tick where applicable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tick where applicable" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in forms or surveys to indicate that the respondent should mark a box next to the options that apply to them. Example: "Please tick where applicable to indicate your preferences for the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fill in the online application first (where applicable).

WikiHow

Plus sales tax where applicable.

The New Yorker

Part-time fees, where applicable, are pro rata.

The Guardian

Prices of the newspapers where applicable are noted.

The New York Times

Where applicable, I dug up clumps with a scoop.

The New York Times

"Our Maps product reflects border disputes, where applicable.

The Guardian - Tech

"You look to consolidate, where applicable, to get you the clout you need," he added.

The New York Times

Prices quoted do not include service charges and taxes, where applicable.

The New York Times - Magazine

The trip includes flights, car hire, all meals, accommodation and tours where applicable.

The Guardian - Travel

They should "live and breathe" the same public services as their – where applicable – constituents.

The Guardian - Opinion

Where applicable, direct acquisition through fieldwork is much preferred.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tick where applicable" on a form, ensure that the items are clearly worded and easily understood to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "tick where applicable" without providing sufficient context or clear instructions. If the criteria for applicability are ambiguous, users may incorrectly mark items, leading to inaccurate data or confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tick where applicable" functions as an instruction, typically found on forms or surveys. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a grammatically sound instruction. It directs the user to mark or check an option only if it is relevant to their situation or circumstances.

Expression frequency: Missing

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

The phrase "tick where applicable" is a standard instruction on forms and surveys, directing users to mark only the options that apply to them. While grammatically correct, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, its frequency is currently missing due to lack of direct example sentences in Ludwig's database. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ambiguous items can lead to user error. Alternatives like "check if relevant" or "mark as appropriate" can offer a more professional tone. Therefore it's better to give alternatives or reword the whole sentence in order to be more accurate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Check if relevant

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary while maintaining the same directive to only mark if appropriate.

Mark if appropriate

This option is more formal and emphasizes the user's judgment in determining applicability.

Select as appropriate

Replaces "tick" with "select" which is suitable for digital forms.

Complete where relevant

Focuses on completing sections or items only when they pertain to the specific situation.

Apply if necessary

Emphasizes the necessity of application under certain conditions.

Answer if it applies

Directs the user to respond only if the question or section is relevant to them.

Fill out when applicable

This variation uses "fill out" instead of "tick" and changes the sentence structure slightly.

Only answer if relevant

This is a direct instruction that emphasizes only answering when relevance is confirmed.

If it applies, check here

This phrase shifts the conditional clause to the beginning of the sentence for emphasis.

Where appropriate, indicate

This version is slightly more formal and uses "indicate" as a broader term.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "tick where applicable" to sound more professional?

You can use more formal alternatives such as "mark as appropriate", "select if relevant", or "complete where applicable" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "tick where applicable"?

The phrase itself is grammatically sound. However, it might be inappropriate if the context requires a more detailed response than a simple checkmark. Also if you are not using a form where ticking is possible.

What's the difference between "tick where applicable" and "answer if relevant"?

"Tick where applicable" is generally used for forms where a checkbox or similar marking system is available. "Answer if relevant" is broader and can apply to any question that might not be pertinent to all respondents.

Are there alternatives to "tick" that can be used in "tick where applicable"?

Yes, you can replace "tick" with "check", "mark", or "select" without changing the meaning. For example, "check where applicable", "mark where applicable", or "select where applicable".