squarely applied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "squarely applied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is directly and firmly applied or enforced, often in a specific context or situation. Example: "The new regulations were squarely applied to all businesses, ensuring compliance across the board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As an element of its narrowness, Garland's opinion squarely applied the law laid down in the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Citizens United.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Howard-era amendment to the criminal code applied squarely to the charge and wasn't in need of retrospective fiddling.

The Guardian - Opinion

The opinion that Kennedy wrote for the court's majority in Boumediene announced squarely that the Constitution applied to the detainees being held in Guantánamo.

The New York Times - Magazine

In a lengthy and sharply worded dissent, Justice Elena Kagan argued that, contrary to the majority's view, the fair-share provision as applied to personal assistants in Illinois "fall[s] squarely within Abood's holding".

Encyclopedia Britannica

One might assume that Mr. Canfield's background puts him squarely in Brooklyn's antivinyl camp, but beneath that artsy exterior is a guy who actually likes vinyl siding, when well applied.

The New York Times

Germany's chancellor, Angela Merkel, has put the issue squarely for Europe, but it applies to the U.S. as well.

Huffington Post

Be sure to cut the tape neatly and as squarely as possible, and as you apply it place the cut end of the tape up to the outside edge of the last piece of tape to 'box in' the colour and ensure clean, crisp lines.

WikiHow

Right now, the president's priority is on breaking down Chinese resistance to the new United Nations sanctions, which apply across borders and are aimed squarely at entities that support Iran's nuclear program.

The New York Times

Theories of justice, and the policy-makers who might apply such theories to the society, can then squarely and forthrightly confront how much energy, imagination, and money they are prepared to expend for inclusion.

SEP

There is one golden rule applying to stories on the state of the nation: to look squarely at the modern world and say, "Yes, but at what price?" It's all the problem of today.

The Guardian - Opinion

He suggested that the meaning of an expression is whatever that expression applies to, thus removing meaning from the minds of its users and placing it squarely in the world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "squarely applied", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being applied and to what it is being applied. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "squarely applied" when the application is partial or incomplete. The phrase implies a complete and direct application, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "squarely applied" functions as an adverb-verb construction, modifying a verb to emphasize the thorough and direct manner in which something is applied. As noted by Ludwig AI, this suggests a complete and unambiguous implementation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "squarely applied" denotes a direct and comprehensive implementation, fitting into neutral contexts. While its usage frequency is rare, as noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase carries a distinct emphasis on thoroughness. Alternatives like "directly implemented" or "firmly enforced" can provide similar meanings, but "squarely applied" uniquely highlights the completeness of the application. This analysis offers writers guidance on utilizing the phrase effectively, considering both its strengths and potential pitfalls in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

directly implemented

Focuses on the directness of the implementation process.

firmly enforced

Emphasizes the strength and rigor of the enforcement.

strictly enforced

Highlights the adherence to rules without deviation.

rigorously implemented

Implies a thorough and careful implementation process.

precisely administered

Focuses on the accuracy and exactness of the administration.

uncompromisingly applied

Highlights the lack of flexibility in the application.

consistently enforced

Emphasizes the regularity and uniformity of the enforcement.

faithfully executed

Focuses on the loyalty and accuracy in carrying out the application.

accurately implemented

Highlights the correctness and precision of the implementation.

justly administered

Focuses on fairness and impartiality in the administration.

FAQs

How can I use "squarely applied" in a sentence?

You can use "squarely applied" to describe a rule, law, or principle that is directly and firmly put into effect, as in "The new regulations were "squarely applied" to all businesses."

What are some alternatives to "squarely applied"?

Alternatives include "directly implemented", "firmly enforced", or "strictly enforced", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "squarely applied" or "directly applied"?

"Squarely applied" implies a more forceful and comprehensive application compared to "directly applied", which simply suggests a straightforward application.

What does it mean when something is described as "squarely applied"?

It means that a rule, principle, or law is being enforced or implemented completely and without deviation in a specific situation or context.