cancel' and 'where applicable' with 'as necessary', suggesting an action of canceling when needed.
eliminate where inappropriate
This substitutes the word 'delete' with 'eliminate' and 'applicable' with 'inappropriate' indicating a more formal and corrective action.
cross out if irrelevant
This alternative uses the more informal 'cross out' instead of 'delete' and 'irrelevant' instead of 'not applicable'.
erase if not suitable
This option replaces 'delete' with 'erase' and 'applicable' with 'not suitable', offering a slightly softer tone.
void where not pertinent
This utilizes 'void' to replace 'delete', combined with 'not pertinent' to provide a formal alternative.
scratch if unnecessary
This alternative uses a more casual tone, replacing 'delete' with 'scratch' and 'applicable' with 'unnecessary'.
leave blank if not needed
This suggests leaving a section blank if it doesn't apply, rather than deleting existing text.
not required if it doesn't apply
This emphasizes that completing a certain section or action is not mandatory if it's not relevant to the user's situation.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "delete where applicable" for a more formal tone?
For a more formal tone, you can use phrases such as "omit if not relevant", "remove if inapplicable", or "eliminate where inappropriate".
What's a less formal way to say "delete where applicable"?
Less formal alternatives include "cross out if irrelevant", "scratch if unnecessary", or "leave blank if not needed".
In what contexts is it appropriate to use "delete where applicable"?
The phrase "delete where applicable" is suitable for forms, documents, or instructions where some sections might not apply to every user or situation. It instructs the reader to remove or ignore those parts that aren't relevant to them.
What is the difference between "delete where applicable" and "delete where appropriate"?
The phrases "delete where applicable" and "delete where appropriate" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Applicable" refers to something that applies or is relevant, while "appropriate" refers to something that is suitable or fitting. The choice between them often depends on the specific context and desired nuance, however they have very similar meanings.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested