it does not apply to

USAGE SUMMARY

"it does not apply to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a particular statement or action is not relevant or applicable to a particular person or situation. For example, "The school uniform policy does not apply to the faculty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Cambridge Council passed its ordinance in 1999, but it does not apply to Harvard.

The New York Times

It does not apply to banking, telecommunications, transport or health, and its scope may be restricted further.

The Economist

It does not apply to land.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Actually, it does not apply to them.

The New York Times - Sports

It does not apply to illegal immigrants.

The New York Times

It does not apply to the whole country.

The Economist

It does not apply to parent or private education loans.

The New York Times

It does not apply to tickets booked at www.nwa.com.

The New York Times

It does not apply to the states or municipalities.

The New York Times

It does not apply to private or state property.

The New York Times

"It does not apply to the relationship between landlords and subtenants," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it does not apply to", ensure the subject to which it does not apply is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It does not apply to the new rules", clarify with "This exception to overtime pay does not apply to salaried employees".

Common error

Avoid assuming the audience understands the implied subject. Explicitly state what "it" refers to, as relying on context alone can lead to confusion. For instance, clarify "the discount" or "this regulation" instead of just saying "it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it does not apply to" functions as a declarative statement used to specify exclusions or limitations. It indicates that a particular rule, regulation, or condition is not relevant or enforceable in a specific context or for a particular subject. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples showing its use in various scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it does not apply to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is not relevant or applicable in a specific context. As shown by the examples on Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various domains, especially in News & Media and Science. The phrase serves to clarify scope and prevent misunderstandings, making it a valuable tool in both formal and informal communication. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not applicable to

Formal alternative using "applicable" instead of "apply".

it does not concern

Focuses on the lack of relevance or impact on a subject.

it is irrelevant to

Emphasizes the lack of importance or connection.

it is not pertinent to

A more formal way of saying something is not relevant.

it is outside the scope of

Indicates that something falls outside the defined boundaries.

it is not related to

Highlights the absence of a connection or link.

it is not within the purview of

Suggests something is outside one's authority or responsibility.

it has no bearing on

Indicates the lack of influence or effect.

it is not designed for

Focuses on the intended purpose or target.

it is distinct from

Emphasizes the separation or difference between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "it does not apply to" in a sentence?

You can use "it does not apply to" to specify when a rule, law, or statement is not relevant or effective. For example, "The new dress code policy does not apply to weekend staff".

What is a formal alternative to "it does not apply to"?

A formal alternative is "it is not applicable to", which is suitable for professional or academic writing.

How is "it does not apply to" different from "it is not relevant to"?

While similar, "it does not apply to" suggests a rule or condition doesn't affect something. "It is irrelevant to" implies something lacks importance or connection in a given context.

Can "it does not apply to" be used in all contexts?

Yes, "it does not apply to" is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from formal documents to informal conversations, as long as the meaning is clear. However, consider using alternatives such as "it is not designed for" to be more specific.