specifically to apply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specifically to apply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate a precise purpose or intention related to applying something, such as a rule, method, or concept. Example: "The new policy was designed specifically to apply to remote workers, ensuring they receive the same benefits as in-office employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Usually this group will be an existing block watch, but often neighbors get together specifically to apply for a grant.

The New York Times

The willingness of the McCain campaign to engage in these tactics, employing such tainted spokesmen, tells us that the campaign has decided to go negative — specifically, to apply the strategy Karl Rove used so effectively in 2002 and 2004 (but not so effectively in 2006), that of portraying Democrats as unpatriotic.

The New York Times

Les Malezer, a Butchulla and Gubbi Gubbi man and Australian delegate to the UN permanent forum on Indigenous issues, said Indigenous people did need a genuine voice in parliament to be able to direct and inform policy designed specifically to apply to Indigenous peoples, but said enshrining it in the constitution would not necessarily protect it from political interference.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This does not have to specifically apply to women.

Huffington Post

At the time, few investigators had published about how to specifically apply MI to this dual diagnosis population and to test how well it worked.

Yale University

"Connecticut, and specifically New Haven, should be allowed to apply for the funds," he said.

The New York Times

They need to be instructed on how to specifically apply their skills in a certain situation or procedure.

WikiHow

Certain grounds for eviction apply specifically to rent-regulated apartments.

The New York Times

-What official laws apply specifically to women in this country/region?

The New York Times

In addition, the authorities say, there are few criminal laws that apply specifically to food safety.

The New York Times

As to the rules governing online legal advice, there are no laws that apply specifically to Web sites.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specifically to apply", ensure the context clearly defines what is being applied and to what it is being applied. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "specifically to apply" in broad, general statements where a more general verb like "relate" or "concern" would be more appropriate. Using it in such cases can make the writing sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specifically to apply" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing purpose. It clarifies the intended use or target of an action, aligning with Ludwig's identification of it as a connector phrase. It indicates a precise reason or intention for applying something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "specifically to apply" serves as a connector phrase, pinpointing the precise intent or target of an application. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used to ensure clarity in various writing styles. While its frequency is rare, its occurrences span across news, academic, and scientific domains, reflecting its versatility in formal communication. To enhance writing, ensure the context clearly defines the subject being applied and its target. When a less formal tone is needed, alternatives like "particularly for" or "especially to use" can serve as effective substitutes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particularly to implement

Focuses on the act of putting something into effect, rather than just the application.

expressly to utilize

Highlights a clear and unambiguous intention to use something.

explicitly to employ

Indicates a precise and direct manner of using something.

solely for the purpose of applying

Emphasizes that the only reason for something is to apply something else.

especially for implementation

Highlights that the reason for existence is the implementation of the concept.

uniquely for application

Stresses that something is exclusively designed for applying something else.

purposely to administer

Focuses on the deliberate act of managing or giving something.

precisely for employing

Highlights that the reason is to employ the concept.

with the specific intention of applying

Emphasizes the intentionality behind the application.

designed for application

Highlights that something has the trait to be used for applying a concept.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "specifically to apply" to sound less formal?

You could use phrases like "particularly for", "especially to use", or "mainly to implement" to achieve a less formal tone while retaining a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "specifically to apply" and "generally to apply"?

"Specifically to apply" indicates a targeted or precise application, whereas "generally to apply" suggests a broader, less focused application.

Is it correct to say "specifically for applying" instead of "specifically to apply"?

While "specifically for applying" is grammatically correct, "specifically to apply" maintains a sense of purpose or intention behind the application, often making it a more suitable choice depending on the context.

In what contexts is "particularly to implement" a good substitute for "specifically to apply"?

"Particularly to implement" is a fitting substitute when the emphasis is on putting a plan or system into action, rather than simply applying a rule or concept. This alternative highlights the active process of realization.