it applies both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it applies both" is not correct in standard written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is relevant or applicable to two or more subjects or situations, but it needs to be completed for clarity, such as "it applies to both." Example: "The new policy applies to both employees and contractors."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It's a smear we always throw in his direction, but it applies both ways – it's one rule for Terry and one rule for the rest.

Independent

It applies both to older workers and young workers who have a job.

Journal for Labour Market Research

Following ter Meulen (1981), a predicate is said to be homogeneous if it applies both cumulatively and distributively.

SEP

This incipient science focuses mainly on the study of injuries from traffic accidents and military situations; thus it applies both intentional and unintentional injuries.

Revista Española de Medicina Legal

The formula obtained is in some sense universal since it applies both to short- and long-range electric as well as magnetic potentials.

Journal of Functional Analysis

The methodology proposed in this article is therefore mixed in that it applies both quantitative and qualitative methods to a single research topic [21].

European Transport Research Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Explain that each group will be researching their topic as it applied both before United States involvement in Bosnia and Herzegovina and after, through current involvement, including measures taken by the United States to improve the lifestyle for those living under the previous regime.

The New York Times

Does it apply both to state legislature as well as to the federal government?

SEP

It applied both to the information provided to refugees and to communication between dental and health services.

BMC Oral Health

In India it came to be applied to a single shop, and in current English usage it is applied both to a single shop or concession selling miscellaneous articles and to a fair at which such miscellany is sold, sometimes for charity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It would apply both to women seeking abortions and doctors and health professional carrying them out.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Complete the phrase to "it applies to both" for grammatical correctness in formal writing. The inclusion of the preposition "to" clarifies the relationship and enhances readability.

Common error

Avoid using "it applies both" without the preposition "to". This omission creates a grammatically incorrect and unclear statement. Always specify what the subject applies to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it applies both" functions as an incomplete statement. As Ludwig AI explains, it requires the preposition "to" for grammatical correctness and clarity. The phrase attempts to express that something is relevant or applicable to two entities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it applies both" appears in various contexts, it's crucial to recognize its grammatical deficiency. As Ludwig AI reports, the correct form is "it applies to both". This correction ensures clarity and adheres to standard English grammar. The phrase is most frequently used in scientific and news media, but its incomplete nature detracts from its effectiveness. When writing, always include the preposition "to" to make your statements grammatically sound and easily understandable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it applies to both

Adds the preposition "to" for grammatical correctness, specifying that the subject applies to multiple entities.

it is applicable to both

Replaces "applies" with the adjective "applicable" and adds the verb "is" for a more formal tone.

it holds true for both

Substitutes "applies" with "holds true", indicating validity or accuracy for multiple subjects.

it is relevant to both

Uses "relevant" instead of "applies", emphasizing the pertinence of the subject to multiple entities.

it concerns both

Replaces "applies" with "concerns", highlighting the involvement or interest of the subject in multiple entities.

it is pertinent to both

Employs "pertinent" to suggest a direct and significant relevance to multiple subjects.

it affects both

Uses "affects" to indicate an influence or impact on multiple subjects.

it is connected to both

Replaces "applies" with "is connected to", suggesting a relationship or link between the subject and multiple entities.

it is related to both

Similar to "connected to", but with a broader sense of association or correspondence.

it impacts both

Uses "impacts" to denote a strong or significant effect on multiple subjects.

FAQs

How to correct the phrase "it applies both"?

The correct and grammatically sound phrasing is "it applies to both". The preposition "to" is essential for clarity and proper syntax.

What does "it applies to both" mean?

It means that something is relevant, pertinent, or has an effect on two distinct entities or situations. The phrase indicates a shared applicability.

Can I use "it applies both" in informal writing?

While you might encounter "it applies both" in informal contexts, it's advisable to use the grammatically correct version, "it applies to both", even in informal settings for better clarity.

What's the difference between "it applies to both" and "it is relevant to both"?

While both phrases indicate applicability to two entities, "it applies to both" suggests a direct action or rule, whereas "it is relevant to both" indicates a matter of importance or connection. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.