it applied to all

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it applied to all" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a rule, principle, or condition that is relevant to everyone in a particular context. Example: "The new policy was clear: it applied to all employees, regardless of their position within the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

A spokesman for the University of Missouri, Christian Basi, said it believed its patent covered human cloning because it applied to all mammals.

The New York Times

It did not invoke public health arguments, instead relying on the argument that its policy was non-discriminatory, since it applied to all alcohol products, both domestic and imported.

Globalization and Health

But Wooten doesn't want it applied to all coaching vacancies.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a monumental advance, more societal perhaps than medical, because it applied to all organ transplants".

The New York Times

Nor would she have had a problem, she says, if Congress had increased that existing deduction by $500 so that it applied to all dependents.

The New York Times - Magazine

During his visit to Paris, Mr. Hu, the Huawei executive, told a French reporter that such a proposal would only be fair if it applied to all companies, not just Huawei.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The approach Tandem used with Tile will be the same one it applies to all its hardware startups going forward.

TechCrunch

"It applies to all interactions between a covered facility and its clients, regardless of whether a medical procedure is ever sought, offered, or performed".

Huffington Post

It applies to all British produce.

The Guardian

It applies to all ages and to both sexes.

The New York Times

It applies to all tenants, regulated and unregulated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it applied to all", ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity about the subject of application.

Common error

Avoid using "it applied to all" if the referent of "it" is vague or ambiguous. Make sure the subject is clearly defined in the preceding sentence or context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it applied to all" functions as a statement of universal application. It indicates that a specific condition, rule, or characteristic was relevant or enforced without exception. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it applied to all" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies universal application without exception. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Analysis of various sources indicates its frequent use in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the referent of "it" to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrasing includes "it was applicable to everyone" and "it held true across the board". The phrase serves to underscore inclusivity and scope, and its neutral tone makes it appropriate for various professional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was applicable to everything

Replaces "all" with "everything", emphasizing a broader scope of application.

it pertained to every item

Uses "pertained" instead of "applied" and "every item" instead of "all", changing the vocabulary while maintaining the core meaning.

it was relevant in each case

Substitutes "applied" with "relevant" and restructures the phrase to focus on individual cases.

it held true across the board

Employs the idiom "across the board" to convey the sense of universal application.

it encompassed the entirety

Uses "encompassed" instead of "applied" and "entirety" instead of "all", offering a more formal tone.

it covered each and every one

Emphasizes inclusivity by using "each and every one" instead of "all".

it had universal bearing

Replaces "applied" with "had universal bearing", providing a more formal and emphatic tone.

it was implemented across the board

Uses "implemented" to suggest a deliberate application to everything.

it affected everyone

Shifts the focus to the effect on people rather than a general application.

it had no exceptions

Focuses on the absence of exceptions, implying complete and universal application.

FAQs

What does "it applied to all" mean?

The phrase "it applied to all" means that a particular rule, law, principle, or condition was relevant and enforced for every member of a group or every item in a set without exceptions.

How can I use "it applied to all" in a sentence?

Use "it applied to all" when you want to emphasize that something was universally relevant or enforced. For example, "The new company policy was clear: "it applied to all" employees, regardless of their position."

Are there alternatives to "it applied to all"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "it was applicable to everyone", "it pertained to every item", or "it held true across the board" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it applied to all" formal or informal?

"It applied to all" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality of the surrounding language and the specific situation will influence the overall tone.