is only applicable to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is only applicable to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that a certain rule or concept only applies to a certain group of people or thing. For example, "This rule is only applicable to members of the club."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reinstatement Fee ($125): The reinstatement fee ($125) is only applicable to those applicants who are successfully reinstated.

Stanford University

However, this approach is only applicable to current systems.

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing

Mr. Bush's culture of life is only applicable to the potentiality of life.

The New York Times

* This rate is only applicable to members who work for educational instituitions and charities.

The Guardian

● The offer is only applicable to the following films: A Separation, Amour, The Great Beauty or Ida only.

The Guardian

However, till date, it is only applicable to medium scaled problems.

Journal of Computational Physics

Thus this method is only applicable to medium and small size system.

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing

We propose that the mycolata threshold value is only applicable to hydrophobic members of the mycolata.

Water Research

The Revolutionary Reign of Bud Selig" (Wiley), said the provision "is only applicable to internal relationships in baseball".

The New York Times

"After all, this editing business is comparatively new, and it is only applicable to prose … Imagine a music publisher 'editing' a composer's work!

The Guardian - Books

PhD students are particularly vulnerable, but much of the advice offered is only applicable to students who live near their universities.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is only applicable to", ensure the subject and the condition of applicability are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is only applicable to" when the condition has exceptions or broader relevance. Ensure the limitation is genuinely exclusive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is only applicable to" functions as a restrictive qualifier. It narrows down the scope of a statement, rule, or condition, indicating it applies solely to a specific subset. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples demonstrating its limiting function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

35%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is only applicable to" is a versatile phrase used to clearly define the scope and limitations of a statement or rule. According to Ludwig, it serves as a restrictive qualifier, employed across various domains, including science, news, and academia. Its neutral register makes it suitable for formal and informal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject and conditions of applicability are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "is specific to" or "is limited to" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is specific to

Emphasizes the tailored or particular nature of the applicability.

is exclusively for

Focuses on restriction to a particular group or purpose.

is solely for

Emphasizes that something is used by or intended for only one person or group.

applies strictly to

Stresses that the application is limited and without exception.

is restricted to

Indicates limitation in scope or availability.

is limited to

Highlights a finite extent of application.

is uniquely for

Highlights the specialized or distinct nature of the applicability.

pertains exclusively to

Formal way of saying something relates specifically to a certain area.

is contingent on

Indicates that application depends on certain conditions being met.

is conditional on

Specifies that the application is subject to specific requirements.

FAQs

How can I use "is only applicable to" in a sentence?

Use "is only applicable to" to specify that a rule, condition, or feature applies to a limited set of cases. For example, "This discount "is only applicable to" students".

What are some alternatives to "is only applicable to"?

You can use phrases like "is specific to", "is limited to", or "is exclusively for" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is only applicable to" in formal writing?

It's appropriate when you need to precisely define the scope or limitations of a rule, regulation, or condition. Clarity is key in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "is only applicable to" and "applies to"?

"Applies to" has a broader meaning, indicating general relevance, while ""is only applicable to"" specifies a strict and limited scope of relevance.