this does not apply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this does not apply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a particular statement, rule, or condition is not relevant to the current situation or context. Example: "In this case, the previous guidelines are not relevant; this does not apply to our current project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(This does not apply to alcoholic drinks).

Independent

Clearly this does not apply to homosexuality".

Independent

This does not apply only to soldiering.

The New York Times - Books

This does not apply to all gifts.

The Guardian - Money

But this does not apply in Britain.

The Guardian - Opinion

This does not apply to the FCPA.

Harvard Business Review

This does not apply for fathers.

Princeton University

This does not apply only to Latin America.

The Economist

However, this does not apply to computer work.

Energy and Buildings

This does not apply to the other elevator.

The New Yorker

"This does not apply to Orthodox Jews," he cautioned.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using a more specific phrase if the reason for inapplicability is clear. For example, instead of "this does not apply due to budget constraints", write "this is not feasible due to budget constraints".

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "This". It can make your writing monotonous. Vary your sentence structure by rephrasing or using synonyms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this does not apply" serves as a negation, specifically indicating that a preceding statement, rule, or condition is not valid or relevant in the current context. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is generally correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this does not apply" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that a rule, condition, or statement is not relevant in a specific situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted across various writing styles. While highly functional, variations like "this is not relevant" or "this is not applicable" might be preferable in more formal contexts. When employing this phrase, remember to ensure clarity regarding what "this" refers to and to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons. The most common contexts for its application are News & Media, Science, and Academia.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this isn't relevant

Replaces "does not apply" with a more direct statement of irrelevance.

this is not applicable

A more formal and direct synonym, often used in official or technical contexts.

this doesn't hold true

Indicates that a statement or condition is not valid in a specific situation.

this is not the case

Implies that a previously mentioned condition or situation is not accurate or relevant.

this is beside the point

Suggests that something is irrelevant to the current discussion or argument.

this is not pertinent

Similar to "relevant" but emphasizes the importance of the irrelevance.

this is out of the question

Indicates that something is not a possibility or consideration.

this exception does not count

This means that some exception cannot be considered.

that's beside the question

The phrase emphasizes that a particular element deviates from the central issue or topic.

this does not count

This means that something cannot be considered.

FAQs

What does "this does not apply" mean?

The phrase "this does not apply" means that a particular rule, statement, or condition is not relevant or valid in a specific situation. It indicates an exception or exclusion.

When is it appropriate to use "this does not apply"?

It's appropriate when you need to clarify that a general statement or rule has an exception, or when certain conditions make it irrelevant. For instance, "The discount is for new customers only; "this is not applicable" to returning customers".

Are there more formal alternatives to "this does not apply"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "this is not applicable", "this is not relevant", or "this is not pertinent". The choice depends on the formality of the context.

How can I avoid overuse of "this does not apply" in my writing?

To avoid overuse, try rephrasing to be more specific. Instead of "This rule does not apply", you might say "This rule is waived due to exceptional circumstances" or "this is not the case".