did not apply

USAGE SUMMARY

"did not apply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to something that was not done. For example: "The company did not apply for a loan due to high interest rates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They willfully did not apply accounting rules properly.

The New York Times

He did not apply.

The Guardian - Business

She did not apply.

The New York Times

But I did not apply".

The New York Times

Old laws did not apply.

The New York Times

Roche itself did not apply.

The New York Times

Well it did not apply to her!

The New Yorker

The phrase "baby fat" did not apply.

The New Yorker

The same did not apply to Liverpool.

The Guardian - Sport

It's because they did not apply.

The Guardian

Petitioners did not apply for a permit.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "did not apply", ensure the context clearly specifies what was not applied and why. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your argument or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "did not apply" without specifying to what or whom it refers. For instance, instead of saying "the rule did not apply", specify "the rule did not apply to cases involving minors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not apply" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating the absence of application or implementation of a rule, principle, or method. Ludwig demonstrates its use across various contexts, reflecting its versatility in expressing non-application.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "did not apply" is a versatile and commonly used verbal phrase that effectively conveys the absence of application or implementation. Grammatically correct and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it finds frequent use across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While it's important to provide context and clarity when using this phrase, it remains a reliable way to express non-application. Ludwig's examples illustrate its varied usage, making it clear that "did not apply" is a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed to implement

Emphasizes a lack of action or execution.

did not utilize

Focuses on the non-use of something available.

neglected to employ

Highlights an oversight or failure to use something beneficial.

did not put into practice

Stresses the absence of practical application.

did not exercise

Implies a missed opportunity to use a skill or right.

did not bring to bear

Suggests a failure to apply influence or resources.

omitted to use

Highlights the act of leaving something unused.

bypassed the use of

Indicates an intentional avoidance of something.

refrained from applying

Implies a conscious decision not to use something.

did not act upon

Focuses on the lack of response or implementation following a stimulus.

FAQs

How can I use "did not apply" in a sentence?

You can use "did not apply" to indicate that a rule, law, principle, or method was not used or relevant in a specific situation. For example, "The new regulations "did not apply" to existing contracts".

What are some alternatives to using "did not apply"?

Alternatives include phrases like "failed to implement", "did not utilize", or "neglected to employ", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "did not apply" or "failed to apply"?

"Failed to apply" might sound slightly more formal, but "did not apply" is perfectly acceptable in most contexts. The choice depends on the overall tone of your writing.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "did not apply"?

It would be inappropriate if the subject should have been applied but wasn't due to negligence or error. In such cases, "failed to apply" might be a more accurate and nuanced choice.