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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
tick if applicable
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "tick if applicable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when asking the reader to select an option from a list or menu. For example, "Please read through each of the following options and tick if applicable."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
Check if relevant
modify as needed
select as appropriate
select as necessary
round as appropriate
mark as appropriate
sector as appropriate
complete as required
circle as applicable
environment as appropriate
circle as appropriate
circle as correct
choose as appropriate
medicine as appropriate
check if necessary
community as appropriate
range as appropriate
cycles as appropriate
mark if applicable
circle most appropriate
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
Pass a background check, if applicable.
Wiki
If the person has answered all items, with no ticks in the not applicable section, the scoring is: If a person ticks the not applicable box for any of the items then their total score for that subscale was divided by the number of items they actually answered, rather than the number listed in Step 2 above.
If the question was not applicable to them, or if the respondent did not know the answer, they were instructed to tick the box 'not applicable' or 'I don't know'.
Science
If a species was not evaluated, please tick the box 'not applicable.' To ensure reliability or good quality of results, a sample of slides may be cross-checked by a second person, by an expert, or by a reference laboratory.
For example, participants could read follow-up questions, but could only answer them when applicable, for example, if they ticked yes, then the applicable follow-up questions were activated and could be answered.
Science
(if applicable) None.
News & Media
■ SIM card ejector (if applicable).
News & Media
■ A plug adapter (if applicable).
News & Media
☐ internet address, if applicable.
Academia
G. Appendix if applicable.
Academia
The union could enforce standard antidumping duties, if applicable.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "tick if applicable", ensure the context clearly defines what 'applicable' means. For example, specify the criteria that determine applicability to avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "tick if applicable" as a catch-all without clarifying conditions. Instead of saying, "Tick if applicable," be specific: "Tick if you have children under 18" to provide clear guidance.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "tick if applicable" functions as an instructional directive. It guides the user to take action (ticking a box) contingent on a condition (applicability). Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, reinforcing its function as a standard, accepted instruction.
Frequent in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "tick if applicable" is a grammatically correct phrase used to instruct users to mark an option only when it is relevant to them. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, examples are currently missing, indicating potential for broader exploration of its contexts. It serves a clear communicative purpose in providing conditional guidance across various settings, with a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. Understanding its function and application ensures clarity and precision in written communication.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Check if relevant
Replaces "tick" with "check" and "applicable" with "relevant", keeping the meaning of conditional assessment.
Mark if appropriate
Substitutes "tick" with "mark" and "applicable" with "appropriate", altering the action and condition synonymously.
Select if suitable
Replaces "tick" with "select" and "applicable" with "suitable", indicating a choice based on fitness.
Complete only if necessary
Changes the structure to emphasize necessity rather than applicability, shifting the focus slightly.
Fill out when required
Rephrases the instruction to specify filling out as the action, conditioned on being required.
Answer if it applies
Transforms the sentence to focus on whether the question applies, directing the action accordingly.
Only if it pertains to you
Personalizes the condition, specifying that the action is only for those to whom it relates.
If this is relevant, please indicate
Adds a polite request to indicate relevance, making the instruction more courteous.
Apply only when appropriate
Switches the verb to "apply", suggesting a broader context of use based on appropriateness.
Use if pertinent
Simplifies the phrase by using "use" and "pertinent", providing a more concise directive.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "tick if applicable" to sound more formal?
In formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "Mark if appropriate", "Select only if relevant", or "Complete this section if it applies to you".
What does "tick if applicable" mean?
It means to mark or check a box only when the statement or option is relevant or applies to your specific situation. This is commonly used in forms or questionnaires.
Is there a difference between "tick if applicable" and "select if applicable"?
While both phrases instruct you to choose an option based on its relevance, "tick if applicable" specifically implies marking a checkbox, whereas "select if applicable" suggests choosing from multiple options, such as in a dropdown menu.
When is it appropriate to use "tick if applicable"?
Use "tick if applicable" when providing a list of options or statements where only some may apply to the user. This ensures that users only mark what is relevant to their situation.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested