shall apply to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shall apply to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that a rule, regulation, or condition is relevant to a specific subject or situation. Example: "The new regulations shall apply to all businesses operating within the city limits."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These terms and conditions shall apply to gift subscriptions in the same manner as direct subscriptions.

The Guardian

The memo emphasized that the laws of the United States "shall apply to Secret Service personnel while abroad".

The New York Times

Subsection (a) shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31 , 1987

Cornell University

(a) The requirements of this section shall apply to unidirectional digital cable products.

Cornell University

Except as provided under subsection (b), the definitions under section 3502 shall apply to this subchapter.

Cornell University

The designation shall apply to both wireline and wireless telephone service.

Cornell University

This section shall apply to fiscal year 2003 and each fiscal year thereafter.

Cornell University

It shall apply to unexpired patents granted prior to such date except as otherwise provided.

Cornell University

The amendments made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31 , 1986

Cornell University

The standards, procedures, and limitations applicable to an injunction shall apply to relief under this section.

Cornell University

Chapter 71 of title 5 shall apply to the Bureau and the employees of the Bureau.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal and formal writing, use "shall apply to" to clearly and unambiguously state the scope and applicability of rules, regulations, or conditions. This ensures that readers understand exactly what situations or entities are governed by the stated provision.

Common error

Avoid using "shall apply to" in casual or informal writing. This phrase is best suited for legal documents, contracts, and other formal contexts. In everyday writing, opt for simpler alternatives like "applies to" or "is for" to maintain a natural and accessible tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shall apply to" functions as a directive expression, primarily used in legal and formal contexts to indicate the scope and applicability of a rule, regulation, or condition. This is supported by the numerous examples found by Ludwig in academic and legal documents.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

Formal & Business

25%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shall apply to" is a directive expression predominantly used in legal, formal, and scientific contexts to clearly define the scope and jurisdiction of a rule or regulation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for these specific contexts. While its usage is frequent, especially in academic and business environments, it is less common in informal settings. For everyday writing, simpler alternatives like "applies to" or "is relevant to" may be more appropriate. Remembering these guidelines will ensure accurate and effective communication in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will be applicable to

This alternative uses "will be" instead of "shall", making it slightly less formal, and replaces "apply" with "applicable", which is an adjective.

will pertain to

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the direct connection or relevance to a specific matter.

will be relevant to

This highlights the pertinence or significance of something in a particular situation, focusing on its importance.

will extend to

This suggests the scope or reach of something, implying a broader range of influence or impact.

will govern

This option replaces the entire phrase with a single verb, "govern", indicating a rule or principle will control a situation.

is valid for

This is used when something is effective or usable within specific limits, focusing on the authorized use.

will hold true for

This conveys that a principle or statement remains valid or applicable in a given case, suggesting reliability.

will be in effect for

This focuses on the period during which something is active or valid, shifting the emphasis from application to duration.

is designated for

This indicates that something has been officially assigned or intended for a specific purpose or group.

will be binding on

This emphasizes the legal obligation or enforceability of something, implying a sense of duty or commitment.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "shall apply to"?

The phrase "shall apply to" is best used in formal and legal contexts to clearly define the scope and applicability of rules, regulations, or conditions. It ensures precision and avoids ambiguity.

What are some alternatives to "shall apply to" in less formal writing?

In less formal contexts, you can use phrases like "applies to", "is for", or "is relevant to" to convey a similar meaning with a more accessible tone.

How does "shall apply to" differ from "will apply to"?

"Shall apply to" is typically used in legal or formal settings to express a mandatory or obligatory application. "Will apply to" is less formal and indicates a future or expected application. While similar, "shall" carries a stronger sense of obligation.

Is it grammatically correct to use "shall apply to"?

Yes, "shall apply to" is grammatically correct, but its use is primarily reserved for formal and legal writing. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is accurate and common in appropriate contexts.