if this applies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if this applies" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is usually used to introduce a condition or hypothetical situation. For example: "If this applies to you, please contact us for a free consultation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For example, a common goal is "making more money this year". So if this applies to you, ask yourself: why do you want more money?

Forbes

If this applies to CNTs, it might explain sock formation.

Chemical Engineering Science

If this applies to you, can you give some examples?

The New York Times - Health

If this applies to advertising, it must surely apply to news.

The Guardian

If this applies to people, it would imply still another opportunity for the bugs to evolve.

The New Yorker

If this applies, please enclose the appropriate forms with your gift.

Harvard University

Please speak with a CUSP Advisor if this applies to you.

Columbia University

If this applies, you may well have bigger issues to deal with than fixing gaps in integrated thinking.

The Guardian

We need a clinical trial to see if this applies to humans, and to see if there are effects that we don't want".

The Guardian

If this applies to your father, I am struggling with the advisability of him parting with cash that he would seem to need more than you.

The Guardian - Money

One area where cost and responsibility might be sensible to share is the extending of reserves – even if this applies to a rather small proportion of public land.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if this applies", ensure the context clearly defines what "this" refers to. Clarity prevents ambiguity and enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "if this applies" without a clear antecedent. Readers should immediately understand what "this" represents; otherwise, the statement becomes confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if this applies" functions as a conditional clause introducer. It sets a condition that, if met, makes the main clause relevant. As Ludwig AI suggests, it introduces a hypothetical situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if this applies" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce a conditional statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly employed to set a condition that determines the relevance of subsequent information. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for diverse audiences. Ensure clarity in your writing by explicitly defining what "this" refers to, avoiding any ambiguity for the reader. Alternative phrasing includes "if this is applicable" or "should this be the case" for a more formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if this is applicable

Uses the adjective form of the verb, "applicable", maintaining similar meaning.

if this is relevant

Focuses on relevance instead of direct applicability.

if this is pertinent

Replaces "applies" with a more formal synonym, "pertinent".

should this be the case

Introduces a more formal and indirect way of expressing the condition.

if this holds true

Emphasizes the truth or validity of the condition.

provided this is the case

Introduces the condition with "provided", suggesting a provision.

in the event that this applies

Adds a degree of formality by using "in the event that".

assuming this applies

Specifies the condition as an assumption.

if this is the situation

Refers to a specific situation rather than a general application.

if this is in effect

Focuses on whether something is currently active or operational.

FAQs

How can I use "if this applies" in a sentence?

Use "if this applies" to introduce a condition that, if met, makes the subsequent statement relevant. For example, "If this applies to you, please submit your application by Friday".

What's a more formal way to say "if this applies"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "if this is applicable" or "should this be the case". These alternatives add a layer of formality suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Is it correct to say "if this is applied" instead of "if this applies"?

While "applied" is a valid verb form, "if this is applied" has a different meaning. It implies that someone or something is actively applying "this", rather than "this" being inherently relevant.

What does "if this applies" mean?

"If this applies" means that the following information is relevant only if a specific condition or situation is true. It's a way of indicating conditional relevance, like saying "if this is relevant" or "if this holds true".