if we applied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if we applied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing hypothetical situations or conditions regarding the application of a concept, method, or rule. Example: "If we applied the new policy, we could see significant improvements in efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet much more is possible if we applied technology to the very core of business.

The Guardian

Although top of the class at most things, if we applied ourselves a bit better, we could be A*.

The Guardian - Sport

But imagine what the world would be like if we applied such an unethical approach to our everyday lives and relationships with the people around us now.

The Guardian - Opinion

Maybe today's high school students would improve their test scores if we applied that same approach and allowed students to report when they cheated on a test.

The New York Times

If we applied a similar approach to managing risk in our everyday lives it's doubtful any of us would leave the house for fear of what might happen.

The Guardian

Our preference for the former kind of language may look as strange to our descendants, and to Butterscotch's, as it would if we applied it to a child.

The New Yorker

We would change the nature of the exemption which Congress saw fit to grant if we applied the maxim de minimis to this type of case.

Cornell University

Now what would happen if we applied that same attitude and willingness to flex rules to, say, getting the city's average classroom size down to 22 students or doing something delightful with Governors Island?

The New York Times - Magazine

As for LDL cholesterol, the dangerous form, Dr. Libby said, "If we applied lifestyles and the drugs we have consistently and according to guidelines, LDL is a done deal".

The New York Times - Health

I think we could have a much safer food system and food supply, if we applied the rules of adulteration across the board, regardless of the product, and we had an inspection core that would actually be available.

The Washington Post

If we applied true labels to them — reactionaries and radicals — we would clarify the debate and compel them to deal with the world as it exists, not as they imagine it.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if we applied", ensure the context clearly states what you are applying something to and the expected outcome. It is useful for hypothetical scenarios and thought experiments.

Common error

Avoid using "if we applied" without specifying what exactly is being applied. Be precise about the object, method, or concept in question to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if we applied" functions as a conditional clause starter, introducing a hypothetical situation or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It sets up a scenario where a particular action (application) is considered.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "if we applied" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conditional phrase. As Ludwig AI demonstrates, it is highly versatile, appearing in diverse contexts from news and media to scientific and academic discourse. Its primary function is to introduce hypothetical scenarios, allowing for exploration of potential outcomes and theoretical discussions. While its usage is generally neutral, clarity is crucial; writers should ensure that the object being applied is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "if we implemented" or "assuming we applied" can be used to fine-tune the specific nuance. Therefore, "if we applied" is a valuable tool for expressing conditional application in a wide range of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if we implemented

Focuses on the act of putting something into effect.

if we utilized

Emphasizes the use of resources or methods.

if we employed

Similar to 'utilized' but can also refer to hiring someone.

if we adopted

Highlights the acceptance and start of using a new practice or policy.

if we exercised

Suggests the use of power, rights, or qualities.

if we put into practice

More verbose, emphasizing the practical application.

if we made use of

Highlights the action of using something to your advantage

if we brought to bear

Suggests the use of a force or influence.

supposing we applied

Adds a level of uncertainty or supposition.

assuming we applied

Similar to 'supposing' but implies a base assumption.

FAQs

How can I use "if we applied" in a sentence?

Use "if we applied" to introduce a hypothetical scenario where a rule, method, or concept is implemented. For example, "If we applied the same standards to everyone, the results would be different."

What are some alternatives to "if we applied"?

Alternatives include "if we implemented", "if we utilized", or "assuming we applied", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "if we applied"?

It's appropriate when you are discussing a hypothetical situation or considering the consequences of implementing a specific approach or rule. It is often used to explore potential outcomes or suggest changes.

What's the difference between "if we applied" and "if we were to apply"?

"If we applied" suggests a more general hypothetical, while "if we were to apply" emphasizes a specific, possibly less likely, scenario. The latter can add a layer of contingency or doubt.