it applied to everyone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it applied to everyone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing rules, policies, or situations that are relevant to all individuals in a particular context. Example: "The new policy was clear: it applied to everyone, regardless of their position in the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He felt it was only Christmas when it applied to everyone".

Independent

This Act was supposed to coordinate and standardise apothecary practice; but the problem with it was that it applied to everyone, which meant that elite, Oxbridge educated members of the Royal Colleges were, in theory, supposed to train with an apothecary for five years before they were legally allowed to give drugs to their patients.

The Guardian

But what I didn't realize about that statement was that it applied to everyone, everywhere, always.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"It applies to everyone — us, too," he says.

The New Yorker

"It doesn't apply to Caesars; it applies to everyone," Mr. Reid said.

The New York Times

It applies to everyone at the bank, including support functions, contractors, secretaries etc.

The Guardian - Opinion

Still, the phrase is apposite, and it applies to everyone: himself first, then his subjects and then, perhaps, his audience.

The New York Times

Duhon, who was acquired by the Lakers last summer, said D'Antoni "gives you that ultimate freedom," and it applies to everyone.

The New York Times - Sports

Is any regulation being proposed, and if there is, what form would it take, and will it apply to everyone?

The Guardian

And besides, proving one's worth or facing the consequences is not a circumstance that applies only to nepotees; it applies to everyone.

The New York Times - Books

Romney's problem, actually, is that he's doing the opposite of race-baiting — it's not a code word when it applies to everyone.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it applied to everyone", ensure the 'it' is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what rule, policy, or situation you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "it applied to everyone" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. This can confuse readers and weaken your message. Always ensure the subject of 'applied to' is explicitly stated or easily inferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it applied to everyone" functions as a statement of universal applicability. It indicates that a rule, principle, or condition was relevant and enforced without exception. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it applied to everyone" serves to emphasize the universal and impartial application of a rule, law, or principle. Ludwig AI affirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase, though it is relatively rare in occurrence. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, "it applied to everyone" aims to convey clarity and ensure no one is exempt. When using the expression, be certain that the antecedent of "it" is clear and understood. Consider alternatives like "it was universally applicable" or "it pertained to everyone" for varied emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was universally applicable

Emphasizes the broad and unrestricted nature of the application.

it was relevant to all

Highlights the pertinence and significance for each individual.

it pertained to everyone

Focuses on the direct relationship and connection to each person.

it affected all individuals

Stresses the impact or consequence on each member of the group.

it had no exceptions

Underscores the absence of any exclusions or exemptions.

it was across the board

Indicates that something affects or includes everyone or everything in a particular group or situation.

it covered all bases

Means that all possibilities or aspects have been taken into consideration and addressed.

it left no one out

Implies that no individual was excluded or overlooked.

it was binding on all

Stresses the obligatory and mandatory nature for each person.

it held for everyone

Focuses on the validity and truthfulness for each individual.

FAQs

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

You can use "it applied to everyone" when referring to a rule, law, or principle that is meant to affect or include all individuals without exception. For example: "The new company policy was clear; "it applied to everyone", regardless of seniority."

What's a more formal way to say "it applied to everyone"?

A more formal alternative would be "it was universally applicable" or "it pertained to all individuals". These phrases convey a similar meaning but in a more professional or academic tone.

Is there a subtle difference in meaning between "it applies to everyone" and "it applied to everyone"?

"It applies to everyone" indicates a present or ongoing condition, while "it applied to everyone" refers to a past situation. For example, "The new tax law applies to everyone" versus "The old rule applied to everyone who was employed at the time."

What can I say instead of "it applied to everyone" to emphasize that there were no exceptions?

To emphasize the absence of exceptions, you could say "it had no exceptions" or "it was applicable across the board". These alternatives highlight that the rule or principle was consistently enforced without any special cases.